Welcome to the delightful world of the “Sock It To Me Cake,” a true Southern classic that promises a burst of cinnamon flavor and an irresistible moist texture. This easy-to-make Bundt cake starts with a convenient boxed cake mix, enhanced with a luscious pecan-cinnamon filling and crowned with a sweet, simple glaze. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual family desserts to festive gatherings.
Discovering the Sock It To Me Cake: A Sweet Southern Tradition
The Sock It To Me Cake holds a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers, particularly across the Southern United States. Its unique name hints at a playful history, while its taste delivers a sophisticated blend of warm spices and nutty richness. Imagine a truly exceptional coffee cake, but elevated—that’s the essence of this beloved Bundt cake. The combination of fragrant cinnamon and crunchy pecans nestled within a tender, golden crumb creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is both comforting and exciting.
What makes this cake so popular is not just its incredible taste, but also its simplicity. By leveraging a few common pantry staples and a boxed cake mix, even novice bakers can whip up a stunning and delicious dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. It’s the perfect balance of convenience and homemade charm, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend baking.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Iconic Bundt Cake
The whimsical name “Sock It To Me Cake” boasts an intriguing origin rooted in American pop culture. It gained prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, thanks to the immensely popular comedy show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” The show was renowned for its quirky humor and memorable catchphrases, one of the most iconic being “Sock it to me!” This phrase was often uttered when a character was surprised, setting the stage for a clever marketing tie-in. General Mills, a sponsor of the show, seized upon this cultural phenomenon by featuring a cake recipe in their commercials that aired during the program. The cake, characterized by a delightful “surprise” filling of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts hidden within its layers, mirrored the show’s unexpected catchphrase. To capitalize on this connection, they cleverly dubbed it “Sock It To Me Cake.” The name stuck, and the cake rapidly gained immense popularity, particularly in the Southern states, solidifying its status as a beloved regional dessert. This historical anecdote makes serving the cake even more fun, offering a bit of nostalgia with every slice.
At its core, the Sock It To Me Cake is built upon a moist yellow cake base, often made from a convenient boxed mix for ease. The true magic lies in its distinctive filling, a rich concoction of brown sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and finely chopped pecans. This sweet, spiced mixture creates a delectable swirl within the cake. The entire creation is then finished with a luscious glaze, typically a simple yet elegant blend of powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla, which adds a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of sweetness. Each component works in harmony to create a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
While the base is a classic yellow cake, the Sock It To Me Cake transcends its humble beginnings through the infusion of its signature filling. The generous addition of ground cinnamon and brown sugar, combined with the earthy notes of pecans, transforms it into a flavor profile reminiscent of a rich, spiced coffee cake. It offers a wonderfully warm and inviting taste, with hints of caramel from the brown sugar and a delightful aromatic kick from the cinnamon. The overall result is a comforting, subtly sweet, and deeply flavorful cake that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Preventing Bundt cakes from sticking can be a common challenge, but it’s easily overcome with the right technique! My absolute favorite, tried-and-true method is using a high-quality baking spray that contains flour, such as Baker’s Joy or Pam Baking Spray. These sprays are incredibly effective. Simply spray every nook and cranny of your Bundt pan very liberally, ensuring complete coverage. This creates a non-stick barrier that almost guarantees a clean release. You can typically find these specialized baking sprays in the baking aisle of any major grocery store, alongside other cooking oils.
Alternatively, for a traditional approach, you can thoroughly grease your Bundt pan with solid shortening (like Crisco) and then dust it generously with flour, tapping out any excess. This method also creates an effective non-stick coating, helping your beautifully baked cake slide right out of the pan with ease. Whichever method you choose, a well-prepared pan is key to Bundt cake success!
Absolutely! While the classic powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla glaze is perfect, feel free to get creative and customize your Sock It To Me Cake with a different topping. Here are a few delicious ideas to inspire you:
- Sour Cream Glaze: A tangy sour cream glaze can add a wonderful depth and counterpoint to the cake’s sweetness.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: For a richer, more decadent topping, a smooth cream cheese glaze pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and pecan flavors.
- Cinnamon Powdered Sugar Glaze: Enhance the existing cinnamon notes by adding a pinch more cinnamon to your powdered sugar glaze.
- Lemon Glaze: A bright and zesty lemon glaze can provide a refreshing contrast to the cake’s warm spices.
- Maple Glaze: For a comforting fall twist, use maple syrup in place of some of the milk in your powdered sugar glaze.
- Caramel Drizzle: A homemade or store-bought caramel sauce drizzled over the top adds a luxurious finish.
Experiment to find your favorite combination!
Proper storage ensures your Sock It To Me Cake remains fresh and delicious. For optimal enjoyment, keep any leftover cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4 days. This allows the cake to retain its moistness and rich flavor. If you need to store it for a longer period, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. When serving refrigerated cake, it’s best to let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before slicing, as this enhances its texture and flavor. Additionally, for long-term storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake (well-wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight before bringing to room temperature to serve.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Sock It To Me Cake
Creating this irresistible Sock It To Me Cake requires a straightforward list of ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature moist texture and rich, spiced flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Yellow Cake Mix: This is the foundation of our easy Sock It To Me Cake. While the traditional recipe calls for yellow cake mix, you can certainly experiment with a vanilla or white cake mix for a slightly different nuance. For those who prefer baking from scratch, a homemade yellow cake recipe would also work beautifully, simply ensure it yields a similar volume of batter.
- Light Brown Sugar: This provides the rich, molasses-infused sweetness that defines the filling. Packed light brown sugar is preferred for its tender texture and deep flavor. If you only have dark brown sugar, it can be used, but be aware it will impart a slightly stronger molasses taste.
- Sour Cream: A secret weapon for achieving unparalleled moistness in baked goods, especially when using a boxed mix! Don’t worry, you won’t taste a distinct “sour” flavor; instead, it contributes to an incredibly tender crumb and enhances the cake’s overall richness.
- Finely Chopped Pecans: The star of the surprise filling! It wouldn’t be a true Sock It To Me Cake without the characteristic crunch and buttery flavor of pecans. If pecans aren’t to your taste or you have an allergy, feel free to omit them or substitute with other finely chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different twist.
- Ground Cinnamon: This warm, aromatic spice is essential for the “coffee cake” flavor profile. For an autumn-inspired variation, consider using a pumpkin pie spice blend in place of or in addition to the cinnamon.
- Salted Butter: Used in the filling, salted butter helps to balance the sweetness of the sugars and enhances the overall flavor. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add about 1 teaspoon of salt to the recipe to achieve a similar flavor balance.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is the base for our smooth, pourable glaze, providing a delicate sweetness without graininess.
- Milk: A small amount of milk (or heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer glaze) is used to thin the powdered sugar into a pourable glaze consistency. While I haven’t tested it personally, plant-based milk alternatives like soy or almond milk could potentially work for dietary preferences, though the consistency might vary slightly.
How to Bake the Perfect Sock It To Me Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delightful Sock It To Me Cake is a straightforward process, ensuring a perfect bake every time with these detailed instructions. Follow along to bring this Southern favorite to life in your kitchen:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bundt Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, and crucially, prepare your standard-sized (10-inch) Bundt pan. Liberally spray every crevice of the pan with a high-quality baking spray that contains flour (like Baker’s Joy or Pam Baking). This step is paramount for a clean release of your beautiful cake. Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix (remember to reserve 2 tablespoons of the dry mix separately for the filling), granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, large eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sour cream. Using an electric hand mixer, beat these ingredients together for approximately 2 minutes until they are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough cake. Set the batter aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan-Cinnamon Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the 2 tablespoons of reserved dry cake mix. Stir these ingredients together until they are well integrated.
Step 4: Incorporate Melted Butter into the Filling
Pour the melted salted butter over the pecan mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly until all the pecan pieces and dry ingredients are evenly coated with the butter. This helps create a cohesive, flavorful filling that won’t simply sink to the bottom during baking.
Step 5: Layer the Cake Batter and Filling in the Bundt Pan
Spoon approximately half of the prepared cake batter into the bottom of your greased Bundt pan, spreading it as evenly as possible. This forms the first layer of your cake.
Step 6: Add the Surprise Filling
Carefully spoon the entire pecan-cinnamon filling mixture into the center of the Bundt pan, creating a ring over the first layer of batter. Try your best to keep the filling from touching the outer edges of the pan, as this helps prevent it from sticking to the pan’s sides during baking.
Step 7: Top with Remaining Batter
Gently spoon the remaining cake batter on top of the filling, spreading it carefully to cover the pecan mixture completely. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the top surface of the batter.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the Bundt pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly, so keep an eye on your cake. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. The cake is perfectly done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center (from various points around the Bundt’s ring) comes out clean, with no wet batter attached.
Step 9: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the Bundt pan for 15 minutes. This crucial cooling period allows the cake to firm up slightly and pull away from the pan’s edges, making it easier to invert. After 15 minutes, carefully invert the pan onto a wire rack. Allow the cake to cool completely on the rack before applying the glaze; attempting to glaze a warm cake will result in a runny mess.
Step 10: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
Once the cake is fully cooled, it’s time for the finishing touch. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat a spoon.
Step 11: Glaze and Serve
Carefully transfer your cooled Bundt cake to your desired serving dish. Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to slowly drip down the beautiful fluted sides. For the best presentation, you can use a spoon to guide the glaze if needed. Serve the cake immediately for a soft, fresh glaze, or let the glaze set for about 30 minutes to harden slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy every tender, cinnamon-spiced bite!
This Sock It To Me Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic journey back to a simpler time, offering a comforting taste that delights with every forkful. Its rich cinnamon-pecan filling and sweet glaze make it an unforgettable treat perfect for any occasion.
Craving More Delicious Cake Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of this Sock It To Me Cake, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of delightful Bundt cakes and classic Southern desserts waiting to be explored. Here are some more irresistible recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep your baking adventures going:
- Southern Pound Cake
- Louisiana Crunch Cake
- The Best 7-Up Cake
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Cake
- Carrot Bundt Cake
- Watergate Cake
- Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
- Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake
- Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Italian Love Cake
- Italian Cream Cake
- Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Southern Caramel Cake
- Homemade Yellow Cake Mix
Sock It To Me Cake
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Rate
20
50
1 10
12 servings
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix (2 Tablespoons reserved on the side for the filling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ water
- 1 cup sour cream
For the filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a standard-sized (10-inch) Bundt pan generously with baking spray that contains flour (like Baker’s Joy) and set aside. Ensure every crevice is coated for easy release.
- In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, combine the yellow cake mix (remember to reserve 2 tablespoons for the filling), granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, eggs, oil, water, and sour cream. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth, about 2 minutes. Set the batter aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the finely chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the reserved 2 tablespoons of dry cake mix until well mixed.
- Stir in the melted salted butter until all the filling ingredients are evenly coated.
- Spoon half of the cake batter into the bottom of the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Carefully add the pecan-cinnamon filling mixture in a ring around the center of the pan, trying your best not to let it touch the edges of the pan.
- Spoon the remaining cake batter on top of the filling, gently spreading it to cover the filling completely and smooth out the surface.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too much, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, invert the pan onto a wire rack and let the cake cool completely before glazing.
- Once the cake is fully cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Place the cooled Bundt cake on your desired serving dish. Pour the glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drizzle attractively down the sides.
- Serve immediately for a softer glaze, or let the glaze sit for about 30 minutes to harden slightly before slicing and enjoying.
Video
Notes
- For answers to common questions, ingredient substitutions, and more detailed tips, please refer to the FAQ section and ingredient list provided above in the article.
- If you adore the spiced pecan filling, feel free to double the recipe for an extra-generous swirl within your cake.
- To ensure your Bundt cake releases perfectly every time, use a baking spray with flour (like Baker’s Joy) and coat the pan very liberally. Alternatively, thoroughly grease the pan with shortening and dust it with flour.
- You can substitute pecans with any finely chopped nuts you prefer. Walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives and will provide a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. Ensure nuts are finely chopped for even distribution.
- Store leftover cake at room temperature in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 4 days to maintain its moisture. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week in an airtight container. Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- This cake freezes beautifully! You can freeze individual slices or the entire cake (well-wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before bringing to room temperature to enjoy.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
Calories: 453kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 63g
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 21g
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Sodium: 362mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 44g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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