Sock It To Me Cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s both rich and indulgent. Known for its moist texture and a delightful swirl of cinnamon and pecans, this cake has been a favorite at family gatherings and potlucks for decades. The name itself is a playful nod to its irresistible flavor and the way it surprises with a delicious pecan and cinnamon filling. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy family dessert, Sock It To Me Cake is sure to impress with its unique taste and texture.
Ingredients for Classic Sock It To Me Cake
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Classic Sock It To Me Cake
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are coated to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. - Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Stir until evenly mixed. - Layer the Batter and Filling:
Spoon half of the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Even it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon pecan mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining cake batter, smoothing it out to cover the filling completely. - Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. - Cool the Cake:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
If you’d like to add a glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake and enjoy the rich, cinnamon-swirled goodness. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea and makes for a delightful treat at any time of day.
About the Main Ingredients
- Butter: The foundation of a moist and tender cake, butter provides richness and flavor. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the cake’s structure and texture. It’s essential for the creaming process with butter.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add moisture. They also aid in the cake’s structure and stability.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness. It also contributes to the cake’s tenderness.
- Flour: The main structure of the cake, flour helps give it form and texture. It should be measured correctly to avoid a dense or dry cake.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise. Baking powder is a complete leavening agent, while baking soda requires an acidic ingredient (like sour cream) to activate it.
- Cinnamon and Pecans: These provide the signature flavor of Sock It To Me Cake. The cinnamon adds warmth and spice, while the pecans contribute a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the filling. It’s softer and moister than granulated sugar, making it perfect for the swirl.
Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful Sock It To Me Cake—it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!
