Sock-it-to-me Cake

8 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 1 h Total: 1 h 15 m Beginner
Sock-it-to-me Cake
Back in the 70’s this cake was one of the most popular cakes being baked. This is a moist melt in your mouth cake with pecans and a cinnamon swirl that has an amazing aroma that fills the house when it’s baking. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

  • 1 box butter cake mix
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup Crisco Oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 pint sour cream
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 3 tsp cinnamon
  • Cake Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a small bowl combine the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. In a large glass bowl, combine the cake mix, 1/2 cup sugar, oil, and sour cream. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold the chopped pecans into the batter.
  2. In a greased, floured tube pan, pour half of the batter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter and then pour the remainder of the batter on top. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. To make the cake glaze, combine the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cake while it is still warm.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why did my cake sink in the middle?

A: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F before baking. Opening the oven door too early can also cause the cake to collapse, so resist checking until at least 45 minutes into baking.

Q: Can I use a different pan besides a tube pan?

A: A tube pan works best because it allows even heat distribution for this dense, moist cake. A bundt pan is an acceptable substitute, but a regular cake pan may result in uneven baking and a soggy center.

Q: Why is my glaze too thick or too runny?

A: Add the milk gradually to the powdered sugar—you can always add more to thin it out. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. The glaze should be pourable but not watery.

Tips and Techniques

Pour the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm but not hot—this allows it to soak in slightly while still creating a beautiful coating. For best flavor, let the glazed cake rest for at least 2 hours before serving so the cinnamon swirl flavor can permeate the cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • butter cake mix: yellow cake mix
  • sour cream: plain Greek yogurt
  • Crisco Oil: vegetable oil or canola oil
  • pecans: walnuts or omit entirely

Equipment Needed

  • tube pan or bundt pan
  • large mixing bowl
  • small bowl for cinnamon sugar
  • electric mixer or whisk

Historical Context

Sock-it-to-me Cake gained popularity in the 1970s when convenience baking with cake mixes was at its peak. The name likely comes from the catchphrase “Sock it to me!” made famous by the TV show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.