
This Sock It To Me Cake is a rich and nostalgic Bundt cake made from a doctored cake mix, sour cream, and a ribbon of cinnamon-brown sugar goodness. This crowd-pleasing Southern classic was a popular coffee cake in the 1970s, known for its tender crumb and eye-catching glaze. The name comes from the phrase “Sock it to me!”, a popular expression at the time, implying that the cake delivers bold flavor and satisfaction. Finished with a vanilla glaze and crunchy pecans or walnuts, it’s a sweet staple for brunches, potlucks, and holiday mornings.
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
- 1 box butter cake mix
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ pint sour cream
- 4 eggs
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (more as needed for thinner consistency)
- ½ cup pecans (chopped, or leave out and top with whole or chopped walnuts)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Combine cake mix, sugar, oil, sour cream, and eggs in a large bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
- Pour half the batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the batter.
- Top with remaining batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake at 325°F for 60 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to set in pan for 15 minutes.
- Turn cake out onto a cooling rack or plate.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans or omit and top with walnuts if preferred.
Step 5: Finish the Cake
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.
- Let glaze set before slicing.
Tips
- Toast the chopped nuts before adding for deeper flavor
- Use pecans or walnuts as written on the card
- Leave out nuts and top with maraschino cherry halves, as noted
- Let the cake cool fully before glazing for a cleaner finish
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra warmth
- Use a nonstick Bundt pan and flour well to prevent sticking
- Thin the glaze with extra milk for a drizzle-style finish
- Serve with whipped cream or coffee for a classic presentation
Nutrition
Calories: 448kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 4gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 342mgPotassium: 89mgFiber: 1gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 207IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 128mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

