Sock It To Me Cake

My version of Sock It To Me cake is buttery, sweet, and moist with a layer of pecan streusel in the middle. A serious must-bake cake made from scratch that makes a great impression. Simply irresistible, especially around the holidays!

 

I like to think of myself as a positive person. With all that can happen to us in life, we need to keep looking on the bright side. And that’s exactly why I love cooking! It’s my happy place, and it gets me away from all the noise.

Thanks, Auntie, for inspiring me and for giving me an incredible love for good food. And comfort food is the most inspiring of all. Particularly when it involves butter and nuts.

How it Got Its Name

If you love Aretha Franklin, then you’ve heard the expression sock it to me, which means give it to me. While she made the phrase popular in the 60s, it took Duncan Hines to turn it into a cake. And what a cake it is.

A standard butter cake laced with pecan streusel. How could it not be good? But as convenient as the box is, you know from scratch is going to be a whole lot better.

How to Make Sock it to Me Cake

1. Arrange the pecan halves on the bottom of the pan in a single layer, and set aside.
2. Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder into a medium bowl, and set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy and starting to look white (4-5 minutes).

1. Add the sour cream and continue mixing.
2. Stir in the eggs, one at a time, beating the mixture well between each addition. Then sift the dry ingredients, and add milk and vanilla extract. Stir well.
3. Streusel: Mix the chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and butter in a medium bowl until fully combined.

1. Spoon half the batter into the pan and spread it out with a knife. Sprinkle the pecan filling over it. Then spoon the rest of the batter into the pan, completely covering the streusel.
2. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
3. Cool, place a serving plate over the cake pan, and carefully flip the cake onto it.

1. Whisk the confectioners’ sugar and milk, adding more milk by the drop as needed to make the glaze smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cake, slice, and enjoy.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Add a splash of rum for an even more festive spirit for the holidays.
• Room temperature ingredients are easier to cream into a smooth batter.
• Feel free to swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

The perfect make-ahead cake, it will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. It also freezes well, whole or in individual slices, for that surprise guest or unexpected craving. Well wrapped, it should stay good for 3-4 months in the freezer.

Food Pairing Ideas

A delicious holiday menu includes ham or turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, and sauteed Brussels sprouts. Then, cake is always a beloved finish.

More Southern Cakes

About Imma

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was originally published in June 2020 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.