This homemade version takes the traditional Sock It to Me Cake to the next level with a moist, buttery crumb and easy-to-follow instructions and video that make it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Made with a rich sour cream pound cake batter, a buttery cinnamon-pecan swirl, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that includes a special ingredient - buttermilk. Every slice is packed with comforting, old-fashioned flavor.
If you've never had a Sock It to Me Pound Cake before, imagine a tender sour cream pound cake layered with a cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecan filling that bakes into a sweet ribbon of flavor throughout the cake.
This homemade version takes the traditional Sock It to Me Cake to the next level with a moist, buttery crumb and easy-to-follow instructions and video that make it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
In this recipe, I'll walk you through every step-from preparing the batter to creating the perfect cinnamon-pecan filling-along with my best tips for achieving a moist, bakery-quality pound cake every time.
Video Tutorial
What Is a Sock It to Me Pound Cake?
A Sock It to Me Pound Cake is a Southern favorite that features a rich pound cake batter layered with a cinnamon-pecan filling. As the cake bakes, the filling creates a beautiful swirl throughout the center, adding sweetness, and just the right amount of crunch.
The name "Sock It to Me" became popular in the 1960s and 1970s and has remained a beloved dessert for generations. This from-scratch recipe combines classic flavors with simple techniques to create a cake that's both nostalgic and incredibly delicious.
Why You'll Love This Sock It to Me Cake Recipe
- Rich, buttery sour cream pound cake with a soft, tender crumb
- Sweet cinnamon-pecan filling in every slice
- Finished with an easy homemade vanilla glaze
- Beginner-friendly with step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial
- Made completely from scratch with everyday ingredients
- Includes a how-to video for visual learners
- Tested and perfected in the Whip It Like Butter kitchen!
Recommended tools and equipment:
- Bundt Pan (A 12 cup bundt pan is needed for this volume of recipe.)
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Silicone Spatula
- Oven Thermometer
- Cake Keeper
- Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons
Important Ingredients & Substitutions
- Unsalted butter - For a pure, rich flavor.
- Sour cream - The secret to moist pound cake. Greek yogurt may also be used.
- Pecans - Classic choice, but walnuts or almonds work too.
- Brown sugar & cinnamon - The signature swirl combo.
- Vanilla extract - Use pure extract for the best aroma and flavor.
Expert Pound Cake Tips for the Best Sock It to Me Pound Cake
- Room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
- Cream butter and sugar long enough-about 5 minutes-to incorporate air for a light crumb.
- Avoid overmixing once flour (after butter and sugar are creamed) is added to prevent a dense cake.
-Test doneness with a long skewer-look for just a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.
- Cool completely before slicing to keep clean edges and prevent crumbling.
- Spread the cinnamon-pecan filling evenly for a consistent swirl throughout the cake.
- Bake just until the cake is done to preserve its buttery texture and moist crumb.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing for the cleanest finish.
How to Store Sock It to Me Pound Cake
- Room Temperature: Store at room temperature, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: Up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap well with saran wrap covering fully (for added protection use a layer of foil also) and freeze for up to 3 months.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
| Airtight container, room temp | 5 days | Wrap in plastic for best results |
| Refrigerator (airtight) | 5 days | Bring to room temp before serving |
| Freezer (sliced or whole) | 3 months | Wrap in plastic and foil; thaw overnight |
Sock it to Me Pound Cake recipe
Ingredients
- To make the cake:
- 3 c all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 3 c granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs - room temperature
- 1 ½ c (3 sticks) of salted butter- room temperature
- 1 c sour cream- room temperature
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ c brown sugar
- 2 tsps cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 c chopped pecans
- To make the icing/glaze:
- 2 c powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsps buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pound Cake Instructions:
- Preheat upur oven to 325 degrees.
- Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (approximately 5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time mixing until combined after each addition before adding the next egg.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour to the batter, alternating with sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour.
- Pour half of the batter evenly into a 12-cup greased bundt pan.
- Mix the pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter.
- Spoon the remaining batter over the mixture and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until the cake is golden brown. (Insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the cake.)
- The cake is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan onto a wire rack to complete the cooling process.
- To make the glaze:
- Whisk the powdered sugar, salt, buttermilk, and vanilla together in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour or spoon the glaze over the cooled cake as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Sock It to Me Cake?
The phrase "Sock it to me!" was a popular expression in the 1960s-70s popularized by the comedy show "Laugh In" meaning "give it to me." This fun name helped make the cake famous!
Can I freeze Sock It to Me Cake?
Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I bake the pound cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop and deepen.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Yes. Walnuts are an excellent substitute if you prefer them or have pecans unavailable.
What should I serve with Sock It to Me Pound Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a hot cup of coffee.
There's a reason this Southern classic has stood the test of time. Rich, buttery, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor, this Sock It to Me Pound Cake is one of those recipes that brings people together around the table. Once you bake it, you'll understand why it's been a family favorite for generations.
More Recipes with Pecans
Pecan Upside Down Pound Cake - has a pecan pie topping and a batter with pecan streusel creating the perfect combination of cake and pecan pie.
Butter Pecan Pound Cake - with toasted pecans baked into the batter topped with Butter Pecan icing.
Melt in your mouth Pecan Candy - made with a few simple ingredients
consisting of pecans, evaporated milk, sugar, and butter!
Crystal says
What does the baking powder do for this recipe. I notice it's a good amount.
Ashley Frederick says
It can give the cake extra rise and achieve a lighter, softer crumb. You can use less or none at all if you like. The pound cake will still rise well without it do to the amount of eggs used and mixing process.