Introduction
The Sock It to Me Cake is a delectable cinnamon swirl classic that boasts a perfect blend of moist yellow cake and sweet cinnamon-walnut streusel. A southern favorite, this cake was in high demand during the ’70s and continues to be a popular choice for modern gatherings and family get-togethers. In this article, we will provide you with the ingredients, directions for the recipe, and take you on an exciting journey to explore the history and interesting facts surrounding this popular treat.
Ingredients
To make a mouth-watering Sock It to Me Cake, you will need the following ingredients divided into three categories: cake, filling, and glaze.
- Cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 4 eggs
- Filling:
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- Glaze:
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating a Sock It to Me Cake is an enjoyable process. Follow these simple steps to bake this delicious dessert:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease and lightly flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
Step 2: Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, sugar, water, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Pour two-thirds of the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
Step 3: Cinnamon-Walnut Filling
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon to create the filling.
- Sprinkle the filling over the cake batter in the bundt pan, making sure to keep the filling away from the sides of the pan.
- Pour the remaining one-third of the batter over the filling to cover it completely.
Step 4: Baking the Cake
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for about 25 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Glazing the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled cake and let it set for a few minutes before serving.
History and Curiosities
The origin of the Sock It to Me Cake is rooted in southern United States cuisine. It gained popularity in the 1970s, when Duncan Hines introduced a cake mix that included a recipe for this delicious treat. The cake’s name is believed to come from the popular catchphrase “Sock it to me,” used on the comedy TV show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.”
This cake’s popularity quickly spread nationwide as it became a staple at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. Its rich flavors, attractive presentation, and easy recipe contributed to its continued relevance today.
One of the curiosities about this cake is the use of sour cream, which is not found in traditional cake recipes. Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tanginess, creating a balance with the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon filling.
Another interesting fact is that this cake was sometimes referred to as a “tunnelling” cake, due to the tunnel-like appearance of the cinnamon-walnut filling when the cake is sliced. It can truly be said that the combination of flavors, textures, and history make the Sock It to Me Cake a must-try dessert for anyone looking to indulge in a southern classic.
