Southern Bundt Recipe

Easy Sock It To Me Cake — Southern Bundt Recipe is my go to move when I need something that feels a little special but still easy enough for a regular weeknight. You know those days when you want a homemade cake, but you do not want a bunch of fussy steps or five different pans? Same. This one gives you that buttery, cozy bundt cake vibe with a cinnamon pecan swirl that tastes like it came from somebody’s best church cookbook. It also holds up great for sharing, which is important because people will ask for seconds.

Where Did Sock It to Me Cake Come From?

This cake has been around for decades in Southern kitchens, and it has that classic “passed down” feel. The name always makes people smile, and honestly it fits, because the first bite kind of wakes you up. Sock it to Me Cake became popular around the time boxed cake mixes really took off, and home bakers started dressing them up with sour cream, a swirl, and a simple glaze.

In my family, it showed up at potlucks and Sunday suppers. Somebody would set a bundt on the counter, and before you knew it, there was a little line of people slicing “just a thin piece” that turned into a real piece. If you grew up with Southern desserts, it sits right next to classics like pineapple upside down cake, and if you want that vibe too, this one is so fun: easy pineapple upside down cake classic southern recipe.

The best part is how it feels nostalgic even if you did not grow up with it. It is simple, familiar, and it tastes like home.

What Makes This Sock It to Me Cake Different?

There are a lot of versions out there, and I have tried plenty. This one is “easy” on purpose, but it still tastes like you put real love into it. The big difference is how I balance the swirl and keep the crumb super tender.

My go to ingredient approach

I like using a yellow cake base because it gives you that old school flavor, and then the swirl does the heavy lifting. Sour cream is the not secret secret here. It makes the cake moist without tasting tangy. Then you get the brown sugar cinnamon pecan layer that turns into this warm ribbon once it bakes.

Here is what you will need, and you probably have most of it already.

• Yellow cake mix (one standard box)
• Sour cream for moisture and richness
• Eggs and oil (or melted butter if you want extra flavor)
• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Powdered sugar and a splash of milk for the glaze
• Vanilla extract (tiny thing, big payoff)

I also keep the glaze simple. No need to get fancy. A thin vanilla glaze drips into the curves of the bundt and makes every slice look bakery pretty.

And because I am always thinking about what to serve with dessert, I will say this cake is amazing with a warm drink. If you want a cozy pairing for a rainy day, try this: deliciously easy homemade drinking chocolate. It is basically comfort in a mug.

Tips for the Perfect Texture

If you have ever made a bundt cake that stuck or came out dry, you are not alone. Sock it to Me Cake should be tender, a little dense in a good way, and easy to slice without crumbling everywhere. Here are the things I actually pay attention to, because they make a difference.

How I keep it moist and not heavy

First, do not overmix. Once everything is combined, stop. Overmixing makes the crumb tight, and we want that soft, bakery style bite. Second, measure the sour cream like you mean it. This is not the time to eyeball and accidentally short yourself.

Now let’s talk about the bundt pan, because it is the moment of truth.

• Grease every nook of the pan really well
• Dust with a little flour, then tap out the extra
• Let the cake cool 10 to 15 minutes before flipping

For the swirl, I like to layer it instead of stirring it in. You want that pretty cinnamon pecan ribbon, not a fully blended batter. Pour in half the batter, sprinkle the swirl, then cover with the rest of the batter. If you want, you can lightly drag a butter knife through it one time, but do not go wild.

Also, keep an eye on bake time. Ovens vary. Start checking a little early, and look for a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs. Wet batter means keep going. Totally clean and dry can mean it is already heading toward dry cake territory.

And if you are into make ahead desserts for a gathering, this is a great “bakes the day before” cake. I do that a lot when I also have something else going on, like a big dinner. Speaking of comfort food, if you are planning a Southern style meal, I have a soft spot for this classic too: easy chipped beef on toast classic creamed recipe. Not dessert, but it hits the cozy note.

How to Store Sock It to Me Cake

This cake stores better than most, which is one reason I keep coming back to it. Sock it to Me Cake stays moist for days thanks to the sour cream and that rich crumb.

Here is my simple storage routine.

On the counter: Keep it covered in a cake dome or wrap it well. It is good for about 3 days at room temp as long as your kitchen is not super hot.

In the fridge: If your house is warm or you just want it to last longer, refrigerate it covered. It will be good about 5 to 6 days. The fridge can dry cake out a little, so wrap it well.

In the freezer: You can freeze slices or the whole cake. Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours on the counter.

I made this for my mom’s birthday and it disappeared faster than the fancy bakery cake. The swirl was the best part and the crumb stayed moist even the next day.

If you are building a dessert table and want a fruit option too, I love adding something like this in the summer: easy peach crisp summer fruit dessert with oat topping. The combo of warm fruit and this bundt cake is a crowd pleaser.

How to Reheat

Most of the time I eat Sock it to Me Cake at room temp, but a slightly warm slice is next level. Especially if you are serving it after dinner or with coffee.

Quick ways to warm a slice

Microwave: Place a slice on a plate and heat for 10 to 15 seconds. If it has glaze, start with 10 seconds so it does not melt into a puddle.

Oven: Wrap slices in foil and warm at 300 F for about 8 to 10 minutes. This is great if you are warming multiple slices at once.

One more thing, if you froze the cake, thaw first. Reheating from frozen can dry the edges.

And if you are in a big dessert mood and want something creamy in the fridge for later, you might like this one too: creamy instant pot salted caramel cheesecake. Different vibe, same happy ending.

Common Questions

1. Do I have to use pecans?
Nope. You can swap in walnuts, or leave the nuts out completely. If you skip nuts, the swirl will still taste great, just a little less crunchy.

2. Can I make Sock it to Me Cake without a bundt pan?
Yes, but the bake time will change. A 9×13 pan works, and you will want to start checking earlier. The swirl still works the same way with layering.

3. Why did my cake stick to the pan?
Usually it is not enough greasing, or you waited too long to flip it out. Grease every curve, flour it, and flip after about 10 to 15 minutes of cooling.

4. Can I glaze it the next day?
Absolutely. Sometimes I do that on purpose. Just keep the cake covered, then glaze before serving so it looks fresh.

5. How do I know it is done baking?
Look for a golden top that springs back lightly when touched, and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

A sweet final note before you bake

If you want a dependable bundt that tastes like the South in the best way, Sock it to Me Cake is it. Keep the mixing simple, do the swirl in layers, and do not skip greasing the pan well. Once you make it once, it is the kind of recipe you will keep in your back pocket for potlucks, holidays, and those random Tuesdays that need cake. If you want to compare versions or get more inspiration, check out Sock it to Me Cake – Preppy Kitchen for another take on this classic. Now go preheat that oven and treat yourself, you deserve a slice.