The Ultimate Guide to Duncan Hines Sock It to Me Cake Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect cake to impress your friends and family at your next gathering? The Duncan Hines Sock It to Me Cake is a delicious and visually appealing dessert that combines the right balance of moistness, flavor, and texture. This guide will walk you through every aspect of this cake, from ingredients to preparation and baking tips. By the end, you’ll be able to make the perfect Sock It to Me Cake every time!
Table of Contents
What is a Sock It to Me Cake?
Before diving into the details of the recipe, let’s talk about what makes the Sock It to Me Cake so special. This classic cake, often made using Duncan Hines cake mixes, is known for its rich, moist texture and sweet, cinnamon-nut filling. The cake is a combination of buttery goodness and tangy sour cream, swirled with a cinnamon and nut mixture to create a delightful contrast of flavors. It’s easy to prepare and a sure hit at any occasion!
Why Choose Duncan Hines for Your Sock It to Me Cake Recipe?
When it comes to cake mixes, Duncan Hines has been a trusted name for generations. The brand’s cake mixes are known for their consistent quality, rich flavor, and ease of use. The Sock It to Me Cake recipe specifically uses Duncan Hines’ classic butter or yellow cake mix, which creates a perfect base for your cake. This ensures that even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for your Duncan Hines Sock It to Me Cake:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of Duncan Hines Butter or Yellow Cake Mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup water
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make the Duncan Hines Sock It to Me Cake
Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to baking the perfect Sock It to Me Cake!
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Mix

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a Bundt pan or a tube pan to prevent sticking. Make sure to coat the pan thoroughly for easy removal after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and water. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling

- In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir until evenly mixed. This mixture will create the delightful swirl inside your cake.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake

- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-pecan filling evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the filling, spreading it evenly to cover the filling completely.
- Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the batter and filling together to create the marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake the Cake

- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Glaze (Optional)

- If you’d like to add a sweet finishing touch, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to flow down the sides.
Tips for Making the Perfect Sock It to Me Cake
While this cake is simple to make, here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Swirl Carefully: When swirling the batter and filling, don’t overdo it. A few gentle swirls are enough to create that beautiful marble effect without mixing everything together.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so be sure to start checking the cake around 40 minutes. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is ready!
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as chocolate chips or raisins, to give your cake a personal twist.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
My Cake Is Sticking to the Pan
This can happen if the pan wasn’t properly greased or floured. Be sure to coat the pan well, or try using parchment paper to line the bottom.
My Cake Came Out Dry
This may be due to overbaking or overmixing the batter. To avoid this, keep an eye on the baking time and only mix until combined.
The Cinnamon Filling Didn’t Swirl Well
If the filling sank to the bottom of the cake, it may have been too heavy. To fix this, gently fold the filling into the batter rather than sprinkling it on top.
Duncan Hines Sock It to Me Cake FAQ
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make a gluten-free version of the Sock It to Me Cake. Just make sure all your other ingredients, like sour cream and eggs, are gluten-free.
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Yes, while Duncan Hines Butter or Yellow Cake Mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even chocolate cake mix for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
To keep your Sock It to Me Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
How Can I Make the Cake More Moist?
If you find the cake to be a bit dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk or extra sour cream to the batter. The extra fat helps improve moisture and texture.
Conclusion: Time to Make Your Duncan Hines Sock It to Me Cake!
Now that you know how to make the perfect Duncan Hines Sock It to Me Cake, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re preparing this for a family gathering, holiday party, or just because, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs and Conclusion
Duncan Hines Sock It to Me Cake FAQ
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to create a gluten-free version of the Sock It to Me Cake. Be sure to check that all your other ingredients, such as sour cream and eggs, are also gluten-free.
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
While the Duncan Hines Butter or Yellow Cake Mix is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cake mix flavors. Vanilla and even chocolate cake mixes can provide a unique twist to the traditional Sock It to Me Cake.
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store your Sock It to Me Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.
How Can I Make the Cake More Moist?
If your cake comes out dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk or extra sour cream to the batter. These additional fats will help keep the cake moist and improve its texture.
Conclusion: Time to Make Your Duncan Hines Sock It to Me Cake!
Now that you’re equipped with all the tips, tricks, and FAQs, it’s time to bake your perfect Duncan Hines Sock It to Me Cake! Whether you’re whipping it up for a family gathering, holiday party, or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite. With its delicious combination of moist cake, sweet cinnamon-pecan filling, and optional glaze, you’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the baking process, and most importantly—enjoy the cake! Happy baking!
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