How to Make a Harvey Wallbanger Cake: A Retro Delight

The Harvey Wallbanger Cake: a blast from the past that’s as fun to say as it is to eat! This boozy bundt cake gets its name from the iconic cocktail, the Harvey Wallbanger, featuring vodka, orange juice, and Galliano. But don’t worry, the alcohol mostly bakes out, leaving behind a delicate citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy, dreamy frosting. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, look no further!

A Taste of the 70s, Baked to Perfection

This cake will transport you straight back to the disco era. Imagine yourself in a kitchen decked out in avocado green and harvest gold, the scent of orange zest and vanilla filling the air. The Harvey Wallbanger Cake was a staple at dinner parties and potlucks, and for good reason! It’s the kind of dessert that impresses with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation, yet it’s simple enough for even beginner bakers to master.

Gather Your Ingredients, It’s Baking Time!

For the Cake:

• 1 (18.25 ounces) box yellow cake mix
• 1 (3.4 ounces) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup vodka
• ½ cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon vodka
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup Galliano liqueur
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Orange zest for garnish

Let’s Get Baking!

Baking the Cake:

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix and pudding mix.
3. Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs, oil, vodka, orange juice, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined, then increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes.
4. Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool it down: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Glaze:

1. Mix it up: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vodka until smooth.
2. Glaze the cake: While the cake is still warm, pour the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Making the Frosting:

1. Cream the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add sugar: Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Flavor and adjust: Beat in the Galliano, heavy cream, and salt until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, if necessary to reach your desired consistency.

Assembling the Masterpiece:

1. Frost and garnish: Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously with the Galliano frosting. Sprinkle with orange zest for a final touch.

Tips for Harvey Wallbanger Cake Success

• Room temperature ingredients: For a smoother batter, make sure your eggs, butter, and liquids are at room temperature before starting.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

FAQs: Your Harvey Wallbanger Cake Questions, Answered!

Q: Can I make this cake without alcohol?

A: Absolutely! You can substitute the vodka and Galliano with equal parts of orange juice and vanilla extract.

Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?

A: While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like white cake or lemon cake for a fun twist.

Q: My glaze seems too thick. What should I do?

A: Add a teaspoon of orange juice at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

A Toast to Deliciousness!

There you have it – a slice of retro goodness ready to impress your friends and family. The Harvey Wallbanger cake is a delicious reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are a little bit boozy and a whole lot of fun. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get baking! Don’t forget to share your baking masterpieces with us in the comments below – we’d love to see your creations!