Harvey Wallbanger Cake

This Harvey Wallbanger Cake recipe brings a little of the classic cocktail world into your kitchen. If you’re looking for a good cake idea to celebrate life, you can make this classic beauty from scratch, in less than an hour!

Why This Recipe Works

• Semi-Homemade Shortcut: Starting with cake mix and instant pudding saves time without sacrificing flavor.
• Moist and Tender: Orange juice and liqueur create a rich, luscious texture in every bite.
• Nostalgic Appeal: A throwback recipe that brings a touch of vintage charm to modern gatherings.
• Easy and Impressive: Minimal prep with big results, making it ideal for beginner and seasoned bakers alike.

Good to Know

• Baking Tip: Don’t skip greasing and flouring the Bundt pan well to prevent sticking.
• Serving Suggestions: Delicious served slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries.
• Storage: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
• Variations: Try swapping out the orange cake mix for a yellow cake mix if you prefer a subtler citrus flavor.

This isn’t my first boozy cake I’ve shown you how to make. Our delicious cupcakes made with RumChata and our Whiskey Cake Dessert are two of my favorites. But we have plenty of other ones to choose from; from our Red Velvet Cake Roll Recipe to a Crock Pot Pumpkin Dump Cake, we have a cake for every taste here!

What is a Harvey Wallbanger Cake?

Inspired by the famous Harvey Wallbanger cocktail from the early 1970s, this cake is soft, sweet, a little boozy, and bursting with orange flavor. It’s made with a box of yellow cake mix, a pudding mix, and a mix of vodka and Galliano liqueur, giving it that special touch that feels perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion cake.

Just like the cocktail that once ruled the cocktail scene in places like Los Angeles, this cake has stood the test of time. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to bring a second helping from anyone who tries

🍰 Harvey Wallbanger Cake Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

This cake uses everyday ingredients — plus a little something extra to make it truly unforgettable.

Ingredients Notes

For the Cake:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix (preferably Duncan Hines, with pudding in the mix)
• 1 box (3 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
• ¼ cup vodka
• ¼ cup Galliano liqueur (Galliano is a sweet, yellow liqueur from Italy that tastes like vanilla and herbs, and it’s great for adding flavor to drinks and desserts.)
• ¾ cup orange juice

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (sometimes called powdered sugar)
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon vodka
• 1 tablespoon Galliano liqueur

Optional Toppings:

• Orange zest
• Orange slices

Make the Cake

1. Prep your oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt pan or tube pan well (a prepared pan helps the cake release easily).
2. Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, instant pudding, vegetable oil, large eggs, vodka, Galliano liqueur, and orange juice.
   • Blend: Beat at low speed for 30 seconds, then medium speed for 3–4 minutes until smooth. (Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!)

3. Bake: Pour the batter into the bundt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before turning it out onto a cake platter. Use a toothpick to evenly poke holes throughout the top of the cake.

Make the Glaze

5. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, orange juice, vodka, and Galliano liqueur. Whisk until you get a drizzling consistency.
6. Glaze the cake: Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake.
   • Optional: Add a sprinkle of orange zest or a few orange slices for an extra pop of color and flavor.

If you prefer, you can skip the glaze and simply dust the top with powdered sugar.

Fun fact: You can still find this original recipe in community cookbooks and on classic recipe cards from the Discovery Family of old food favorites, alongside other gems like poke cakes and retro tasty treats!