Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe That Will Wow Your Guests

If you’ve ever enjoyed a classic Harvey Wallbanger cocktail, then you’re going to love this delightful twist — the Harvey Wallbanger Cake. This cake captures the vibrant flavors of the iconic drink, blending zesty orange, smooth vanilla, and a hint of galliano liqueur into a moist, tender cake that’s perfect for celebrations or a special dessert treat.

It’s a unique way to bring cocktail-inspired baking into your kitchen, adding a boozy yet balanced flavor profile that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Whether you’re a fan of retro cocktails or just love experimenting with exciting cake flavors, this recipe is easy to follow and uses ingredients you might already have on hand. Plus, I’ll walk you through all the tips to get that perfect texture and flavor.

Ready to dive into this boozy, citrusy heaven? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Harvey Wallbanger Cake is not just another citrus cake. It perfectly balances the sharpness of fresh orange juice with the aromatic sweetness of Galliano, a vanilla-anise liqueur, delivering a sophisticated flavor that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

This cake is incredibly moist thanks to the addition of sour cream, and the orange zest adds a refreshing pop of citrus in every bite. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a dessert with a little personality, without being overpoweringly boozy.

The frosting options also allow you to customize it to your liking, whether you prefer a simple glaze or a luscious buttercream.

Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at parties or family gatherings — who wouldn’t be curious about a cake inspired by a classic cocktail?

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp Galliano liqueur (or substitute with vanilla extract if preferred)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan or two 8-inch pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Zester or fine grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Spatula
• Optional: cake stand or serving plate

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan and lightly dust it with flour or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer at medium speed.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the batter emulsifies properly.
5. Mix in the sour cream, fresh orange juice, orange zest, Galliano liqueur, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The batter may look slightly curdled, but that’s normal.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Use a spatula or mixer on low speed to combine until just incorporated — avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake from the 28-minute mark, as ovens may vary.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, frost with your choice of glaze or buttercream. For a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice and drizzle over the top. Alternatively, try a vanilla buttercream infused with a splash of Galliano for an extra kick.

Tips & Variations

“To bring out the best citrus flavor, always use fresh orange juice and zest instead of bottled juice.”

• Galliano Substitute: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Galliano with an equal amount of vanilla extract mixed with a splash of orange blossom water or almond extract.
• Frosting Ideas: Try a cream cheese frosting with a hint of orange zest for a tangy contrast, or a light whipped cream topping for a less sweet finish.
• Layer Cake: Double the recipe and make a layered cake with orange marmalade spread between layers for extra citrus brightness.
• Storage: Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
• Make It Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter and sour cream alternatives. Adjust baking time slightly as needed.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a boozy dessert party, serve alongside a chilled Harvey Wallbanger cocktail to echo the cake’s unique flavors.

For a refreshing contrast, add a few fresh berries or a fruit compote on the side. Lightly toasted almonds or candied orange peel sprinkled on top can add delightful texture and color.

If you want to keep things simple, a cup of black coffee or Earl Grey tea complements the citrus and vanilla notes wonderfully.

Conclusion

The Harvey Wallbanger Cake is a fantastic way to bring a beloved cocktail into the realm of desserts. Its moist crumb, infused with zesty orange and the sweet warmth of Galliano, creates a memorable flavor combination that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this cake is sure to delight anyone who loves unique, boozy desserts.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can confidently create this showstopper. Don’t forget to experiment with different frostings and serving ideas to make it your own.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other creative treats like Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or for a savory twist, explore Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

For a light, refreshing meal to balance your dessert cravings, try A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals.

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