Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe is a moist Bundt cake with a fresh orange flavor and a hint of vanilla and finished with a sweet orange glaze.
The orange juice and zest give it a bright, citrusy taste, while Galliano and vodka bring in the flavors that make this cake different.
I decided to make Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe after coming across the recipe while looking through classic American desserts. I liked the idea of turning the flavors of a Harvey Wallbanger cocktail into a homemade cake.
Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe sounded fun, and the recipe was simple enough to try. Here’s how I make this Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe step by step.
Why People Like Harvey Wallbanger Cake?
People like this Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe because it has familiar orange flavor with a fun twist. The orange juice and zest give it a fresh citrus taste, while the Galliano adds a sweet herbal flavor and the vodka gives it that classic cocktail touch.
The pudding mix also helps keep the cake soft and moist. On top, the orange glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness without being too much.
What I like most is that you get a flavorful dessert without having to spend hours making Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe.
About This Dish
Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe is a moist, orange flavored Bundt cake inspired by the classic cocktail. The best part is the mix of fresh orange juice, orange zest, Galliano liqueur, and vodka, which gives each slice a bright citrus flavor with a mild boozy note.
I like how the vanilla pudding mix makes the Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe soft and tender without making the recipe difficult. A smooth orange glaze adds extra sweetness and a fresh citrus taste on top.
The Bundt shape also makes the finished Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe look beautiful when Harvey Wallbanger Cake is ready to serve.

How To Prepare Harvey Wallbanger Cake?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 10-inch Bundt cake pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Fine grater or zester
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix, about 3.4 ounces (96 g)
- 4 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil (120 ml)
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (120 ml)
- ¼ cup Galliano liqueur (60 ml)
- ¼ cup vodka (60 ml)
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
For The Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon Galliano liqueur (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon vodka (5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan well with butter or nonstick baking spray, making sure to coat the ridges and center tube. This will help the cake release easily after baking.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant vanilla pudding mix. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, Galliano liqueur, vodka, and grated orange zest. Beat everything with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
Step 3
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and evenly combined. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top gently before placing the pan in the oven.
Step 4
Bake the cake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before carefully turning it onto a wire rack.
Step 5
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, Galliano liqueur, vodka, and orange zest until smooth. Add a little orange juice if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it needs to be thicker.
Step 6
Spoon or brush the glaze over the cake while it is still warm so the flavor soaks in beautifully. Let the cake finish cooling completely and allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sugar | 31 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 390 mg |
What Makes Recipe So Delicious And Appealing
The Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe tastes so good because the orange juice and zest bring a fresh, bright flavor that keeps the sweetness from feeling too heavy.
Galliano adds a warm herbal sweetness, while the vodka gives the cake a subtle cocktail-inspired character. The vanilla pudding mix helps make the crumb soft and moist, so the texture feels pleasant from the first forkful.
The orange glaze makes it even more tempting by adding a sweet, citrusy finish. I also love the golden Bundt shape because it looks inviting when placed on the table.
Tips And Variations
Tips
1. Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the cake a brighter citrus flavor than bottled juice. I also recommend grating the orange zest finely so it blends evenly into the batter and glaze.
2. Pay close attention to the ridges and center tube when greasing the pan. Bundt cakes can stick easily, so a thorough coating helps the finished cake release cleanly without breaking apart.
3. Give the cake plenty of time to cool before adding the glaze. If it is still warm, the glaze can become too thin and soak into the cake instead of forming a nice layer over the top.
Variations
1. For a softer, creamier flavor, replace part of the vanilla pudding mix with additional vanilla-flavored pudding if you prefer a stronger vanilla note. You can also add a little extra orange zest to the batter for more citrus flavor.
2. Replace about half of the orange zest with finely grated lemon zest. Keep the orange juice as written, so the cake still has its familiar citrus base while the lemon adds a slightly sharper flavor.
3. Add about ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the finished batter before pouring it into the Bundt pan. The chocolate pairs especially well with the orange and creates little pockets of chocolate throughout each slice.
How To Serve This Recipe
I like to serve each slice at room temperature because the orange flavor and glaze are easier to enjoy that way. Slice the cake neatly and add a little extra glaze on top before serving.
It goes really well with a cup of coffee or black tea, and vanilla ice cream is also a great choice. If you want something fresh on the side, try a few berries or orange slices.
I usually go with coffee since its slight bitterness helps balance the sweetness of the Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe.
How To Make More Delicious
1. Add a little extra fresh orange zest to the batter for a stronger, more natural citrus flavor.
2. Use good quality Galliano liqueur, since its herbal and vanilla notes add much of the cake’s signature flavor.
3. Add a small pinch of salt to the batter to balance the sweetness and make the orange and vanilla flavors stand out more.
4. Toast a handful of finely chopped pecans and fold them into the batter for a buttery, nutty crunch that pairs well with the orange flavor.
5. Add a little extra orange zest to the glaze and drizzle it over the completely cooled cake. The fresh zest gives each bite a sharper citrus finish.
How Do I Freeze
I let the Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe cool completely before freezing it, and I usually freeze it without the glaze. I wrap the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer safe bag or airtight container.
If I plan to serve it a little at a time, I cut it into slices and wrap them individually. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw, I leave it in the refrigerator overnight, then let it sit at room temperature before serving. I add the orange glaze once the cake has thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Cake Without Alcohol?
Yes. You can leave out the vodka and Galliano if you prefer. The cake will still have a nice orange flavor from the juice and zest.
Can I Use Bottled Orange Juice?
You can, but freshly squeezed orange juice gives the cake a brighter, fresher flavor. If you have fresh oranges, I’d recommend using them.
Why Did My Cake Turn Out Dry?
Overbaking is one of the most common reasons. Start checking the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time and remove it when a toothpick comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. You can bake it a day ahead and keep it covered until you’re ready to serve. Add the orange glaze closer to serving time.
How Do I Keep The Cake From Sticking To The Bundt Pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly, making sure you get into all the curves and edges. A light dusting of flour after greasing can also help the cake release cleanly.
Conclusion
Making this Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe turned out to be much easier than I expected. The orange juice and zest give it a fresh citrus taste, while the galliano and vodka add a nice touch without making the Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe complicated.
I also really like the soft texture and the sweet orange glaze on top. If you enjoy citrus desserts, I hope you’ll give this one a try. Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe a fun recipe to make, and I think you’ll enjoy every slice.

Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan well with butter or nonstick baking spray, making sure to coat the ridges and center tube. This will help the cake release easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant vanilla pudding mix. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, Galliano liqueur, vodka, and grated orange zest. Beat everything with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and evenly combined. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top gently before placing the pan in the oven.
- Bake the cake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before carefully turning it onto a wire rack.
- While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, Galliano liqueur, vodka, and orange zest until smooth. Add a little orange juice if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it needs to be thicker.
- Spoon or brush the glaze over the cake while it is still warm so the flavor soaks in beautifully. Let the cake finish cooling completely and allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Harvey Wallbanger Cake Recipe
Calories: 390 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Carbohydrates: 52 g | Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Sugar: 31 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sodium: 390 mg
I am Eliana, photographer and followed my passion into the culinary world and became a full-time food lover with over five years of hands-on cooking experience. My creative journey didn’t stop with fashion photography it naturally evolved into the kitchen, where I express myself through food. I enjoy exploring new recipes, experimenting with different flavor combinations, and adding a creative, visually inspired touch to familiar dishes. My recipes are inspired by family traditions and classic Southern comfort food, often reimagined into healthier versions while still preserving their rich, satisfying flavor.