Way back in the 1970′s two of the most popular desserts around were Bacardi Rum Cake and Harvey Wallbanger Cake. Everybody loved them and most homemakers made one or the other of them on a regular basis. Other than their great flavor the most popular thing about them was that they started with a cake mix and went together in just minutes. Back then cake mixes were considered a good thing and women celebrated baking shortcuts and how much kitchen time they saved. Even though cake mixes have fallen out of favor in recent times I still bake these cakes with cake mix and love their texture and flavor. And trust me, they are the first desserts to disappear off the buffet table at family gatherings.
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FYI – a Harvey Wallbanger is a cocktail consisting of Galliano (one part), orange juice (six parts) and vodka (three parts). It is typically served in a highball glass with an orange slice garnish. Cocktails were more popular back in the ’70′s than they are now and were typically served before and after dinner and wine was reserved for the meal itself. Legend is that a 1950s California surfer named Harvey liked his vodka and orange juice cocktail topped with Galliano. One evening, Harvey had too many of these cocktails and banged into a wall or two: the Harvey Wallbanger was born…maybe true, maybe not, but that’s the story.
Bacardi Rum Cake
Both of these cakes are delicious and are worthy of the popularity they enjoyed back when. They have great flavor and texture, keep well and are wonderful with a little whipped cream and fresh fruit. The syrup glaze soaks into the cake and keeps it moist with lots of extra flavor. I have made both cakes from scratch and always come back to the cake mix version. Probably because that is what I remember my mom baking years ago. Here is the recipe at King Arthur Flour if you absolutely MUST make this cake from scratch. One of these days I will try KA’s recipe to compare, but for now it’s cake mix.
Harvey Wallbanger Cake
: 10-12
Ingredients
- Cake:
- 1 box (about 18.75 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup Galliano® liqueur
- ¼ cup vodka
- 1 package (3-ounces) vanilla instant pudding mix
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- Glaze:
- 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 Tablespoon Galliano
- 1 teaspoon vodka
- Preparation:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a Bundt pan or spray with floured vegetable spray.
- Place cake mix, oil, eggs, liqueur, vodka, pudding mix, and orange juice into a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed fo 3 minutes.
- Pour evenly into prepared Bundt pan and tap gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. (Do not overbake or it will become dry.) Let rest for 5 minutes. Gently loosen edges around the rims with a thin rubber spatula. Invert and unmold from Bundt pan onto a cake platter, then glaze while warm.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, liqueur, and vodka until smooth. (If it is too thick, add more orange juice a few drops at a time to get a drizzling consistency. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar a teaspoon at a time.) Drizzle over the warm cake and let cool to room temperature for glaze to set.
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{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
What a pretty presentation and I love the decor in the background too:) And a bouquet of basil?Perfect!
I remember drinking a Harvey Wallbanger:)And making a cake very similar to this one in the early 80′s:) Some ..are just classics.
Monique recently posted..These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things~
This looks fabulous Cathy! I use the box cake mix when I want soft, spongy texture to my cakes! Love the simplicity!
Kay recently posted..Coconut-Lime Bars
I make the Bacardi Rum cake at least once a year and you are right – at a buffet it is always gone – to the last crumb! I’ll have to give this version a try. What else is there to do with that awkward bottle of Galliano?
Pondside recently posted..A Letter From a New Home
I have had my small bottle for at least 5 years and it’s worth keeping just for this cake. I do have a recipe for Galliano Chicken in my file and will make it one of these days.
Cathy recently posted..Harvey Wallbanger Cake
When I saw your post, it brought a big smile. My mom used to make this cake. As I think back, I don’t believe that I ever made it. I think I missed out on something. Love your presentation…strawberries and whipped cream on the side, yum!
Kate recently posted..Whole Foods’ Sonoma Chicken Salad
Wait, those are raspberries, even better!!!
Kate recently posted..Whole Foods’ Sonoma Chicken Salad
These are delicious. I remember them.
Your cake looks wonderful. That’s a oot if that’s how a Harvey Wallbanger became a Harvey Wallbanger =o)
Erin @ Making Memories recently posted..Sweet and Salty Trail Mix
You really brought some memories back, Cathy. I was just talking to our 21 year old niece, about the types of cocktails I drank at her age. One of them was a Harvey Wallbanger, and I was trying to remember what was in it. Galliano, of course! I admit, that I have snubbed cake mixes, but lately I’m starting to rethink that. I’m sure this one is moist and really, REALLY good. Your photos certainly do it justice.
The Bacardi Rum Cake using a cake mix …I haven’t baked this in so long and it sure was delicious! What a great photo!
~Judy
JG recently posted..A Blueberry Weekend!
Great story on the name — Harvey Wallbanger is wonderful cake — I do remember my Mom making many of them in the 1970′s — that and the BUNDT Tunnel of Fudge were her go-to cakes
Blesssings!
Gail
Gail @ Faithfulness Farm recently posted..Simple Sunday ~ Black Prince Tomatoes
Oh, yum. I forgot about the tunnel of fudge cake, Gail. I may just have to dig out the recipe and make it. I think there is a version out there that has a coconut filling, or maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
Cathy recently posted..Harvey Wallbanger Cake
Great cakes and yours looks delicious! I remember the Harvey Wallbanger drinks and the rum cake. At every family function, Bill’s Aunt Doris, carried her rum cake and it was always devoured. I haven’t had it in years though, since her passing and will have to make it soon, plus your Harvey Wallbanger cake also. Thanks for the recipe, Cathy!
I’ve had my share of Harvey Wallbanger’s in the past, but not recently. Should probably do something about that. I’m a total cake snob and would rather not eat it at all if it isn’t homemade, BUT, one of the best recipes I have for using a box mix is for a California Sherry Cake… similar to this one, except using sherry for the liquor. I remember being so surprised when I ate a piece for the first time and asked for the recipe – couldn’t believe it was from a box mix!
Karen recently posted..Chilaquiles with Red Sauce
I guess I never really knew what a harvey wallbanger cake was – now I know
. Excellent opening shot, btw!
ButterYum recently posted..Garlic Scape Pesto
Beautiful cake Cathy. I had all but forgotten all about old Harvey. Fun post!
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..How to Make Great Crab Cakes
Who knows why those cakes disappeared from our list of favorite cakes when both are so good!
Linda recently posted..Reviving Memories
Boy, I was alive and well in the 70s and I don’t remember these cakes, I must have been living under a rock. I can’t wait to give this a try, thanks!
Sue/the view from great island recently posted..How to Eat Flowers, Part One
I’ve never had a Harvey Wallbanger cocktail but I know I’d love the cake! Looks amazing!
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: How corny!
Cathy – I remember baking both of those cakes and loving them. Funny thing how I have the exact same cake stand and white plate used in the first photo. Now I need one of those beautiful silver flower holders!
ciaochowlinda recently posted..Lentil Salad
fun cake and adore the photo
rebecca recently posted..Mini Fisherman’s Pies
I’ve made my share of the rum cakes in the 90′s, loved them! Haven’t tried this one (yet), your pics are pretty:@)
Back in the day I made this cake on many a special occasion.
bellini recently posted..A Taste of Yellow in Your Memory with Lemon Chicken, Garlic Creamed Corn and Baby Potatoes with Parsley and Lemon Butter
I love the photos on this post, love that 70′s look
I have never had this cake but it looks delicious.
Oh Cathy, I remember both cakes so well! I often made the rum cake and my guest would absolutely love it! I never tried the Harvey Wallbager cake but I remember my first Harvey Wallbanger drink…lol…it was the kind of drink that was sweet and refreshing and then wham –the wall literally hit me in the head…lol I guess the cake is not as potent –it looks so beauitul in your post!
Pat recently posted..I Love the National Parks
Beautiful photos! The cake looks very moist and smooth.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Fig Parmesan Salad with Balsamic Reduction
what a blast from the past Cathy, I never made one of these way back when so I might need to make up for it now! Your photos are very enticing!
The Café Sucré Farine recently posted..Summer Salad w/ Asian Strawberry Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
Haven’t heard that name in a while! You’re right though, a very good cake worth remembering and perfect with fruit and whipped cream.
Susan recently posted..Caramlized Onion Toasts and A Night of Gourmet~
I remember these cake too Cathy. I seem to remember one of my mother’s friends made these cakes and they were so very good. Yours looks delicious topped with the berries!
Georgous pictures! the cake looks just stunning, apart & well flavoured too!
MMMMMM!
Sophie recently posted..Vegan Asian sweet potato & bean burgers! Yeah!
Oh How I remember this cake Cathy! So good. I need a bottle of Galliano! Can I just say, I love all your photos!
Too funny…I used to drink Harvey Wallbangers. Along with Stingers, they were favorites. We sure were big drinkers back then.
What’s odd, is I’ve never even seen a recipe for this cake (or my memory is so far gone I’ve forgotten) and it sure is looking good, Cathy.
Barbara recently posted..Rhubarb Crisp
One of my favorites! I haven’t made it in eons so I appreciate your sharing. I used to take it to work for gatherings besides family events….always a hit!
Pat
Pat recently posted..~ Joe’s English Toffee ~
I’ve never had this kind of cake Cathy. It looks moist and so delicious.
We had a great trip but it’s so good to be back home. I’ll try to make it to the market on Saturday.
Pam recently posted..Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
This cake brings back memories – Looks delicious!
Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner recently posted..Lake Side Dessert
You version with boxed cake and pudding mix is just like what my dad would have made and it makes me all teary eyed with nostalgia! The cake is absolutely lovely!
Jamie recently posted..MILAN-STYLE ASPARAGUS AND EGGS WITH PARMESAN
It looks mighty good! I don’t drink, I think I could take the rum, but leave out the galiano?
You are posting a lot! Can’t keep up with you! I am lucky to get one a week done!
Kathleen recently posted..Let’s Dish #23 Stripe and Dot for Not A Lot Another Bargain Adventure!