Have You Ever Heard of a ‘Harvey Wallbanger Cake’?

This citrusy, fresh bundt cake is a real treat, and a bit of retro time-travel.  It’s based on an old cocktail, which was pretty popular, from 1969 to 1985 or so.  Wikipedia says:  “The Harvey Wallbanger is a mixed drink made with vodka, Galliano, and orange juice.  It is a variant of the screwdriver, and was very popular in the United States in the 1970s.”  But the cake is still as yummy as ever – and really good with a little bit of that cranberry sauce.

And I promised I’d share it!  So, here it is, our favorite family-tradition cake for Thanksgiving or Christmas:  The Harvey Wallbanger Cake.

But there are two ways to make it.

• One of them is the original way, like my grandmother (“Nan“) did, since before we were all born.  She never wrote down her recipes, so I had to go to King Arthur Baking to find it!  LOL  If you click on that link, you’ll see how she pulled off one of the best cakes we all can remember.
• The other way, is a bit easier, and a later version, which my Mom would make on occasion – and it was just about as good, maybe fluffier.  This one has many variations, but the one at All Recipes seemed most like hers.

This retro treat can be served after dinner, with coffee, as an alternative for pumpkin pie.  It’s also great on Sunday morning, as a dessert to bring when you visit or as a brunch item (maybe before guests head out the door).

Here’s what may be the best one of all, from Quaint Cooking…  Click on that  – you’ll be so glad you did – for years.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOU AND YOURS!  ~ Mo