Best 7 Easy Watergate Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable Watergate Cake, a classic dessert that has captivated taste buds for generations. This iconic cake boasts a moist and fluffy pistachio cake base, enveloped in a luscious whipped topping and crowned with a symphony of chopped walnuts and pineapple. Originating in the 1970s, the Watergate Cake gained immense popularity, becoming a staple at potlucks, bake sales, and celebratory gatherings. Its crowd-pleasing flavors and simple preparation make it an enduring favorite among dessert enthusiasts.

Dive into our comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect Watergate Cake, featuring three enticing variations. The original recipe stays true to the traditional combination of pistachio cake, whipped topping, walnuts, and pineapple. For a tropical twist, the Pineapple Delight variation incorporates crushed pineapple into the cake batter, resulting in a burst of tangy sweetness. Craving a chocolate fix? The Chocolate Indulgence variation infuses the cake batter with cocoa powder, creating a rich and decadent treat. Each variation offers a unique taste experience, catering to diverse preferences and ensuring there's a Watergate Cake for every palate.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

WATERGATE CAKE IV



Watergate Cake IV image

This cake recipe uses pistachio pudding mix in both batter and frosting for delicious cake take on Watergate salad.

Provided by JBS BOX

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Cake Mix Cake Recipes

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
2 (3 ounce) packages instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 cup cold milk

Steps:

  • Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, soda drink and 1 box pistachio pudding. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean. Cool completely.
  • While cake is baking, mix 1 box pistachio pudding, whipped topping, and milk. Chill. Ice cooled cake with chilled frosting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310 calories, Carbohydrate 35.3 g, Cholesterol 32.1 mg, Fat 17.7 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 366.3 mg, Sugar 26.4 g

WATERGATE CAKE



Watergate Cake image

This vintage Watergate Cake is a pistachio, pecan, and coconut dessert that's topped with a creamy whipped frosting.

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h50m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (15.25 ounce) box white cake mix
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 small box instant pistachio pudding mix
3 eggs
1 cup club soda, 7UP or ginger ale
½ cup finely chopped pecans
½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
2 envelopes (2.6 oz total) Dream Whip
1 ¼ cups cold milk
1 small box instant pistachio pudding mix
½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
½ cup finely chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, pudding mix, eggs and soda. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for about 30 seconds, and then on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes (scraping the sides of the bowl regularly). Fold in the pecans and coconut. Transfer batter to prepared baking dish.
  • Bake the cake at 350 degrees F for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once the cake is cool, prepare the frosting.
  • In a large bowl, combine Dream Whip and cold milk. Beat on high speed until soft peaks form (about 4-5 minutes). Add pudding mix and beat until fluffy. Spread on cake and sprinkle coconut and pecans over top.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 slice, Calories 340.2 kcal, Carbohydrate 34.5 g, Protein 4.3 g, Fat 22.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Cholesterol 35.8 mg, Sodium 220.4 mg, Fiber 1.3 g, Sugar 15.3 g, UnsaturatedFat 0.6 g

WATERGATE CAKE



Watergate Cake image

Watergate Cake is a family favorite and thankfully, it's so easy to make with a cake mix. Each cake slice is moist, the perfect sweetness, and topped with a light and fluffy frosting.

Provided by The SouthernPlate Staff

Categories     Dessert

Time 3h10m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 box white cake mix
2 boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 cup ginger ale or 7 Up
1 1/4 cups cold milk
8 oz. whipped topping
nuts (optional)

Steps:

  • Combine the cake mix, 1 box of pistachio pudding, oil, eggs, and ginger ale in a medium bowl.
  • Mix well and pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Cool completely.
  • Add the cold milk to the remaining box of pistachio pudding mix in a medium bowl.
  • Stir until well combined and the pudding begins to thicken. Then fold in the whipped topping.
  • Frost the cooled cake and garnish it with chopped pecan pieces (optional).
  • Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 348 kcal, ServingSize 1 serving

CLASSIC WATERGATE CAKE



Classic Watergate Cake image

Classic Watergate cake is made with a cake mix, pistachio pudding, 7UP, coconut, and chopped pecans for a unique and sweet treat.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Dessert     Cake

Time 55m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 white cake mix (2 layer size)
3 large eggs
2 packages (3 ounces each) instant pistachio pudding (divided)
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup 7-up
1 cup chopped pecans (divided)
1 cup flaked coconut (divided)
2 envelopes Dream Whip dry whipped topping mix
1 1/4 cups cold milk

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 350 F.
  • Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
  • Empty the white cake mix into a large mixing bowl with the eggs, 1 package of the pudding mix, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and the 7UP. With an electric mixer on low, combine the ingredients. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 1 to 2 minutes. Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 1/2 cup of coconut until well blended.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool the cake completely in the pan on a rack.
  • When the cake has cooled completely, prepare the frosting.
  • Combine the 2 envelopes of Dream Whip with the milk; beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the remaining package of dry pistachio pudding mix and continue beating until well blended. Fold in the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
  • Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
  • Put the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly until the coconut is well-browned. Remove the coconut to a plate to cool and then sprinkle it over the frosting.
  • Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for four to six days. According to the Kraft foodservice website, it can be stored in the refrigerator without spoilage for "several days."

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256 kcal, Carbohydrate 28 g, Cholesterol 24 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 330 mg, Sugar 17 g, Fat 15 g, ServingSize 16 to 24 Servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

WATERGATE CAKE I



Watergate Cake I image

If you like pistachio pudding, you will like this cake.

Provided by Suzanne Stull

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Cake Mix Cake Recipes

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
2 (3 ounce) packages instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup carbonated water
3 eggs
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup milk
1 (1.5 ounce) envelope instant dessert topping
¼ cup chopped walnuts
12 maraschino cherries

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9x13 inch pan.
  • Combine the cake mix, 1 box of the instant pistachio pudding, the vegetable oil, club soda, eggs, and 1/2 cup of the chopped walnuts. Stir until just combined and pour into the prepared pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes. Let cake cool then frost.
  • To Make Frosting: Beat the milk into the remaining box of pistachio pudding. Prepare topping mix according to package directions. Fold into pudding mixture. Spread over top of cooled cake and sprinkle with walnuts and maraschino cherries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 252.6 calories, Carbohydrate 26.7 g, Cholesterol 23.5 mg, Fat 15.4 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 271.4 mg, Sugar 18.7 g

WATERGATE CAKE



Watergate Cake image

The cake was a huge hit the very first time I made it! Wasn't sure I'd like it, but I was hooked immediately! Very light flavor if your looking to stay away from the super sweet desserts! -Stephanie Curvelo, New Bedford, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup club soda
1/2 cup canola oil
3 large eggs
3/4 cup pistachios
FROSTING:
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant pistachio pudding mix
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup 2% milk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, club soda, oil and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Stir in pistachios. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack., For frosting, in a small bowl, combine pudding mix, whipping cream and milk; beat until soft peaks form. Spread over cake.

Nutrition Facts :

THE WATERGATE CAKE



The Watergate Cake image

I know that there are a few other recipes with the same name, but this one is a little different. My husband and daughter are very picky, and this is their FAVORITE cake. It is from the cookbook CHOCOLATE from the Cake Mix Doctor. Using the ginger ale instead of a carbonated lemon-lime beverage really does make a difference.

Provided by mrsjjkool

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 1 9 by 13 inch cake, 20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

vegetable oil, spray for misting the pan
1 (18 1/4 ounce) package plain white cake mix
1 (3 1/2 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup vegetable oil or 1 cup applesauce
1 cup ginger ale
3 large eggs
1 (3 1/2 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
1 1/2 cups milk
1 small container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup crushed chocolate wafer

Steps:

  • Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist a 13- by 9- inch pan with vegetable oil spray. Set the pan aside.
  • Place the cake mix, pudding mix, oil (or applesauce), ginger ale, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping down the sides again if needed. The batter should look well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the rubber spatula. Place the pan in the oven.
  • Bake the cake until it springs back when lightly pressed with your finger, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely, 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the frosting: Whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a large mixing bowl. It should thicken up (but not set) in 2 to 3 minutes. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping. Spread the frosting over the top of the cake.
  • Sprinkle the crushed chocolate wafers and toasted almonds over the top of the cake. Slice and serve.
  • NOTE: Store this cake, lightly covered with wax paper, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week (if it lasts that long).

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products will give your Watergate cake the best flavor and texture.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake in a greased and floured pan: This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: This will help the frosting to set properly.
  • Serve the cake at room temperature: This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to reach its full potential.

Conclusion:

Watergate cake is a classic dessert that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its moist texture, sweet flavor, and fluffy frosting, it's the perfect cake for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you'll love this simple recipe. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy dessert, give Watergate cake a try!

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