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Slice of green watergate cake with whipped topping and pecans on a white plate

Watergate Cake

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5 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Jesse Daniel Wiley
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 mins
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This classic Southern Watergate Cake is a moist, vibrant green dessert featuring the perfect blend of pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans. Topped with a light and airy whipped frosting, it is a nostalgic treat that is effortless to whip up for any potluck or family gathering.

Ingredients

  • 1 (15.25 oz) package white cake mix
  • 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant pistachio pudding mix, divided
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, juice reserved
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans, plus extra for garnish
  • 3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing with a spoon to remove as much liquid as possible; reserve 1/2 cup of the juice.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, one package of pistachio pudding mix, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs, beating on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  4. Using a spatula, gently fold the drained pineapple pulp, 3/4 cup pecans, and 3/4 cup coconut flakes into the batter.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to frost.
  7. In a medium bowl, whisk together the second package of pistachio pudding mix and the 1/2 cup of reserved pineapple juice until a thick paste forms.
  8. Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture until uniform, then spread evenly over the cooled cake.
  9. Garnish with mini marshmallows and additional pecans and coconut flakes as desired.

Notes

To ensure a perfect crumb, make sure to press the pineapple very dry so the excess moisture doesn’t make the cake gummy. For the best flavor development and a firmer frosting, let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. If you want a more vibrant green color, you can add a single drop of green food coloring to the batter.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cakepeak.com/watergate-cake/