Hello, sweet tooth. Craving again for a delicious cake? Worry not! Your friend, Austin Carter is here from Beyond The Bayou Blog brining you a different cake recipe with the flavor of Pistachio: Watergate Cake.
Last evening, my friend visited one of the oldest cafes of the city. I got my eyes on his Instagram feed with an image of Watergate Cake. Coming back home, he was really excited to tell me about this cake which even holds historical significance. He was so impressed by its taste that he wanted me to bake this cake and try.
Luckily, I managed to get its recipe from an online source and I was just on cloud nine. I decided to bake this cake myself. Although it was my first time and I was not pretty sure about the outcome, I invited that friend who told me about it. Want to know the results?
Both of us enjoyed the delicious flavor of this lovely cake with Praline Sauce and Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream by side, sitting comfortably in my balcony. So are you all ready to try this tested recipe to make your evening a bit brighter? If yes, just hold on to your seats for next few minutes and know something really fantastic.
What Is Watergate Cake?
Watergate Cake is a delightful dessert that became popular in the 1970s. It’s a moist and flavorful cake made with a mix of ingredients like white cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, pineapple, and nuts. The name “Watergate” comes from the Watergate scandal era, adding a touch of nostalgia. This cake is known for its unique green color and rich flavor, often topped with a creamy frosting or whipped topping. It’s a favorite at gatherings and celebrations, bringing a taste of retro charm and sweetness to the table.
Overview: How To Bake Watergate Cake?
Greetings, people who share my passion for sweets! Bring this delectable dessert to your next party and watch it become the talk of the town. A luscious Pistachio Pudding Cake that is both light and fluffy, and whose flavor will have your taste buds jumping for joy.
A box of white cake mix, an egg or two, some vegetable oil, and a dash of lemon-lime soda will do the trick to make this show-stopping dessert. The show-stopping pistachio pudding mix, by the way, is almost forgotten. The cake’s delicious taste and tender texture are imparted by this miraculous substance.
Going into the oven to bake is as simple as mixing the mixture and pouring it onto a baking pan. In the meantime, I combine chilled milk and whipped topping to make a decadent pistachio pudding icing, which I then pour over the baked cake. Once cooled, frost the cake to make a show-stopping dessert that will have your guests begging for more.
So, my Pistachio Pudding Cake is the recipe to use if you want a simple dessert that tastes amazing. Have faith in me; your palate will be eternally grateful. loved that flavor? Try our Pistachio Cake for more.
Try More Cake Recipes!
Green and Delicious Watergate Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 13 x 9 inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Toothpick for testing doneness
Ingredients
- 1 package white cake mix
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
- 2 packages instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup cold milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease/flour a 13 x 9 inch pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, lemon-lime soda, and one package of pistachio pudding mix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by mixing the second package of pistachio pudding mix, whipped topping, and cold milk until well combined and smooth.
- Chill the frosting mixture.
- Once the cake is cooled, ice it with the chilled pistachio frosting.
- Slice and serve the pistachio pudding cake.
Nutrition
Time For The Tips!
- Enhance with Maraschino Cherries: For a festive touch, garnish the cake with maraschino cherries. Their vibrant red color adds a pop of brightness, perfect for special occasions like Christmas. This garnish not only adds visual appeal but also complements the flavors of the cake and frosting.
- Advance Preparation: The flavors of this cake meld together beautifully over time, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Consider preparing it a day before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully. This also gives the cake a chance to settle, resulting in a more cohesive texture and taste.
- Complete Cooling: Ensure the cake cools completely before frosting. This step is crucial as frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt or slide off. Patience here pays off with a beautifully frosted and presentable dessert.
- Superior whipped topping. The pudding mix and milk should be beaten until thickened before adding the Cool whip. This is the secret ingredient for fluffy, airy frosting.
Variations and Substitutions!
- Use yellow cake mix instead of white cake mix. This change will result in a slightly different flavor and color for the cake.
- Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pineapple (including the juice) or flaked coconut to the cake batter. This addition will infuse a tropical twist into the cake’s flavor.
- Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts, macadamias, or pistachios into the cake batter. These nuts will provide a delightful crunch and enhance the cake’s overall flavor.
- For a toasted coconut variation, consider toasting the coconut before adding it to the cake. This will give the cake a sweet candy-like crunch without having the coconut on top of the cake, which some people may prefer.
Storing and Managing Leftovers!
- Let It Cool: Before putting the cake in storage, make sure it has cooled entirely. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Wrap: Tightly wrap the cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This preserves its flavor and keeps it from getting stale.
- Chill It: Put the cake in the fridge after wrapping it to keep it cold. Both the taste and the texture are preserved by keeping it at a cold temperature.
- Eat Within a Week: If you want the most delicious cake, eat it all within a week. It is at its most flavorful right now.
- Freeze for Later: When you find yourself with an abundance of leftovers, one option is to freeze them for later use. Put the cake in freezer-safe containers or wrap each slice individually.
- Carefully defrost: Let the cake defrost in the fridge overnight before serving. This method maintains its moistness and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is it called Watergate cake?
A: The Watergate Cake gets its name from the era it became popular, inspired by the Watergate scandal. Its green color and rich flavors add a touch of nostalgic charm to desserts.
Q: What did Watergate mean?
A: Watergate refers to a major political scandal in the 1970s involving secret activities and a cover-up by the Nixon administration, leading to public outrage and investigations.
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?
A: Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream adds a fresh touch to the frosting. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form, then use it in place of the frozen whipped topping.
Q: Is the cake suitable for special occasions like birthdays or parties?
A: Yes, the Pistachio Pudding Cake is perfect for special occasions! Its unique flavor and creamy frosting make it a delightful dessert for celebrations.