, predates the salad's popularity.
Desserts made with convenience ingredients such as gelatin and pudding mixes, like Watergate Cake, were at their most popular in the mid-20th century, long before the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to President Richard Nixon's resignation. It is NOT on the dessert menu at the upscale Watergate Hotel! data-pin-do=)
Watergate Cake
July 28, 2025
Watergate Cake is a classic American dessert, with its vibrant green color and pistachio flavor, is a popular retro dish, especially associated with the 1970s. The precise history of Watergate Cake remains a bit of a mystery. This pistachio-flavored dessert, distinct from the similarly named Watergate Salad (which is also packed with nuts), predates the salad's popularity.
Desserts made with convenience ingredients such as gelatin and pudding mixes, like Watergate Cake, were at their most popular in the mid-20th century, long before the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to President Richard Nixon's resignation. It is NOT on the dessert menu at the upscale Watergate Hotel!
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 35 mins
- Yields: 12 Servings
Ingredients
1 (14.25-ounce) pkg. white cake mix (such as Betty Crocker)
1 cup lemon or lime-flavored sparkling water (from 1 12-ounce can)
2 x (3.4-ounce) pkg. pistachio instant pudding and pie filling mix, divided (such as Jello)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
½ cup sweetened flaked coconut, plus more for garnish
¼ cup toasted pecans, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
Directions
1Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 13- x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
2Beat cake mix, sparkling water, oil, eggs, 1 package of the pudding mix, and ½ teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Fold in coconut, pecans, and pistachios. Pour into prepared pan, and spread in an even layer.
3Bake in preheated oven until top is lightly golden and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack, about 1½ hours.
Frosting
1Beat cream in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until just starting to thicken, about 3 minutes. Add powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of the remaining pudding mix (reserve any remaining pudding mix for another use), and remaining ½ teaspoon salt; beat on medium speed until thickened and smooth, about 1 minute.
2Spoon onto cooled cake, spreading into an even layer; swirl decoratively if desired.
3Garnish with coconut and pistachios.
Recipe from Southern Living.
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