Name: Quick, Crowd-Pleasing Watergate Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups white granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix; 1 cup chopped pecans

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Ah, Watergate Cake – the retro dessert that’s made a delightful comeback! This quick and crowd-pleasing recipe is a true taste of nostalgia, with its moist, creamy texture and refreshing flavors. Whether you’re looking to whip up a delightful treat for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply indulge your own sweet tooth, this Watergate Cake is sure to become a new favorite.

What’s the story behind this beloved cake, you ask? Well, let’s just say it has a bit of a scandalous past (pun intended). Legend has it that the Watergate scandal of the 1970s inspired the creation of this delectable dessert, with its distinctive green and white color scheme mirroring the political turmoil of the time. But don’t let that deter you – this cake is anything but controversial. It’s a delightful, easy-to-make treat that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

So, get ready to dive into a world of retro charm and irresistible flavor. This Watergate Cake is about to become the star of your next gathering, and we can’t wait for you to try it!

🌟 Reasons This Recipe Will Become a Favorite

What sets this Watergate Cake apart from the rest? For starters, the flavor is simply out of this world. The combination of moist, fluffy cake, creamy pineapple-infused frosting, and the crunch of chopped pecans is a symphony of textures and tastes. But it’s not just about the flavor – this recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for busy home cooks or those who want to impress with minimal effort.

Another reason this Watergate Cake will become a fast favorite? Its versatility. This dessert is equally at home at a fancy dinner party or a casual backyard barbecue. Its crowd-pleasing appeal means you can serve it up for any occasion, from birthdays and holidays to potlucks and picnics. And with its vibrant green and white color scheme, it’s sure to be the star of the show, no matter where you serve it.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans

The key ingredient in this Watergate Cake recipe is the instant pistachio pudding mix. This not only adds a delightful pistachio flavor to the cake, but it also helps to create a deliciously moist and tender crumb. The crushed pineapple, meanwhile, infuses the cake with a refreshing tropical twist, while the chopped pecans provide a welcome crunch. Feel free to adjust the amount of pecans to your liking, or swap them out for another nut if you prefer.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring it’s ready to receive the cake batter.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the drained crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the ingredients on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
Fold in the Pudding Mix: Gently fold the instant pistachio pudding mix into the cake batter using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense texture.
Bake to Perfection: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and pull away from the sides of the pan when it’s done.
Allow to Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling time: 30-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hours

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 12 servings.

• Calories: 336 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Sodium: 257 mg
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g

🌿 Fun Alternatives to Try

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid ratio slightly, as gluten-free flours can behave differently than traditional flour.
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/2 cup of mashed ripe banana per egg. Use a dairy-free milk or non-dairy creamer in place of the milk in the frosting, and opt for a vegan-friendly cream cheese alternative.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Fold in a teaspoon or two of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the batter for a subtle spice note. You can also drizzle the top of the frosted cake with a honey-cayenne glaze for a delightful contrast of sweet and heat.

🎉 Elevate Your Meal with These Serving Tips

• Main Course Pairing: Serve Watergate Cake alongside a light, citrusy salad or grilled pineapple for a refreshing and complementary meal.
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the top of the frosted cake with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few fresh mint leaves for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.
• Beverage Pairing: This Watergate Cake pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, a refreshing iced tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combination.

🔍 Troubleshooting Common Recipe Issues

• Mistake 1 – Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can result in a tough, dense texture. Be sure to mix the ingredients just until they’re combined, using a gentle folding motion to incorporate the pistachio pudding mix.
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: For the best results, ensure all the ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. This will help the cake batter come together more easily and result in a moist, tender crumb.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat the oven can affect the rise and overall baking time of the cake. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before pouring in the batter for the best results.

🕒 A Guide to Storing for Later

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled, frosted Watergate Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost and enjoy.
• Reheating: To maintain the moist, tender texture of the cake, reheat individual servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can dry out the cake.

❓ FAQs

Can I use a different type of pudding mix instead of pistachio?

Absolutely! The pistachio pudding mix is a signature ingredient, but you can easily swap it out for other flavors that pair well with pineapple, such as vanilla, coconut, or even butterscotch. Just be sure to use the same 3.4-ounce package size.

How can I make the frosting even creamier?

For an extra creamy and indulgent frosting, consider whipping in a few ounces of softened cream cheese along with the cool whip. This will create a luscious, velvety texture that complements the moist cake beautifully.

Can I bake this cake in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can! Bake the cake, allow it to cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight, then frost and enjoy. This makes it a great make-ahead option for parties or potlucks.

How can I make this recipe nut-free?

To make this Watergate Cake nut-free, simply omit the chopped pecans. You can replace them with an equal amount of shredded coconut or chopped dried fruit for texture and flavor, or leave them out entirely. The cake will still be delicious without the nuts.

Can I use a different type of pineapple besides crushed?

While crushed pineapple is the traditional choice, you can certainly experiment with other pineapple varieties. Diced pineapple or pineapple tidbits will also work well in this recipe, although you may need to adjust the consistency of the batter slightly. Just be sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly before adding it to the mix.

🎉 Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

Get ready to be swept away by the retro charm and irresistible flavors of this Watergate Cake. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, this delightful dessert is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on creating a true taste of nostalgia that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Bon appétit!