Dreamy Watergate Cake Recipe

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Take a trip back to the 1970s with this retro Watergate Cake recipe! This creamy and delicious pistachio dessert, made with pudding mix, lemon-lime soda, and Dream Whip, has been a cherished family favorite for decades. Perfect as a festive pistachio layer cake for Christmas, a vibrant green dessert for St. Patrick’s Day, or a sweet treat for any special occasion, it’s as simple to make as it is to enjoy.

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If you’re a fan of nostalgic dessert recipes, you’re going to love this Watergate Cake! Topped with a dreamy whipped frosting made with pistachio pudding mix and Dream Whip, this cake is refreshingly cool and perfect for warm days.

Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just because, this Watergate Cake is sure to be the star of any gathering. The subtle nutty flavor of pistachios pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy frosting, creating a dessert that’s light, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious.

How To Make Watergate Cake

If you have never worked with Dream Whip, don’t let it intimidate you. Dream Whip is a commercial powdered mix to make whipped cream. If you have an electric or hand mixer, you won’t have any problems.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (Fahrenheit). While it is warming up, grease and flour a 9×13 cake pan. Alternatively, you can use Baker’s Joy to prep the pan. Just spray a light layer over the bottom and inside.
2. Blend one box of instant pistachio pudding mix, a box of white cake mix, 7-Up, egg whites, and a cup of vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl of an electric mixer for 5 minutes at medium speed.

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 – 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool the cake completely before making the pistachio frosting/whipped topping, aka cover-up icing. [I like to place the cake pan on a wire rack to allow air circulation and speed up the cooling process.]

1. For the topping, beat 1 package of the pudding mix with milk and Dream Whip. Beat at high speed until it is thick and soft peaks form.

1. Spread the topping on the cake, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This cake must be kept cold at all times.

If you love retro-inspired Southern desserts, you’ll also enjoy my Ambrosia Salad for a fruity classic, Pea Salad for a creamy and colorful side, and Orange Fluff – a light, citrusy treat that’s perfect for holidays and potlucks alike.

If you plan to take it to a family get-together, a church potluck, or another event, pack it in a container and include ice packs. Remember, the icing contains dairy and needs to be kept cold.

To add a pop of color, serve cake slices with a maraschino cherry on top.

Why is it called Watergate Cake? Is it because of the political scandal?

The cake is similar to Watergate Salad which is made with pistachio pudding, canned pineapple, whipped topping, crushed pecans, and marshmallows.

There are two possible explanations for how “Watergate” ended up in the name that unites both dishes, though no one knows for sure.

The first possibility is that the Watergate Salad recipe was developed by the chef at the Watergate Hotel – yes, that one that made the news thanks to President Richard Nixon.

According to Southern Living, the other explanation is that “the cake version has icing to ‘cover up’ any mistakes and,
like politics, is chock full of nuts.”

Last Bite

Did this Watergate Dream Cake bring back sweet memories? Leave a comment below and tell me when you first tried it! Don’t forget to pin or share this recipe so others can enjoy this classic, dreamy dessert too.