Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Watergate Cake with Cover Up Frosting


Ok, the title dates this cake (circa 1976).  I tried to find the origin of this cake recipe but appears that it is unknown but rumored to be a way to introduce a new pudding flavor - pistachio and was published in numerous publications and cookbooks.  It was a very popular cake in the late 70's and was my first experience with a "doctored" cake mix.  This has always been up there on the top of my list of favorite cakes.  With this being my birthday, I am making my own cake and this is it! It is also a green cake, so if you are looking for a dessert for St. Patricks's Day, here you go (you might want to add a bit of green coloring to brighten it up for the holiday).   I have never made this cake other than in a 9x13 pan (not removed) and the frosting on top, which was also the preparation method in the original recipe.  So, although I have made this cake a lot of times, this will be my first experience making it as a layer cake.

Watergate cake

1 white cake mix
3/4 cup oil
3 eggs
1 cup lemon-lime soda
1 3 oz. package pistachio instant pudding
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl, add cake mix, oil, eggs, soda, and pudding.  With an electric mixer mix on low until combined and increase to medium speed and mix for two minutes.  Stir in in walnuts and coconut.

Original directions say to pour into a greased and floured 9x13 pan, but I am dividing the batter evenly into two 8" round greased and floured cake pans.

Bake according to baking directions on cake mix box.  Allow to cool completely before frosting.

If you are going to remove cake(s) from pan, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes on a cooling rack and invert the cake onto the cooling rack to finish cooling completely (otherwise cake will stick in pan).


Cover Up Frosting

2 envelopes Dream Whip topping (3 oz. each)
1 3 oz. package pistachio instant pudding
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup shredded coconut
2/3 cup walnuts, chopped

Combine topping with milk in a large mixing bowl.  Beat with a mixer on high until thick.  Spread onto cooled cake and sprinkle with coconut and nuts.

This cake needs to be refrigerated.

I hope you give this cake a try.  It may possibly turn into your favorite cake too!


Watergate cake inside, yum!

Makes awesome cupcakes too!



10 comments:

  1. What an interesting cake! I like the variety of ingredients used in it. Pinned for future reference. Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Mondays! :)

    Julie @ This Gal Cooks

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  2. How fun, I just last week did my Pistachio Cake. Very much a like! Great minds, love the name! New follower from This Gal Cooks. Come on over to http://www.memoriesbythemile.com/
    I am having a giveaway live and my link party is Tuesday's.
    Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

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  3. Loving this cake!!! Of course I am pinning it:) Just dropping in from Lets Get Social Sunday to meet you and follow:) (via GFC)

    Have an awesome day!!

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  4. My Mom used to make the salad for me when I was a kid and it was my favorite. I love the idea of this in a cake. What a great idea, I would not have come up with it. Awesome! I just pinned so I can come back again and again. Thank you for sharing!

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  5. Love the name of the frosting! Stopping by from In and Out of the Kitchen at Feeding Big.

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  6. HA!!! I must be honest - I clicked this post on the In & Out of the Kitchen link up simply because the name was absolutely hilarious! Though now, having actually read the post, the cake looks yummy too. Thanks for making me laugh!

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  7. This looks great! I'm stopping by from Marvelous Monday linky party. I'm hosting a party and hope you will post a few great recipes! http://rediscovermom.blogspot.com/2013/03/tried-and-true-recipe-party-3.html

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  8. I love the name of this cake! I remember Mr. Nixon and this mess well! I think this cake would be fantastic! I love the ingredients!

    Thank you for linking up to the In and Out of the Kitchen party! I am so glad you shared this - looks like it is really popular.

    Cynthia at http://FeedingBig.com

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  9. Love the title. Pinned! Thanks so much for linking up to Two Cup Tuesday at Pint Sized Baker. I look forward to coming back on Monday Night!

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