Tillie Doyle
The Watergate cake is a pistachio-flavoured dessert that has been around since the 1970s. The cake is typically made with boxed cake mix, instant pistachio pudding mix, and soda, and is topped with a creamy whipped frosting. While the cake is usually baked in a 9 x 13-inch pan, some recipes suggest using a bundt pan or an aluminum foil pan. The cake can also be made in a sheet cake form.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan size | 9 x 13 inches |
| Pan type | Baking pan/sheet cake |
| Pan material | Aluminium foil, glass or metal |
| Oven temperature | 350°F |
| Baking time | 25-40 minutes |
| Cooling time | 1.5 hours |
| Refrigeration time | 1 day to 1 week |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients
The ingredients for a Watergate cake are simple and can be found at most grocery stores. The cake itself is a pistachio, pecan, and coconut dessert, and the recipe can be adapted to suit dietary requirements.
Firstly, you will need a boxed cake mix. This can be a white or yellow cake mix, depending on the colour and flavour you want. White cake mix will ensure a more vibrant green pistachio colour. You can also use a sugar-free cake mix if you prefer.
Next, you will need an instant pistachio pudding mix. This is what gives the cake its distinctive green colour and flavour. You can use a 3.4-ounce box or a 1-ounce box of the sugar-free version. The pudding mix is added to both the batter and the frosting.
You will also need eggs, oil, and a carbonated beverage. The carbonated beverage acts as a leavening agent and helps the cake rise. You can use 7Up, Sprite, club soda, ginger ale, or carbonated water. Some recipes also call for milk, which is added to the frosting.
Finally, for the topping, you will need whipped cream or Cool Whip, and chopped pecans. You can also add coconut to the frosting for extra flavour and texture.
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Recipe
Watergate cake is a pistachio-flavoured cake with a fluffy, whipped frosting. It is believed to have originated in the 1970s and takes its name from the Watergate break-in scandal of 1972.
The cake is made by combining a cake mix, instant pistachio pudding mix, eggs, oil, and a carbonated drink such as 7Up, Sprite, or ginger ale. The carbonation in these drinks is said to activate the ingredients in the mix, resulting in a fluffy texture. Some recipes also call for the addition of pecans and coconut flakes to the batter for extra flavour and texture.
To make the Watergate cake in a regular pan, follow these steps:
Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter and set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, pudding mix, eggs, and carbonated drink. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture, starting on low speed for about 30 seconds, and then increasing to medium speed for 3-4 minutes. Remember to scrape the sides of the bowl regularly.
At this point, you can fold in the pecans and coconut if you wish to include them. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and place it in the oven.
Bake the cake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, combine the pudding mix, whipping cream, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. You can also add some green food colouring to the frosting if desired.
Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and coconut flakes, if desired.
Your Watergate cake is now ready to serve! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it is best enjoyed within three days as the quality of the frosting may start to decline.
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Frosting
Watergate cake is typically frosted with a creamy, whipped topping. The frosting is made using instant pistachio pudding mix, milk, and whipped cream. The pudding mix and milk are combined and mixed with an electric mixer until thickened, then the whipped cream is folded in. This frosting is then spread over the cooled cake.
The pistachio pudding mix in the frosting complements the pistachio pudding mix in the cake batter, intensifying the pistachio flavour. The whipped cream makes the frosting light and fluffy, and easier to spread than plain pudding.
Some variations on the recipe include using Dream Whip or heavy cream instead of whipped cream, or adding a few drops of green food colouring. The cake can also be garnished with chopped pecans, coconut, or maraschino cherries.
The frosting should not be added until the cake has completely cooled, otherwise it will melt. It is also recommended that the cake is refrigerated after frosting, and it will keep for up to a week.
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Baking time and temperature
The baking temperature for a Watergate cake is consistent across sources, with all sources recommending a temperature of 350°F.
The baking time varies slightly depending on the source. Some sources recommend baking the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, while others suggest 35 to 40 minutes. One source recommends baking for 25 to 30 minutes, while another suggests 30 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick or wooden pick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Therefore, it is recommended to check the cake after 30 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.
It is important to note that the baking time may vary depending on the type of pan used. For example, one source mentions that using a foil pan may require a few extra minutes of baking time. Additionally, the oven temperature may vary slightly, which can also affect the baking time.
Once the cake is done, it is crucial to let it cool completely before frosting. The cooling time can take about 1 hour to 1 and a half hours. The cake can be cooled in the pan on a wire rack.
Some sources also recommend storing the cake in the refrigerator after it has been frosted. It can be stored for up to one week in the refrigerator, and the cake's flavour improves over time.
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Storing
If your cake has been frosted, it must be stored in the refrigerator. It will last up to six days, but the quality of the frosting may start to decline before then. It's best to use up frosted Watergate cake within three days. The frosting won't harden in the refrigerator, so wrapping the cake in plastic wrap isn't a good idea. Instead, use a flipped food storage container for individual slices.
You can make the frosting up to two days ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Stir it to loosen it before spreading it over the cake.
Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for four to six days.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can make a Watergate cake in a regular pan. The cake is typically baked in a 9 x 13-inch pan, but you can also use a bundt pan or a foil pan.
You should bake a Watergate cake at 350°F.
Bake the cake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
You can use 7Up, Sprite, ginger ale, or a similar carbonated drink in a Watergate cake.
Yes, you can add pineapple to a Watergate cake. You can also use other ingredients like applesauce instead of oil and sugar-free cake mix and pudding mixes.
