Watergate Salad Cake
This Pineapple Pistachio Marshmallow Cream Cake is light, creamy, fluffy, and packed with nostalgic dessert flavor. Made with pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows and whipped topping, this easy dessert recipe is perfect for holidays, potlucks, spring gatherings, Easter dessert tables and family celebrations.
If you love vintage dessert recipes, pistachio fluff desserts or easy no bake style cakes, this pineapple pistachio cake is always a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Cake
- Easy dessert recipe with simple ingredients
- Light fluffy texture
- Sweet pineapple and pistachio flavor
- Perfect for holidays and potlucks
- Nostalgic vintage dessert recipe
- Great make-ahead dessert
- Beautiful spring and Easter dessert
What Makes This Dessert So Popular?
Pistachio desserts have been longtime favorites at potlucks and holiday gatherings because of their creamy texture and unique flavor. Combining pistachio pudding with pineapple and marshmallows creates a light fluffy dessert that feels somewhere between a cake, fluff salad, and dessert casserole.
The pineapple keeps the dessert moist and refreshing while the marshmallows add soft sweetness throughout every bite.
This is just one of those classic family recipes people remember eating at holiday dinners growing up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- cake mix
- pistachio pudding mix
- crushed pineapple
- marshmallows
- whipped topping
Ingredient Notes
Pistachio Pudding Mix
Instant pistachio pudding gives this dessert its signature flavor and pale green color while also helping create a creamy fluffy texture.
Crushed Pineapple
Crushed pineapple adds moisture and sweetness while balancing the richness of the pudding and whipped topping.
Marshmallows
Mini marshmallows soften beautifully in the mixture and add extra fluffy sweetness to the dessert.
Whipped Topping
Whipped topping keeps the frosting and filling light airy and easy to spread.
Please note: Making changes to any recipe as written can result in a recipe failure.
Any substitutions or variations listed are simple or tried and true changes that we think will work in this recipe.
Results are not guaranteed.
How to Make Pineapple Pistachio Marshmallow Cream Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare and bake the cake according to package directions. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings or frosting.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a large bowl combine the pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping until creamy and well blended.
Step 3: Frost the Cake
Spread the pistachio marshmallow mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate the cake until fully chilled and set before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Slice and serve cold for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Pistachio Marshmallow Cake
- Chill before serving for the best texture
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting
- Use instant pudding mix for proper consistency
- Fold whipped topping gently to keep the mixture fluffy
- Store refrigerated until ready to serve
Easy Variations
Extra Pistachio Flavor
Top with chopped pistachios for added crunch and flavor.
Coconut Pistachio Cake
Add shredded coconut to the topping mixture for extra texture.
Cherry Pistachio Dessert
Top with maraschino cherries for a classic vintage dessert look.
Holiday Pistachio Cake
Serve this dessert for Easter, Christmas, baby showers or spring brunches.
Perfect Occasions for Pineapple Pistachio Cake
This easy dessert is perfect for:
- Easter dessert tables
- spring parties
- potlucks
- church dinners
- family reunions
- holiday gatherings
- baby showers
- brunch desserts
- vintage recipe parties
It’s especially popular as a nostalgic vintage make ahead dessert recipe.
Storage Tips
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For best results:
- serve chilled
- keep refrigerated until serving
- avoid freezing if possible since the texture may change slightly after thawing
recipe FAQs
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Pineapple Pistachio Marshmallow Cream Cake
Ingredients
- 15 ounce white cake mix that will make two layers
- 3.4 ounces package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 cup water
- 4 large eggs yolks removed
- 4 drops green food coloring optional
For the Pistachio Icing:
- 2 cups milk
- 7 ounces instant pistachio pudding mix
- 8 ounces container whipped cream
To assemble Cake:
- ¾ Watergate Salad + 1/4 cup divided (See recipe)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together until blended. Pour into two prepared 9" cake pans.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until center comes out done. Remove and cool completely on a wire cake rack.
- Once the cakes are cool, start with one cake layer and spread about 3/4 cup of prepared Watergate salad on top of that cake round.
- SPECIAL NOTE: If your watergate salad is runny at all and not thick, add more mini marshmallows before spooning onto the cake. The marshmallows help to absorb the liquid and thicken it up a little more.
- Gently place the other cake on top of the Watergate Salad sandwiching it between the two layers. Press down gently.
- Use a spatula to remove any access watergate salad that is pressed out around the sides.
- Whisk milk and instant pudding about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped cream. Spoon and spread evenly on cooled cake.
- Top the cake with about 1/4 cup of watergate salad, if desired. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
- Refrigerate cake at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled.
I love that you took a retro dish and updated it into a cake! Watergate salad was one of my Mom’s favorite recipes and I know if she were still with us she’d absolutely love this cake!
Watergate cupcakes.. Hearing it for the first time.. These cupcakes look amazing!! Love the colour.. pistachio and pineapple cupcakes sounds awesome and that marshmallow frosting just wow!! ??
Watergate cupcakes.. Hearing it for the first time.. These cupcakes look amazing!! Love the colour.. pistachio and pineapple cupcakes sounds awesome and that marshmallow frosting just wow!! ??
I love that you took a retro dish and updated it into a cake! Watergate salad was one of my Mom’s favorite recipes and I know if she were still with us she’d absolutely love this cake!
I’m really confused 🤔 there’s no pineapple or marshmallows in your recipe?
Hi Patricia, sorry this is confusing. Where the recipe references “to assemble the cake” it calls for actual Watergate Salad with a link to the recipe. That’s where the pineapple and marshmallows are. I hope that helps!