Watergate Dessert
Indulge in the retro charm of Watergate Dessert, an easy no-bake treat that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. This vibrant pistachio delight starts with a buttery graham cracker crust, layered with a creamy pistachio pudding mixture, made fluffy with whipped topping and enhanced with sweet, tangy crushed pineapple and crunchy pecans. Finished with a cloud of whipped topping, festive maraschino cherries, and extra pecans, this refreshing dessert is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any gathering in need of a decadent dose of nostalgia. Ready in just 20 minutes (plus chill time), this crowd-pleasing classic is a dreamy combination of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 1 stick Unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 2 3.4-ounce boxes Instant pistachio pudding mix
- 3 cups Milk
- 3 cups Whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- 1 20-ounce can Crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup Chopped pecans
- 10 whole cherries Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Gently fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping to the pudding mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
Add the drained crushed pineapple and chopped pecans to the mixture, folding gently to evenly distribute.
Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
Top the dessert with the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping, spreading it smoothly across the surface.
Garnish with additional chopped pecans and maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5753 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 333.8 g | 428% | |
| Saturated Fat | 200.6 g | 1003% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 313 mg | 104% | |
| Sodium | 4154 mg | 181% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 728.5 g | 265% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.7 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 470.1 g | ||
| Protein | 54.2 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.1 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 1218 mg | 94% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 2628 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
