Watergate Pie - Master Cookbook Recipe # 487

Name: Watergate Pie - Master Cookbook Recipe # 487
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3.4 oz. Pistachio instant pudding mix; 8 oz. can Crushed pineapple (with juice); 8 oz. Cool Whip topping (divided); 1/2 cup Chopped pecans (divided); 10 Maraschino cherries (chopped, plus extra for garnish); 1/2 cup Sour cream (optional, for extra tang); Mini marshmallows (for topping); 1/4 tsp Salt; 1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust (Master Cookbook Recipe # 452)

Watergate Pie is a colorful, nostalgic Southern classic that brings a playful pop of green to any table. This no-bake delight features a creamy pistachio filling loaded with juicy pineapple, crunchy toasted pecans, and sweet maraschino cherries. It’s a fluffy, refreshing dessert that is perfect for potlucks or family reunions, offering a unique blend of textures and a beautiful presentation that always starts a conversation.

This is recipe #487 in Tammy’s Master Cookbook.

Prep time: 15 minTotal time: 15 min Chill Time: 12 hrs

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Ingredients

3.4 oz. Pistachio instant pudding mix
8 oz. can Crushed pineapple (with juice)
8 oz. Cool Whip topping (divided)
1/2 cup Chopped pecans (divided)
10 Maraschino cherries (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
1/2 cup Sour cream (optional, for extra tang)
Mini marshmallows (for topping)
1/4 tsp Salt
1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust (Master Cookbook Recipe # 452)

Instructions

Toast the Nuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Toast whole pecans for 5 minutes until fragrant, then chop them finely.
Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the pistachio pudding mix, crushed pineapple with its juice, salt, and sour cream. Stir thoroughly until well combined.
Fold in Goodies: Gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries, half of your toasted pecans, and half of the Cool Whip topping.
Assemble: Pour the green pistachio mixture into your graham cracker pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Garnish: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top. Decorate with the remaining pecans, a handful of mini marshmallows, and a few whole cherries for a festive look.
Chill: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the pie for several hours or, ideally, overnight before serving cold.

Notes

Tammy's Tips: Toasting your pecans is a small step that makes a huge difference, as it brings out a deep, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pudding. I always recommend making this pie a full day in advance because it allows the flavors to meld together and the crust to soften just slightly for the perfect bite. If you want a truly authentic "Watergate" experience, don't skimp on the marshmallows, as they add that signature fluffy texture everyone loves!