Save A nostalgic dessert from the Great Depression era, water pie transforms simple pantry staples into a surprisingly creamy, custard-like treat with a delicate vanilla flavor and crisp, sugary crust.
I first made water pie as a way to connect with the resourcefulness of past generations and was amazed by how such humble ingredients created a comforting dessert that my friends and family loved.
Ingredients
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Store-bought or homemade
- Water: 1 1/2 cups
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
- All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: Pinch
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow to fully preheat.
- Prepare crust:
- Fit an unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie pan, crimping edges if desired.
- Add water:
- Pour water directly into the crust.
- Combine sugar and flour:
- Mix sugar and flour together in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the water in the crust.
- Add flavorings:
- Drizzle vanilla extract, add a pinch of salt, and distribute butter slices evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Place pie on lower oven rack and bake for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Lower heat and finish baking:
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake 20 minutes more until crust is golden and filling is set with a slight jiggle.
- Cool and chill:
- Remove from oven, cool completely to room temperature, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Save My grandmother used to tell stories about making water pie during tough times. Sharing a slice after dinner always sparks conversations about resourcefulness in our family.
Required Tools
You'll need a 9-inch pie pan, mixing bowl, measuring cups, spoons, and an oven for this recipe.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Check store-bought crusts for egg, dairy, or soy.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Each slice provides 210 calories, 8 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save Enjoy water pie chilled for maximum creaminess. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for a touch of elegance.
Cooking Guide
- → Why is water used in this pie?
Water reacts with flour and sugar to create a creamy, custard-like texture once baked, making it a unique dessert.
- → How can I achieve a crisp, golden crust?
Bake the pie on the lower oven rack and watch for the crust to turn golden while the filling sets with a gentle jiggle.
- → Is it possible to make this pie vegan?
Swap out the butter and use a plant-based crust to create a fully vegan version with excellent results.
- → What can I serve with water pie?
Enhance each slice with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- → How long should the pie cool before slicing?
Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours for optimal texture and clean slices.
- → Can store-bought crust be used?
Yes, a store-bought 9-inch pie crust works perfectly and saves preparation time compared to homemade crusts.