Description
Water Pie is a classic Great Depression-era dessert that delivers a surprisingly rich and creamy custard-like filling using simple pantry staples, with water as the main ingredient. This budget-friendly pie features a sweet, buttery filling set within a flaky pie crust, perfect for an easy homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Base
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Crust: Place the unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie pan and crimp the edges to secure it. This will help maintain the shape as the filling cooks.
- Add Water: Pour 1 1/2 cups of water evenly into the prepared pie crust, which forms the base of the filling.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar with 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, mixing thoroughly to blend.
- Assemble Filling: Sprinkle the sugar and flour mixture evenly over the water in the pie crust, distributing it to ensure a consistent sweet filling.
- Season: Drizzle 1 teaspoon vanilla extract over the top of the filling and add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Distribute Butter: Slice 4 tablespoons unsalted butter into small pats and place them evenly over the filling surface for richness.
- Initial Bake: Place the pie on the lower rack of the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes to start setting the filling and crisping the crust.
- Reduce Temperature and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling slightly jiggles but holds together.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pie from the oven, allow it to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up for optimal slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a pre-made pie crust to save time or homemade for better control over flavor and texture.
- Ensure the pie is fully chilled before slicing to allow the custard to set properly.
- Butter should be evenly distributed for an even melt and richness throughout the filling.
- If you prefer, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before baking for added warmth and flavor.
- This pie is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Water Pie, Great Depression Dessert, Classic Pie, Budget Dessert, Easy Pie Recipe
