A humble yet fascinating dessert born during the Great Depression, Water Pie proves that creativity in the kitchen can turn even the simplest ingredients into something comforting and delicious. Made with water, sugar, and a few pantry staples, this old-fashioned pie has a custard-like texture with a sweet, buttery flavor that feels nostalgic and heartwarming. It’s the perfect recipe to remind us of resilience and the art of making more with less.
Ingredients
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1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
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1 ½ cups water
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4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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A pinch of salt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges neatly and set aside.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar until well combined. Slowly add the water and stir gently until smooth. Pour this mixture carefully into the prepared pie crust.
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Evenly dot the top of the mixture with butter pieces, then sprinkle a pinch of salt. Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the filling sets and the top becomes lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. The filling will continue to firm up as it cools. Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Servings
Serves 8
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 245
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 28g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 85mg
Notes
Water Pie was created during the Great Depression when ingredients like milk and eggs were scarce. Bakers used water and flour to thicken the filling, creating a dessert that was both economical and satisfying. The simplicity of the recipe makes it an enduring classic and a symbol of kitchen ingenuity.
Tips
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For added flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the filling before baking.
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Chill the pie for at least 2 hours for a firmer texture before serving.
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Use cold butter to achieve a richer, smoother top layer as it melts during baking.
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A homemade crust will add more flavor, but a ready-made crust works perfectly fine.
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Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries for a modern twist.