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Water Pie Recipe

By: Author Austin Carter

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If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past, Water Pie is your answer. Rooted in Depression-era America, this recipe is a beautiful blend of necessity and creativity.

With just a handful of simple ingredients—most of which you likely have on hand—Water Pie transforms into a comforting treat that’s both intriguing and nostalgic.

This pie marries the best of custard and pie with its smooth, creamy texture nestled in a flaky crust. The understated elegance of Water Pie shines through with its delicate hint of vanilla and light sweetness.

It’s a testament to how basic ingredients can come together to create something truly delightful.

Why I Love This Recipe?

  • Comfort in Every Slice: It’s a humble pie that’s great for everyday enjoyment or for impressing guests with its unique flavor and history.
  • A Nostalgic Touch: My grandmother used to make Water Pie during the lean years, and each bite reminds me of her creativity and resilience.
  • Easy Ingredients: With just water, sugar, butter, and flour, it’s perfect for those days when you want to whip up something simple yet satisfying.
  • Versatile Delight: I’ve added a dash of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for a personal twist, and it’s always met with smiles.
Water Pie Recipe {A Classic from The Great Depression}

Water Pie Recipe

This nostalgic Water Pie is a simple, comforting dessert with a creamy filling and buttery crust. Perfect for any sweet craving!
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Chilling Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 310kcal
Author: Austin Carter
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Pie Dish
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Oven
  • Aluminum foil or pie crust shield

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • Perfect Pie Crust unbaked
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp. cider vinegar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 6 tbsp cold butter cut into thin slices

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Pour water into the Perfect Pie Crust. Drizzle vanilla and vinegar over the water.
  • Mix sugar, flour, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the water mixture in the crust.
  • Place cold butter slices on top.
  • Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Shield the pie crust, reduce oven temperature to 375°F, and bake for another 30 minutes.
  • Remove the pie from the oven (filling will be watery). Cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
  • Loosely cover the pie and refrigerate until fully set, about 8 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 190mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g
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Tips that Are Bliss!

  • Par-Bake the Crust: Don’t skip par-baking the pie crust. This step ensures the crust won’t be soggy on the bottom as the filling won’t seep through.
  • Use Warm Water: For best results, use warm water in the filling. This helps it blend properly with the flour.
  • Butter Placement: Although it may look odd, place the butter on top of the filling, not inside it.
  • Check for Doneness: When the pie is done, it should have a slight jiggle in the middle but not be too watery. If it moves too much, cook it for a few more minutes.
  • Proper Cooling: Cooling the pie properly is crucial. It needs to be set fully before being cut into individual slices.

What to Serve with Water Pie?

What to Serve with Water Pie

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