Water Pie Great Depression Dessert (Print)

Creamy, vanilla-flavored treat with crisp crust, made from basic pantry staples. Nostalgic and surprisingly simple.

# Ingredients:

→ Pie

01 - 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
02 - 1 1/2 cups water
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges.
03 - Pour 1 1/2 cups water directly into the prepared pie crust.
04 - Combine 3/4 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons flour in a mixing bowl until evenly blended.
05 - Sprinkle sugar-flour mixture over the water in the crust. Drizzle 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and add a pinch of salt.
06 - Cut 4 tablespoons butter into thin pieces and arrange them evenly on top.
07 - Transfer pie to the lower oven rack. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
08 - Reduce temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 20 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is set with a slight jiggle.
09 - Let pie cool completely to room temperature. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal texture before slicing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses basic pantry ingredients
  • Creates creamy texture with minimal effort
02 -
  • This recipe contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter).
  • Check your store-bought pie crust for possible egg, dairy, or soy ingredients if serving to guests with allergies.
03 -
  • Ensure the pie is completely cooled and well chilled for clean slices.
  • Use plant-based butter and vegan crust for a perfectly vegetarian version.