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 tasted water pie at a family gathering, amazed at how something so simple could bring back stories of resilience and creativity from generations past. Bringing it to my own kitchen felt like a delicious connection to history.
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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
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Instructions
- Prepare oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Shape crust:
- Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges as desired
- Add water:
- Pour the water directly into the pie crust
- Combine sugar and flour:
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and flour until thoroughly combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the water in the crust
- Add flavor:
- Drizzle vanilla extract over the top and add a pinch of salt
- Add butter:
- Slice the butter into thin pats and distribute them evenly over the surface
- Bake:
- Carefully transfer the pie to the lower rack of the oven. Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
- Reduce heat:
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center
- Cool:
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing for best texture
Save Sharing water pie at our last family reunion made grandparents smile and prompted stories about cooking during challenging times. It's now a sweet way to celebrate memories together.
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Required Tools
9-inch pie pan, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter). Check store-bought crust for possible egg, dairy, or soy content.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 33 g, Protein 2 g
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Simple yet stunning, water pie is proof that creativity flourishes even when ingredients are few. Enjoy with loved ones for a taste of history and comfort.
Recipe FAQ
- → What texture does Water Pie have?
Water Pie offers a creamy, custard-like filling with a crispy sugary crust when properly chilled and sliced.
- → Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought pie crusts work well, as long as it's unbaked before filling.
- → Can Water Pie be made vegan?
Use plant-based butter and a vegan pie crust to adapt this dish for a vegan-friendly version.
- → Is Water Pie easy to prepare?
Yes, it’s simple and beginner-friendly with straightforward mixing and baking steps, requiring minimal equipment.
- → How should Water Pie be served?
Serve slices chilled, optionally garnished with whipped cream or fresh berries for added flavor and texture.
- → Does Water Pie contain allergens?
Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Check your pie crust packaging for other potential allergens.
