What’s the Best Way to Serve Water Pie?

It’s best enjoyed at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Can You Add Spices or Flavorings?

Absolutely! Many people add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or citrus zest to enhance the pie’s flavor.

Is Water Pie Supposed to Be Jiggly?

Yes! The filling sets as it cools , so a slight jiggle is normal when it comes out of the oven.

How Long Does Water Pie Last?

It lasts 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer when stored properly.

Why Did People Eat Water Pie?

During the Great Depression , people lacked access to milk, eggs, and cream , so they created this pie using only water and pantry staples .

Can You Make Water Pie Without Butter?

Yes, but the flavor will be different. A plant-based butter alternative can be used for a dairy-free version.

What Does Water Pie Taste Like?

Water pie is mildly sweet with a buttery, custard-like texture . It has a soft consistency and a slightly caramelized top layer.

Water Pie: The Great Depression Dessert That’s Making a Comeback

Description

Water pie is a fascinating dessert born out of necessity during the Great Depression. Made with just a handful of pantry staples—water, sugar, flour, and butter—this humble pie transforms into a delicate, custard-like treat with a buttery sweetness. Despite its simple ingredients, water pie delivers a comforting taste reminiscent of chess pie or sugar pie. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, looking for a budget-friendly dessert, or just curious about old-fashioned baking, this water pie recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade)
1 ½ cups water (room temperature)
¾ cup white granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pats)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (205°C).
Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Roll out your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Do not pre-bake the crust.
Add Water to the Crust:
- Pour 1 ½ cups of water directly into the crust. It may seem odd, but trust the process!
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the water in the pie crust. Do not stir.
Add Butter and Vanilla:
- Place the butter pats evenly over the surface of the pie.
- Drizzle vanilla extract over the top if using.
Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the pie is golden brown and slightly firm.
Cool Completely:
- The filling will be jiggly when removed from the oven but will set as it cools.
- Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

💡 Expert Baking Tips:
✔ Use a glass pie dish to monitor the crust as it bakes.
✔ The pie should have a slight jiggle in the center when removed from the oven.
✔ Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow it to set properly.

🎭 Fun Variations to Try:
🔸 Brown Sugar Water Pie – Swap white sugar for brown sugar to create a caramelized flavor.
🔸 Spiced Water Pie – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting taste.
🔸 Lemon Water Pie – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
🔸 Chocolate Water Pie – Mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the flour for a mild chocolate taste.

❄ How to Store Water Pie:

Room Temperature: Cover loosely with foil and store for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: ~220
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 1g