Water Pie Depression Dessert (Printer View)

Custardy vanilla dessert with crispy crust made from basic pantry staples. Nostalgic, creamy, and easy to prepare.

# What you'll need:

→ 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

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Line a 9-inch pie pan with the unbaked pie crust, crimping the edges as preferred.
03 - Pour 1 1/2 cups water directly into the prepared pie crust.
04 - In a mixing bowl, blend the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour. Sprinkle evenly over the water in the pie crust.
05 - Drizzle vanilla extract across the surface and add a pinch of salt.
06 - Slice unsalted butter into thin pats and arrange evenly atop the filling.
07 - Place the pie on the lower rack of the oven. Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
08 - Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue baking for 20 minutes, until the crust turns golden and the filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
09 - Remove the pie from the oven and cool completely to room temperature. Refrigerate at least 2 hours for optimal slicing and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses basic pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • Creamy and comforting with a crispy crust for texture
02 -
  • This pie is naturally vegetarian but can be made vegan with substitutions
  • Pie filling will firm up as it chills, so allow time for refrigeration before serving
03 -
  • For extra flavor, add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mixture before baking
  • Serve with whipped cream or berries to elevate this humble pie