Depression Era Water Pie

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🥧 Depression Era Water Pie 💧

The **Depression Era Water Pie** is one of those fascinating, resourceful recipes that remind us of a time when creativity and simplicity ruled the kitchen. Born out of necessity during the Great Depression, this humble pie uses the most basic ingredients — water, sugar, flour, and butter — yet somehow transforms into a delicious, custard-like dessert with a buttery crust and subtle sweetness. It’s proof that even in hard times, a little ingenuity can still create comfort and joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • **Nostalgic** dessert and a great conversation piece.
  • **Budget-friendly**, made with pantry staples.
  • **Surprisingly tasty** for such simple ingredients.
  • Texture is **silky, lightly sweet**, and reminiscent of a delicate sugar custard—all **without eggs or milk**.

Prep Time: 17 mins |
Cook Time: 1 hr |
Total Time: 1 hr 17 mins |
Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

  • 1 (9-inch) **unbaked pie crust** (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 tablespoons **unsalted butter** (cold)
  • 1 cup **granulated sugar**
  • 3 tablespoons **all-purpose flour**
  • 1 teaspoon **vanilla extract**
  • ¼ teaspoon **salt**
  • 1 ¼ cups **water**

How To Make Depression Era Water Pie

  1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to **400°F (204°C)**. Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges decoratively.
  2. **Make the Filling Base:** Pour **1 ¼ cups of water** directly into the unbaked pie crust. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until well combined. **Evenly sprinkle** this dry mixture over the water inside the crust — **do not stir it**.
  3. **Add Flavor Boosters:** Cut the cold butter into small cubes and scatter them evenly over the sugar mixture. Drizzle **vanilla extract** over the top.
  4. **Bake the Pie:** Place the pie carefully into the preheated oven. Bake at **400°F (204°C)** for **30 minutes**, then **reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C)** and continue baking for another **30 minutes**. The filling should be set, and the crust golden brown.
  5. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the pie from the oven and let it **cool completely** on a wire rack. This step is **essential** for the filling to firm up and achieve that lovely, custard-like consistency. Once fully cooled, slice and serve.

Cook’s Notes & Serving Ideas

  • **Add a touch of spice:** For a warm twist, sprinkle a little **cinnamon or nutmeg** into the dry ingredients before baking.
  • **Avoid spills:** To make transferring the pie easier, place your pie dish on a **baking sheet** before placing it in the oven.
  • **Serving idea:** This pie is best enjoyed as-is, topped with a light dusting of **powdered sugar**, or a dollop of **whipped cream**.

A Slice of History

Water Pie might sound strange by today’s standards, but it’s a **testament to the resilience and resourcefulness** of home cooks during the Great Depression. When ingredients like milk, eggs, and cream were hard to come by, families still found ways to create something sweet to share. It’s simple, comforting, and a delicious reminder that sometimes, the best desserts come from the humblest beginnings.

Would you like to explore more **vintage recipes** from the Great Depression era?

 

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