Description
Discover the magic of Water Pie, a Depression-era dessert that proves simple pantry staples can create a surprisingly custardy and delicious pie. This recipe is perfect for anyone curious about old-fashioned, budget-friendly baking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 recipe for a standard pie crust (enough for a double-crust pie)
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your pie crust according to your favorite recipe and line a 9-inch pie plate with one crust. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the water until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Pour the water mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter.
- Place the top crust over the filling and crimp the edges to seal. Cut vents in the top crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
- Stir in the vanilla extract just before serving or drizzle over individual slices.
Notes
- The water pie filling will seem very thin before baking, but it will set into a custard-like texture as it cools.
- Ensure the pie is completely cooled before slicing to achieve the best texture.
- Feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal (will vary based on crust recipe)
- Sugar: Approximately 45-55g
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200mg
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3-5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 7-10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
- Protein: Approximately 2-3g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 5-10mg