Water Pie Recipe

Water Pie is the magic trick dessert that proves you don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients to create a sweet, silky, and surprisingly satisfying treat! Born out of the Great Depression, this humble pie transforms water, flour, sugar, and a few staples into a luscious, almost custard-like filling—pure kitchen alchemy that’ll win you over from the first bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This pie is all about the bare essentials and a bit of baking magic. Every ingredient plays a starring role, creating a simple but decadent dessert—with zero fuss. Here’s why you can’t skip a thing:

• 1 9-inch deep-dish pie crust, unbaked: The sturdy, buttery base that holds all that luscious filling together. A deep-dish crust is best so your pie can truly shine!
• 1 1/2 cups water: The star of Water Pie and the surprising hero that brings everything together into a silky custard.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This thickens the filling, turning the humble mixture into sliceable, creamy magic.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the pie and gives the filling its rich, candied finish—don’t be tempted to cut back!
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aromatic depth, transforming basic ingredients into a comforting, homey treat.
• 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 5 pieces: Melts into the pie, lending richness and a glossy, golden finish to every bite.

Variations

This Water Pie is a blank canvas, ready for your creative touches. It’s ultra-adaptable—just swap or add a little something to fit your mood, ingredients on hand, or dietary needs!

• Lemon Water Pie: Swap the vanilla for 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and a little zest for a bright, zippy twist that works wonders.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Crust: Sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar before baking for an old-school cobbler vibe.
• Brown Sugar Swap: Use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper, caramel-like flavor and slight butterscotch feel.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour and a prepared gluten-free crust—easy!

How to Make Water Pie

Step 1: Prep the Pie Crust

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F and set your unbaked, deep-dish pie crust on a baking sheet. The sheet makes transferring your pie in and out of the oven a breeze—plus it’ll catch any deliciously sticky drips that might bubble over.

Step 2: Add the Water

Gently pour 1 ½ cups of water directly into the pie crust. Don’t worry—it’ll look like way too much, but trust the process! This is the secret behind Water Pie’s signature custardy filling.

Step 3: Sprinkle Flour and Sugar

In a small bowl, stir together the flour and sugar. Then, evenly sprinkle this mixture over the water in your crust—no mixing! The magic happens in the oven when everything slowly thickens up.

Step 4: Drizzle the Vanilla and Add Butter

Now, slowly drizzle the vanilla extract all across the surface, letting it seep into every corner. Place your five pats of butter around the top, so as the pie bakes, the butter melts down, flavoring every slice.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pop your pie into the oven and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. After that, reduce the heat to 375°F, cover the edges of the crust to prevent burning if needed, and bake for an extra 30 minutes. The pie will still look loose and watery at first—don’t fret! Let it cool fully, then chill it in the fridge so it sets into that dreamy, scoopable gel.

How to Serve Water Pie

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a snowy finish, or tuck in a dollop of whipped cream—classic, cloud-light, and just sweet enough. For a citrusy punch, a few curls of lemon or orange zest on each slice work wonders.

Side Dishes

Serve Water Pie after a big pot of chicken and dumplings or a bowl of hearty bean soup for the ultimate nostalgic meal. If you’re feeling playful, add fresh berries, stewed apples, or roasted nuts for a little afternoon pie-and-coffee break.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up individual slices on vintage dessert plates, or offer sampler-sized pie “bites” at a potluck. For a showstopper, add a drizzle of caramel or raspberry sauce and edible flowers for a modern, whimsical touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Water Pie stores beautifully! Just cover the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay perfectly sliceable and delicious for up to 3 days—making it a great make-ahead dessert for busy times.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of Water Pie for later. Wrap each piece snugly in a layer of plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture—the filling may be a bit softer but still oh-so-yummy!

Reheating

Water Pie is happiest served cold or at cool room temperature, but if you want a touch of warmth, microwave for 10–15 seconds. Just be gentle—the custardy texture means it can melt quickly!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most magical, and Water Pie is living, delicious proof! If you’re craving a taste of nostalgia, or just want to impress yourself with a pie that does so much with so little, give this recipe a try—you’re in for a sweet little surprise.

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