Water Pie Great Depression Dessert (Print)
Creamy vanilla pie with crisp crust, made simply from pantry staples of the Great Depression era.
# Components:
→ Pie Filling
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 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - Press the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges.
03 - Pour 1 1/2 cups water directly into the prepared pie crust.
04 - In a mixing bowl, blend 3/4 cup sugar with 3 tablespoons flour until evenly mixed.
05 - Sprinkle the sugar-flour mixture evenly over the water in the pie shell.
06 - Drizzle 1 teaspoon vanilla extract across the surface and add a pinch of salt.
07 - Slice 4 tablespoons butter into thin pats. Distribute evenly on top of the filling.
08 - Set pie on lower oven rack. Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F.
09 - Lower oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is softly set.
10 - Remove pan from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Uses simple pantry staples
- Creamy vanilla filling with sugary crust
02 -
- This pie sets as it cools and may look loose in the oven
- Check store-bought crusts for possible allergens including egg, dairy, or soy
03 -
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of spice
- Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries for a modern twist