Water Pie Great Depression (Printable)

Velvety vanilla filling with a crisp crust creates a nostalgic slice from Depression-era American kitchens.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pie

01 - 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
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 salt

# Cooking Steps:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • Simple to prepare for an easy nostalgic dessert
02 -
  • Use cold butter for the best texture in the filling.
  • Allow extra refrigeration time for clean slices.
03 -
  • Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking for extra flavor.
  • Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream for a modern update.
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