Depression Era Water Pie
(A frugal, old-fashioned recipe born from hardship—simple, sweet, and surprisingly delicious!)
Why “Water Pie”?
During the Great Depression, families stretched scarce ingredients. This pie uses just water, sugar, and a few pantry staples to create a custard-like filling. It’s a testament to ingenuity in tough times.
Ingredients *(for one 9-inch pie)*
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1 unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
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1 ½ cups water
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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3 tbsp butter, cubed (or margarine, if needed)
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Pinch of salt
(Optional: Sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth.)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust in a pie dish; set aside.
2️⃣ Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk sugar, flour, and salt. Pour into the pie crust.
3️⃣ Add wet ingredients: Slowly pour water and vanilla over the sugar mixture. Do not stir!
4️⃣ Dot with butter: Scatter butter cubes evenly over the top.
5️⃣ Bake: 50–60 minutes, until the top forms a golden crust and the center is slightly jiggly (it will set as it cools).
How It Works
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The flour and sugar sink, forming a caramelized layer on the bottom.
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The water rises, blending with butter to create a sweet, custardy texture.
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The top crisps like a delicate sugar crust.
Serving Tips
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Enjoy warm or cold—plain or with whipped cream or powdered sugar.
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Pair with black coffee for an authentic Depression-era experience.
Why It’s Genius
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Costs pennies to make.
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No eggs or milk (scarce during the Depression).
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Tastes like comfort: A humble reminder of resilience.
“Waste not, want not” never tasted so sweet. 🥧💧
(Try a vinegar pie next—another thrifty Depression-era dessert!)
