Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Depression Era Water Pie, you only need a few basic ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons of butter (cut into small pieces)
- A pinch of salt
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before you start, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Pie Dish – To bake your pie.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure out your ingredients accurately.
- Whisk – For mixing the flour and sugar.
- Oven – Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure the edges are crimped or pressed down neatly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This will help to distribute the flour evenly and prevent lumps in the pie.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour 1 1/2 cups of water directly into the pie crust. Sprinkle the flour and sugar mixture evenly over the water. Drizzle the vanilla extract over the top, then dot the surface with the small pieces of butter.
- Bake the Pie: Carefully place the pie in the preheated oven. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes. The pie is done when the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. The filling will firm up as it cools, creating a smooth, custard-like texture. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Tips and Tricks
- Homemade Crust: If you have the time, a homemade pie crust can elevate this simple dessert. However, a store-bought crust works perfectly well and keeps the recipe quick and easy.
- Sugar Adjustments: If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can reduce the sugar by a few tablespoons. The texture will remain the same, but the sweetness will be toned down.
- Butter Quality: Since butter is a key ingredient in this pie, using good-quality butter will enhance the flavor. Unsalted butter is preferred, but if you only have salted butter, you can omit the pinch of salt in the recipe.
How to Store Depression Era Water Pie
Water Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The pie tastes great cold, but you can also let it come to room temperature before serving if you prefer.
Variations on the Recipe
- Cinnamon Sugar Twist: For a hint of spice, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar over the flour and sugar mixture before baking. This will add a warm, comforting flavor to the pie.
- Lemon Water Pie: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the filling for a refreshing citrus twist. It brightens the flavor and adds a subtle tang to the pie.
- Nutmeg Sprinkle: A dash of nutmeg can add depth to the flavor, giving the pie a slightly earthy, aromatic quality.