Save A vintage, surprisingly creamy pie made with pantry staples and minimal dairy, perfect for a light and comforting dessert.
I first made Water Pie after learning about it from my grandmother, who fondly remembered it as a creative solution during lean times. This recipe delivers nostalgia with simple steps and ingredients, bringing a sense of resourcefulness and comfort to the table.
Ingredients
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Store-bought or homemade
- Water: 1 1/2 cups (355 ml)
- All-purpose flour: 7 tablespoons (55 g)
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (28 g), cut into small pieces (use plant-based butter for dairy-free)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Crust:
- Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Evenly sprinkle the dry mixture into the pie crust.
- Add Water:
- Slowly pour water over the dry ingredients in the crust, moisten all flour and sugar.
- Add Butter and Vanilla:
- Do not stir. Dot surface with butter pieces and drizzle vanilla extract over top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), continue baking for 20 minutes, until filling is set around edges but still jiggles slightly in center.
- Cool and Refrigerate:
- Remove pie from oven, cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
Save 
Save Serving Water Pie at family gatherings always sparks conversation and curiosity, especially from anyone who've never tried this comforting dessert. It's become a sweet classic at reunions thanks to its creamy nostalgia and gentle sweetness.
Required Tools
9-inch pie plate, mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (unless using plant-based butter). Double-check crust for any allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 190, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 2 g
Save 
Save Enjoy a chilled slice of Water Pie as a light dessert, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or topped with fresh berries.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What gives water pie its creamy texture?
The creamy texture comes from the flour and sugar mixture combined with water, which sets during baking to create a soft, custard-like filling.
- → Can I make this water pie dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative to keep the pie dairy-free without compromising flavor.
- → How should I bake water pie for best results?
Bake initially at 400°F for 30 minutes, then reduce to 375°F and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the filling sets but remains slightly jiggly in the center.
- → What variations can enhance the flavor?
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling mixture or topping with fresh berries or powdered sugar adds extra depth and brightness.
- → How long should the pie be chilled before serving?
After baking, the pie should cool completely to room temperature and then be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to fully set and develop flavor.