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A nostalgic Great Depression recipe made with simple pantry staples — a silky, custard-like dessert that tastes like history and comfort in every bite.

Depression Era Water Pie

A nostalgic Great Depression recipe made with simple pantry staples — a silky, custard-like dessert that tastes like history and comfort in every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
  • 1 ½ cups cold water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter cubed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • - Rimmed baking sheet
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Sharp knife for slicing

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Add unbaked crust to pie dish.
  2. Pour cold water directly into crust.
  3. Whisk sugar, flour, salt; sprinkle over water without stirring.
  4. Top with butter and vanilla.
  5. Bake 30 min at 400°F, then reduce to 375°F and bake 30–35 min more.
  6. Cool 2–4 hours until set. Slice and serve.

Notes

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days.