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Water Pie Custard Crust

Featured in: Sweet Whispers

This classic dessert delivers a delicate vanilla flavor and creamy custard-like texture, all nestled in a crisp, sugary crust. Made with everyday ingredients—unbaked pie crust, water, flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla—it’s remarkably simple yet surprisingly satisfying. The custard filling forms as the mixture bakes, becoming sliceable after a thorough chill. Enjoy this effortlessly classic treat as-is, or elevate with fresh fruit or whipped cream. Customizable for vegan diets and adaptable with warm spices, Water Pie is a nostalgic favorite for its charm and ease.

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Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:56:00 GMT
Creamy water pie with buttery crust, a nostalgic dessert from the Depression era. Save
Creamy water pie with buttery crust, a nostalgic dessert from the Depression era. | butterhollow.com

A nostalgic dessert from the Great Depression era, water pie transforms simple pantry staples into a surprisingly creamy, custard-like treat with a delicate vanilla flavor and crisp, sugary crust.

I discovered water pie while searching for simple desserts with a long history. Trying it for the first time, I was amazed at how just water, sugar, and butter can create such a comforting, old-fashioned treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: store-bought or homemade
  • 1 1/2 cups water: room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: sliced into thin pats
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar: adds sweetness
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: for thickening
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: brings flavor
  • Pinch of salt: balances flavors

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Pie Crust:
Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges as desired.
Add Water:
Pour the water directly into the pie crust.
Mix and Sprinkle Dry Ingredients:
In a small mixing bowl, stir together sugar and flour until thoroughly combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the water in the crust.
Add Flavorings:
Drizzle vanilla extract over the top and add a pinch of salt.
Add Butter:
Distribute sliced butter evenly over the surface.
Bake:
Transfer pie to the lower oven rack. Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Adjust Temperature and Continue Baking:
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 20 minutes, until the crust is golden and filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
Cool and Serve:
Remove from oven, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing for best texture.
Deliciously baked water pie topped with a golden crust and subtle vanilla aroma. Save
Deliciously baked water pie topped with a golden crust and subtle vanilla aroma. | butterhollow.com

This pie became a favorite during family gatherings, sparking stories from grandparents about growing up in tough times yet enjoying sweet treats made from very little.

Required Tools

9-inch pie pan, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, oven

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Store-bought pie crust may also contain egg or soy.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 2 g per serving

Satisfying slices of water pie, showcasing a custard-like filling and crisp edges. Save
Satisfying slices of water pie, showcasing a custard-like filling and crisp edges. | butterhollow.com

Enjoy a slice of this humble pie as a sweet tribute to creative cooking. A touch of whipped cream or berries gives it a special finish.

Water Pie Custard Crust

Creamy vanilla filling and crisp crust combine for a nostalgic, easy-to-make Depression-era American dessert.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat duration
50 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

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 of salt

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F and allow to preheat fully.

Phase 02

Prepare Pie Shell: Fit the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, shaping or crimping edges as preferred.

Phase 03

Add Water: Pour water directly into the pie crust, ensuring even distribution.

Phase 04

Mix Sugar and Flour: Combine granulated sugar and all-purpose flour in a mixing bowl until uniform. Sprinkle the mixture evenly across the water in the crust.

Phase 05

Season and Add Butter: Drizzle vanilla extract over the filling and add a pinch of salt. Cut unsalted butter into thin pats and arrange evenly over the surface.

Phase 06

Bake Initial Stage: Set pie pan on oven’s lower rack. Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F until crust starts to turn golden.

Phase 07

Finish Baking: Reduce temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 20 minutes, until crust is deep golden and filling is mostly set, retaining a gentle jiggle at the center.

Phase 08

Cool and Chill: Withdraw pie from oven and allow to cool entirely to room temperature. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, ensuring proper set before cutting.

Kitchen tools needed

  • 9-inch pie pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter); verify pie crust for egg, dairy, or soy if store-bought.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 2 g