Water Pie Creamy Light Dessert

A vintage, surprisingly creamy pie made with pantry staples and minimal dairy, perfect for a light and comforting dessert.

I first discovered water pie when searching for a fuss-free dessert that could be whipped up with little preparation and basic ingredients, and it quickly became a go-to treat in my kitchen.

Ingredients

• Unbaked pie crust: 1 (9-inch) (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 pieces (use plant-based butter for dairy-free)
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Instructions

Prepare for baking:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Form the base:

Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.

Mix dry ingredients:

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

Add dry mixture to crust:

Evenly sprinkle the dry mixture into the pie crust.

Moisten the filling:

Slowly pour the water over the dry ingredients in the crust, making sure to moisten all the flour and sugar. Do not stir.

Add butter and vanilla:

Dot the surface with butter pieces and drizzle the vanilla extract over the top.

Bake the pie:

Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 20 minutes, until the filling is set around edges but may still jiggle slightly in the center.

Cool and chill:

Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Save

Sharing a slice of this comforting pie always brings back memories of cozy family nights and the joy of simple treats around the table.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter) unless substituted. Check crust ingredients for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 190 calories, 6 g total fat, 34 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein

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Serve your water pie chilled or at room temperature and enjoy its gentle sweetness with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives water pie its creamy texture?

The creamy texture comes from the combination of flour, sugar, water, and butter baking together to create a custard-like filling.

→ Can I make a dairy-free version of the pie?

Yes, simply substitute unsalted butter with plant-based alternatives to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.

→ How should I serve water pie for best taste?

Water pie is best served chilled or at room temperature, and can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries.

→ Is it necessary to stir the filling before baking?

No, the filling should not be stirred once water is poured over the dry ingredients to maintain the pie's unique texture.

→ What variations can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mixture before baking to introduce warm, aromatic notes.