🥧 Depression Era Water Pie – Simple, Sweet, & Nostalgic

Introduction:
This classic Depression-era dessert is proof that simple ingredients can create something surprisingly delicious. With a lightly sweet custard-like filling made mostly from water, sugar, and a few pantry staples, it’s comforting, budget-friendly, and full of nostalgia.

Yields: 6–8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cooling Time: 2–3 hours

Ingredients:

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

  • 1½ cups cold water

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 4 tbsp butter, cubed

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make:

  1. Prepare the Base: