The Depression Era Water Pie is one of those fascinating, resourceful recipes that remind us of a time when creativity and simplicity ruled the kitchen. Born out of necessity during the Great Depression, this humble pie uses the most basic ingredients — water, sugar, flour, and butter — yet somehow transforms into a delicious, custard-like dessert with a buttery crust and subtle sweetness. It’s proof that even in hard times, a little ingenuity can still create comfort and joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pie is not only a nostalgic dessert from the past but also a great conversation piece for today. It’s budget-friendly, made with pantry staples, and surprisingly tasty for such a simple list of ingredients. The texture is silky, lightly sweet, and reminiscent of a delicate sugar custard — all without eggs or milk. If you love vintage recipes or enjoy trying something unique, this one’s a must-bake.

Ingredients

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups water

How To Make Depression Era Water Pie

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare (10 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges decoratively. Set aside while you prepare the simple filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling (5 minutes)

Pour 1 ¼ cups of water

directly into the unbaked pie crust.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until well combined. Evenly sprinkle this dry mixture over the water inside the crust — do not stir it.

Continue reading by clicking the ( NEXT 》 ) button below !