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Homemade Depression-Era Water Pie

Mammaw's Depression-Era Water Pie

A nostalgic, budget-friendly vintage pie made with hot water, sugar, flour, butter, and vanilla. Bakes into a sweet, buttery, custard-like dessert.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust
  • 1½ cups hot water
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 5 tablespoons butter cubed

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the unbaked pie crust into a deep-dish pie plate on a rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Pour hot water directly into the crust.
  4. Whisk flour and sugar together in a small bowl.
  5. Sprinkle the flour mixture evenly over the water without stirring.
  6. Drizzle vanilla over the filling.
  7. Distribute butter cubes evenly across the surface.
  8. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
  9. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), shield the crust edges if needed, and bake another 30 minutes.
  10. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until set.
  11. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

Do not stir the filling once the ingredients are layered in the crust. The pie may appear loose when removed from the oven. Allow it to cool and chill fully before slicing.