Water Pie Light Cream

Featured in: Desserts for a Crowd

This vintage water pie offers a surprisingly creamy texture made with simple pantry ingredients and minimal dairy. Featuring a flaky crust filled with a delicate custard-like mixture of flour, sugar, water, butter, and vanilla, it bakes to a soft set with a gentle jiggle at the center. Perfectly light and comforting, this dessert suits vegetarian diets and can be adapted dairy-free using plant-based butter. Chill well before serving for best texture and flavor. Optional spices like cinnamon add warmth, while fresh berries or powdered sugar provide elegant finishing touches.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:51:00 GMT
A slice of Water Pie, creamy filling perfectly set, served with a dusting of powdered sugar. Save It
A slice of Water Pie, creamy filling perfectly set, served with a dusting of powdered sugar. | zetluna.com

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

The first time I baked Water Pie, I was amazed by how a few everyday ingredients came together to create something so luscious and nostalgic. It is the kind of dessert that makes you appreciate resourceful, old-fashioned recipes passed down through generations.

Ingredients

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: 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 small pieces. Use plant-based butter for dairy-free.
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.

Instructions

Prepare the oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange crust:
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.
Add water:
Slowly pour the water over the dry ingredients in the crust. Make sure to moisten all the flour and sugar.
Finish filling:
Do not stir. Dot the surface with butter pieces and drizzle the vanilla extract over the top.
Bake:
Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 20 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges but may still jiggle slightly in the center.
Cool and chill:
Remove from oven and cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Golden-baked Water Pie, a vintage dessert with a perfectly crimped crust, ready to enjoy. Save It
Golden-baked Water Pie, a vintage dessert with a perfectly crimped crust, ready to enjoy. | zetluna.com

Our family often enjoys a slice after Sunday dinner. It is particularly special when topped with a handful of fresh berries and makes everyone smile with its simplicity.

Required Tools

You will need a 9-inch pie plate, mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups, and an oven.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter) unless plant-based alternatives are used. Double check crust for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories 190, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 34 g, Protein 2 g.

Close-up of a cooled Water Pie, showing its custard-like texture, a classic American treat. Save It
Close-up of a cooled Water Pie, showing its custard-like texture, a classic American treat. | zetluna.com

This pie is a true testament to humble ingredients creating comfort. Enjoy slices with loved ones for a taste of sweet nostalgia.

Common Questions About Recipes

What makes water pie creamy without heavy dairy?

Its creamy texture comes from the mixture of flour and sugar combined with water and butter, which sets into a custard-like filling when baked.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Yes, using plant-based butter instead of regular butter allows for a dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess.

How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

The edges should be set firmly while the center jiggles slightly, indicating a tender, custard-like consistency.

Are there any optional flavors to enhance this pie?

A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the subtle sweet filling without overpowering the flavor.

How should the pie be served for best results?

Serve chilled or at room temperature; optionally dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh berries for added freshness.

Water Pie Light Cream

Vintage creamy pie using staples and minimal dairy; light, comforting, and easy to prepare.

Prep Time
10 mins
Time to Cook
50 mins
Overall Time
60 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Desserts for a Crowd

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Output 8 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly

The Ingredients You'll Need

Crust

01 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Filling

01 1 1/2 cups water
02 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
03 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (use plant-based butter for dairy-free)
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F and prepare a 9-inch pie plate by placing the unbaked crust inside and crimping the edges.

Step 02

Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until combined.

Step 03

Assemble filling in crust: Evenly sprinkle the dry mixture over the pie crust, then slowly pour the water over it ensuring all dry ingredients are moistened without stirring.

Step 04

Add butter and vanilla: Dot the surface with the pieces of unsalted butter and drizzle the vanilla extract evenly on top.

Step 05

Bake initial phase: Place the pie in the oven and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.

Step 06

Bake final phase: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the filling is set around the edges but slightly jiggles in the center.

Step 07

Cool and chill: Remove the pie from the oven, let it cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat (gluten).
  • Contains dairy (butter) unless substituted with plant-based alternative.
  • Verify crust ingredients for allergens.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 190
  • Fats: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 34 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams