Water Pie Creamy Dessert

Featured in: Sweet Clever Treats

This traditional water pie offers a smooth and creamy texture using basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter. The filling sets softly after baking, resulting in a delicate custard-like dessert that's lightly sweet and comforting. With minimal dairy and an easy preparation, it's ideal for those seeking a simple yet satisfying treat. Optional spices and chilled serving enhance the flavor and experience.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:55:00 GMT
A slice of creamy Water Pie, golden brown, served chilled and ready for a comforting bite. Pin it
A slice of creamy Water Pie, golden brown, served chilled and ready for a comforting bite. | smartyskitchen.com

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

I remember making water pie the first time for my family on a rainy afternoon. Everyone was surprised at how good a dessert could taste with just flour, sugar and water as the base.

Ingredients

  • 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

Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the crust:
Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.
Make the dry filling:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and salt.
Assemble the pie:
Evenly sprinkle the dry mixture into the pie crust.
Add water:
Slowly pour the water over the dry ingredients in the crust, making 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 slice:
Remove from oven and cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Simple ingredients create a velvety texture in this easy, homemade Water Pie, perfect for dessert. Pin it
Simple ingredients create a velvety texture in this easy, homemade Water Pie, perfect for dessert. | smartyskitchen.com

This pie brings back memories of sharing simple treats with loved ones, where creativity mattered more than fancy ingredients.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy if not using plant-based substitute. Remember to check your crust ingredients for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains about 190 calories, 6 g total fat, 34 g carbohydrates and 2 g protein.

Imagine this: a perfect, glistening Water Pie, slightly jiggly, a classic American dessert ready. Pin it
Imagine this: a perfect, glistening Water Pie, slightly jiggly, a classic American dessert ready. | smartyskitchen.com

Try serving water pie chilled, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or topped with berries for a simple, nostalgic finish.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What gives water pie its creamy texture?

The creamy texture comes from the combination of flour, sugar, butter, and water, which bakes into a custard-like filling.

Can I make a dairy-free version?

Yes, substitute plant-based butter for regular butter to keep the creaminess without dairy.

How should I serve water pie?

Water pie is best served chilled or at room temperature, optionally topped with powdered sugar or fresh berries.

Is it necessary to stir the filling before baking?

No, pouring the water over the dry ingredients without stirring helps create the unique texture of the filling.

What spices complement the flavors in water pie?

Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the subtle sweetness and warmth of the pie.

Water Pie Creamy Dessert

A vintage creamy water pie with simple pantry ingredients, perfect for a light and comforting dessert.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
50 min
Overall Time
60 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What 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 (plant-based butter for dairy-free)
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 01

Prepare oven and crust: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.

Step 02

Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in a small bowl.

Step 03

Add dry mixture to crust: Sprinkle the dry mixture evenly over the pie crust.

Step 04

Add water and flavorings: Slowly pour water over the dry ingredients in the crust, moistening all the flour and sugar. Do not stir. Dot butter pieces over the surface and drizzle vanilla extract on top.

Step 05

Bake pie: Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 20 minutes until filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 06

Cool and chill: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. 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 Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten).
  • Contains dairy if butter is not substituted.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 190
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 2 g