Water Pie Creamy Pantry

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

This classic Water Pie features a surprisingly creamy filling made from simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, and water. The mixture settles into a tender crust and bakes to a delicate custard-like texture that's both light and comforting. Butter and vanilla add subtle richness and aroma, while the preparation remains straightforward and quick. Perfect chilled or at room temperature, it's a vintage dessert that's easy to enjoy anytime.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:07:00 GMT
A just-baked Water Pie, with a creamy, jiggly center and golden crust, ready to serve cold. Save
A just-baked Water Pie, with a creamy, jiggly center and golden crust, ready to serve cold. | bakozy.com

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

The first time I made Water Pie, I was amazed by how a handful of basic ingredients could produce such a nostalgic and comforting dessert. It quickly became a go-to treat for potlucks and afternoons when I wanted something sweet without a complicated process.

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:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
Prepare Crust:
Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt
Fill Pie:
Evenly sprinkle the dry mixture into the pie crust
Add Water:
Slowly pour water over the dry ingredients in the crust, making sure to moisten all the flour and sugar. Do not stir
Add Butter & Vanilla:
Dot the surface with butter pieces and drizzle vanilla extract over the top
Bake:
Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake another 20 minutes until filling is set around the edges but still jiggles slightly in the center
Cool:
Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing
The simple ingredients of Water Pie create a surprisingly rich and comforting, vintage dessert, delicious! Save
The simple ingredients of Water Pie create a surprisingly rich and comforting, vintage dessert, delicious! | bakozy.com

This pie reminds me of family gatherings at my grandmother's house, where creative desserts made with simple ingredients always brought everyone to the table with a smile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Try sprinkling with powdered sugar or topping with fresh berries to add a special touch.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (unless using plant-based butter). Always double-check crust ingredients for additional allergens.

Required Tools

For best results, use a 9-inch pie plate, mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, and your oven.

Cooling the delicate, custardy Water Pie after baking enhances its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Save
Cooling the delicate, custardy Water Pie after baking enhances its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. | bakozy.com

This simple Water Pie proves that delicious desserts don't have to be complicated. Try it next time you crave a creamy treat made from everyday ingredients.

Recipe FAQ

What gives the pie its creamy texture?

The combination of flour and water gently bakes into a smooth, custard-like consistency, enhanced by butter and vanilla for richness.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute plant-based butter for the unsalted butter to keep it dairy-free without compromising flavor.

How should the pie be served?

Water Pie can be served chilled or at room temperature, and pairs well with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries.

Is the crust homemade or store-bought?

Either works well; a 9-inch unbaked pie crust can be store-bought or homemade based on your preference.

Can I add spices for extra flavor?

Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the dry ingredients to enhance the flavor profile subtly.

Water Pie Creamy Pantry

Light and creamy dessert using basic pantry staples and a tender crust.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
50 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

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 optional)
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Phase 02

Prepare crust: Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Assemble filling: Evenly sprinkle the dry mixture into the pie crust.

Phase 05

Add water: Slowly pour the water over the dry ingredients in the crust, ensuring all flour and sugar are moistened without stirring.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Initial bake: Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Phase 08

Continue baking: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake an additional 20 minutes until the filling sets around edges but remains slightly jiggly in center.

Phase 09

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten); contains dairy if traditional butter is used.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 190
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 2 g