{"id":785,"date":"2025-11-16T13:02:56","date_gmt":"2025-11-16T13:02:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/?p=785"},"modified":"2025-11-16T13:02:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-16T13:02:56","slug":"the-depression-era-dessert-that-tastes-better-than-it-sounds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/?p=785","title":{"rendered":"The Depression Era Dessert That Tastes Better Than It Sounds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"90\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"24\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"4\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1550, 1950, 2350, 2750, 3150, 3550, 3950]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> When it comes to baking, those classic recipes that existed long before you (or even your parents) were born always seem to circle back. This is especially true with Depression-era recipes like wacky cake and peanut butter bread, which are both inexpensive and easy\u2014and not to mention delicious.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re really looking for a recipe that costs pennies to make and seemingly alchemizes out of nothing, however, you need to try water pie.\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-what-is-water-pie\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is Water Pie? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Water pie is a sweet pie made with just six ingredients: water, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, butter, and a pie crust.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Making a pie that requires a mere six ingredients may seem like a fun hack today, but during the Great Depression, water pie was simply a dessert that reflected the circumstances for many Americans. Since water pie doesn&#8217;t require milk or eggs, it allowed people going through hard times to enjoy something sweet without using up valuable and expensive ingredients.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Like other recipes that originated during the Great Depression, water pie stretches a handful of ingredients by turning them into something substantial. These dishes were one of the few foods you could make with limited resources you had. Water pie managed to stick around after the Depression ended, thanks to its low cost and simplicity\u2014a little nostalgia never hurts, either.\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-what-does-water-pie-taste-like\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Does Water Pie Taste Like? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Water pie&#8217;s flavor profile is best described as simply sweet. Since it doesn&#8217;t contain a large amount of ingredients, it isn&#8217;t overbearing or excessively saccharine.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Water pie has a gelatinous texture, so the filling resembles what you&#8217;d find in a chess pie. You can switch up your water pie&#8217;s flavor by using a different-flavored extract, such as lemon, almond, or coconut, or replacing it with apple cider vinegar for a slight apple pie-like taste. You could also use Sprite instead of water.\n<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0-iframe\" class=\"mntl-sc-block-universal-embed--iframe-legacy lazyload\" allowfullscreen=\"false\" frameborder=\"0\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" title=\"tiktok\" data-expand=\"300\" data-src=\"\/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40allrecipes%2Fvideo%2F6964120468458654982&amp;id=mntl-sc-block_19-0-iframe&amp;options=e30%3D&amp;docId=11849668\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-how-to-make-water-pie\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Make Water Pie <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> To make water pie, you&#8217;ll need six ingredients:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>1 1\/2 cups water<\/li>\n<li>1\/4 cup flour<\/li>\n<li>1 cup sugar<\/li>\n<li>2 tsp. vanilla extract<\/li>\n<li>5 tbsp. butter, divided into pats<\/li>\n<li>A pie crust, either store-bought or homemade<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Step 1: Preheat oven. <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Step 2: Prepare your pie crust. <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re using a store-bought pie crust, roll it into a regular nine-inch pie plate. Crimp or trim the edges of excess dough.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re making a pie crust, follow directions of the recipe. Then, roll the crust into a nine-inch pie plate. Crimp or trim the edges.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Step 3: Add water. <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Pour the water into the pie crust.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image--no-theme no-theme figure-landscape figure-high-res\"><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"> <span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Lindsey Hayes<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Step 4: Add flour and sugar. <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> In a separate bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Whisk until well mixed. Sprinkle flour mixture into the water. Do not stir.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image--no-theme no-theme figure-landscape figure-high-res\"><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"> <span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Lindsey Hayes<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Step 5: Add vanilla and butter. <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_45-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Drizzle the vanilla extract into the pie. Place the pats of butter at the top of the mixture so they float.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_47-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image--no-theme no-theme figure-landscape figure-high-res\"><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"> <span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Lindsey Hayes<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Step 6: Bake the pie. <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block allrecipes-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image--no-theme no-theme figure-landscape figure-high-res\"><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"> <span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Lindsey Hayes<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to baking, those classic recipes that existed long before you (or even your parents) were born always seem to circle back. This is especially true with Depression-era recipes like wacky cake and peanut butter bread, which are both inexpensive and easy\u2014and not to mention delicious. If you&#8217;re [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":786,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-785","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kitchen-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=785"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/786"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cupcake.website\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}