Water pie is a type of pie with a translucent custard filling made primarily from water, along with sugar, flour, butter and sometimes vanilla extract.^[1] The recipe originated in the late 1800s and was also made during the Great Depression.^[2] It experienced a revival during the 2020s amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact.^{[3][4][better source needed]}

Simplified recipes with alternative ingredients, including desserts such as depression cake, were popular throughout history in times when ingredients were scarce or unaffordable.^[5][6] Water pie in particular dates back to the late nineteenth century.^[2] Through versions of the recipe in cookbooks from the Great Depression in the United States, it resurfaced thanks to TikTok users and food blogs in the 2020s, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which highlighted its low cost and simplicity.^[3][7]

The pie is made by adding water mixed with sugar, flour and butter, and sometimes some spice such as vanilla or cinnamon, to a pie crust. The starch in the flour makes the mixture set and thicken, thus acquiring a custard-like consistency.^[1] Soft drinks such as Sprite may be used in place of water.^[8]

• Depression cake – Type of cake commonly made during the Great Depression
• Toast sandwich – Sandwich with toast filling
• Chipped beef – Sliced dried beef product
• Spam – Canned cooked pork meat product
• Betty Crocker – Brand and fictional character

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