1. Prepare the Pie Crust:  

– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

– Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for decoration.

– Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.

2. Mix the Filling: 

– In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar and flour until evenly combined.

– Gradually add the water to the dry mixture, stirring until smooth.

– Add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

3. Assemble the Pie: 

– Pour the water mixture into the prepared pie crust.

– Evenly distribute the small pieces of butter on top of the filling.

– If desired, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

4. Bake the Pie:

– Place the pie dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven.

– Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling has set (it should jiggle slightly in the center).

5. Cool and Serve:  

– Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

– The filling will continue to firm up as it cools. For best results, refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving.

6. Optional Toppings:  

– Serve plain or garnish with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel for added indulgence.