With only 3-ingredients, our homemade Graham Cracker Crust is a no brainer replacement to the taste-less store-bought alternatives. It takes minutes to make and tastes amazing.
There's no secret I love pie recipes, and a pie is only good as its crust, so be sure to try my Easy Pie Crust and Oreo Pie Crust.
Homemade Graham Cracker Crust is a no-brainer.
Homemade Graham Cracker Crust is a no-brainer.If you have 15 extra minutes, you have time to use a homemade graham cracker crust in your favorite pie recipe. Homemade makes such a difference in taste and texture and the store bought versions are packed with corn syrup and taste like cardboard. You will thank yourself for spending a few extra minutes, with just 3 ingredients!
How to make a Graham Cracker Crust:
Combine: Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl then pour in the melted butter, stirring well to incorporate.
Press the graham cracker mixture into a pie pan, pressing firmly to the bottom and up the sides–I like to use the back of a measuring cup.
Bake: I recommend baking this crust because it binds the butter and sugar together so it stays together. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes then let cool before adding your favorite pie filling.
For a No-Bake option, place it in the fridge for several hours so the butter can harden and hold together This option works for our no-bake cheesecake, for example.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:
To Make Ahead: homemade graham cracker crust will keep in the fridge or at room temperature, 1-2 days in advance.
To Freeze: Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months Thaw completely before using or baking.
Recipe Variations:
- No Graham Crackers: Swap out the graham crackers for vanilla wafers, gingersnaps, wafer cookies, digestive biscuits, crushed cereal (Chex or Cornflakes), or even crushed ice cream cones.
- Vegan Graham Cracker Crust: Buy vegan graham crackers (most brands are) then swap out the butter for a vegan butter or margarine substitute.
- Brown Sugar: The granulated sugar can be swapped for brown sugar. You can use honey, but I recommend using a combination of honey and granulated sugar.
- Other Graham Crackers: Try using cinnamon or chocolate graham crackers.
- Gluten Free: Use gluten free graham cracker crumbs.
Easy Desserts With Graham Cracker Crust:
- Banana Cream Pie
- Key Lime Pie
- No-Bake Cheesecake
- Lemon Cream Pie
- Coconut Cream Pie
- Magic Bars
- Chocolate Cream Pie
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Recipe
Graham Cracker Crust
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs , about 12 full sheets, crushed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 Tablespoons butter , melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl.
- Press into Pan: Pour crumb mixture into an 8" – 9.5" pie pan and use the back of a measuring spoon to press it firmly in the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before filling with your favorite pie.
Notes
Nutrition
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I originally shared this recipe July 2018. Updated November 2020 and November 2024.
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Hi, I tried this crust for an ice cream cake, but froze it instead of baked it, and I have never tasted such a better pastry, thanks for the recipe!
Should I bake the crust first for a frozen dessert?
I’d still suggest baking it first.
Would I double this recipe for a 9×13 pan?
Yes, that should work.
I usually 1½ any pie or cake recipe for a 9×13 pan.
Do I bake my crust then add my cheese cake mix and bake it again with the crust on top?
Yes, pre-bake the crust first.
Do I need to cook the crust if I’m using it for pudding pie?
Yes, you should bake it so it holds together. Enjoy!
I’m making pudding cups and wanted a graham cracker bottom and sprinkle on top is this ok to use for that ??
Yes, definitely.
Can I eliminate sugar altogether or use stivia or honey?
Yes, that would be fine 🙂
But this isn’t from scratch, how can i make this without buying graham crackers? Would flour and cinnamon would do alright.
I don’t make my graham crackers from scratch, but here’s recipe if you’d like to: https://www.dessertfortwo.com/homemade-graham-crackers/
I don’t make my graham crackers from scratch, but here’s recipe if you’d like to: https://www.dessertfortwo.com/homemade-graham-crackers/
I increased butter to 8tbsp. It was too loose otherwise. Other than that, perfect.
Me, too Mike. I thought it might be because I live in the desert of Arizona with humidity in the single digits, and everything is dry!
One more question…
Can this crust be used to make a cheesecake?
Yes, but depending on the size of your spring form pan you may want to double the crust recipe!