Perfect Graham Cracker Crust
Make the perfect graham cracker pie crust with this easy recipe. Use it for your favorite cream pie or no-bake filling.
A graham cracker crust is easy to make and a great option when you don’t want to make pastry. It’s the perfect crust for a cream pie or no-bake filling, and it can be baked or simply chilled and filled. This version uses about 12 graham crackers, some melted butter, and a bit of sugar.
Whether you’re making a no-bake pie or want to bake the crust for a firmer texture, this recipe is a great option. I use a food processor to make the crumbs, but you can use a rolling pin or buy ready-made graham cracker crumbs.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Quick and simple. Just three ingredients and a few minutes of prep.
Perfect texture. Holds together well and bakes to a golden crisp—or chills firm for no-bake pies.
Adaptable for any dessert. Great with cream pies, cheesecakes, and fruity or frozen fillings.
Ingredient Notes
- Graham cracker crumbs: Use about 12 whole crackers or 1 1/2 cups of fine crumbs.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps bind the crust.
- Melted butter: Binds the crumbs and adds flavor—unsalted or salted both work well.
Steps to Make Perfect Graham Cracker Crust
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the sugar in a bowl until well blended.
- Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and holds together when pressed.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into a 9-inch or 9 1/2-inch pie plate.
- For a baked crust, chill for 15 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Cool before filling.
- For a no-bake crust, chill the pressed crust for at least 2 hours before filling.
Tips for a Perfect Crust
- Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press the crumbs firmly into the pan.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add another tablespoon of melted butter.
- Chill thoroughly before filling to help the crust set properly.
- Use parchment paper to press the crumbs without sticking to your hands.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate: Add 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa and increase the sugar to 1/4 cup.
- Nuts: Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
- Spiced: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or use cinnamon graham crackers.
- Coconut: Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of toasted coconut for tropical flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the crust mixture. Perfect for a pumpkin pie!
Serving Suggestions
- Use for no-bake pies like key lime, chocolate cream, or peanut butter pie.
- Bake before filling for cheesecakes and custard-based pies.
- Pair with creamy fillings such as vanilla, lemon, or banana.
- Layer in a tart pan for a crisp crust with clean edges.
- Top with whipped cream or fruit to complement the crust’s sweetness.
Perfect Graham Cracker Crust
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, fine, approx. 170 grams
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Combine the crumbs with the sugar until well blended.
- Add the melted butter and mix to form crumbs that will hold together. Add a bit more melted butter if too dry.
- Press the crumbs into a 9-inch or 9 1/2-inch pie dish.
For a Baked Crust:
- Chill the crust for 15 minutes while the oven preheats to 350 F.
- Bake the chilled crust for 10 minutes.
For a No-Bake Crust:
- Chill the pie for 2 hours before filling.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
