Graham Cracker Crumble Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, versatile dessert topper that instantly transforms any treat into something extraordinary, look no further than Graham Cracker Crumble. This delightful mix of golden, buttery crumbs is a nostalgic nod to childhood s’mores, yet sophisticated enough to elevate everything from silky puddings to ice cream sundaes. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and a whisper of cinnamon, making it irresistible for snacks or special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples can turn into something so utterly addictive. Every ingredient here serves a purpose—the buttery richness, the sweet crystal crunch, and that subtle hint of spice all come together to create the famous Graham Cracker Crumble texture and flavor.

• Graham crackers: These are the heart and soul of the crumble, offering that classic flavor and perfect crunch—crush them roughly for the best texture.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds everything together and delivers luscious richness in every bite.
• Sugar (granulated, or light/dark brown): Adds the right amount of sweetness, while brown sugar will bring a gentle caramel touch.
• Vanilla extract (optional): Just a splash gives the crumble a warm, bakery-style aroma that feels oh-so-homey.
• Ground cinnamon (optional): For a subtle spice kick that perfectly complements the graham crackers—totally optional, but highly recommended!
• Kosher or fine sea salt: A little salt sharpens the sweetness and brings all the flavors to life.

How to Make Graham Cracker Crumble

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F—this temperature is ideal for crisping the crumble without burning it. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this step is a lifesaver because it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Combine your crushed graham crackers, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Stir everything together so the flavors start to mingle. Pour the melted butter over the mixture, drizzle in vanilla (if using), and give it a good toss so every piece is slicked with buttery bliss. It should smell positively heavenly already!

Step 3: Bake the Crumble

Scatter the crumb mixture evenly across your prepared pan. Try not to press it down—you want some pebbly bits for that signature texture. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning (10 minutes hits the sweet spot for most ovens). The Graham Cracker Crumble will be soft when it comes out, but don’t worry—it transforms into irresistible crispiness as it cools.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Let the crumble cool completely on the baking sheet. Once it’s at room temperature, break up any larger clumps with your fingers or a spoon. The final step is the hardest: waiting before digging in! Store leftovers in an airtight container for future treat-topping adventures.

How to Serve Graham Cracker Crumble

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of Graham Cracker Crumble goes a long way on creamy desserts like pudding, yogurt, or a bowl of fresh berries. For extra flair, add a hint of lemon zest, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of whipped cream over the top for contrast in both flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This crumble partners perfectly with nearly any dessert. Try it alongside a classic vanilla ice cream or layered into fruit parfaits for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing finale. If you want to get fancy, use it as a crust layer beneath cheesecake mousse, or even scatter over baked apples for a twist on tradition.

Creative Ways to Present

Graham Cracker Crumble isn’t just a topping—it can even be the star. Fill tiny jars with alternating layers of crumble, pudding, and berries for a stunning, portable dessert. Or serve it as an interactive topping bar at your next gathering, letting guests sprinkle as little or as much as they like on their favorite treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Graham Cracker Crumble into an airtight container and leave it at room temperature for up to three days. It’ll stay crisp and flavorful, ready whenever the need for a quick treat strikes. If you’d like to keep it longer, the fridge is your friend—it’ll last up to a week.

Freezing

If you make a big batch, you’ll love knowing this crumble freezes beautifully. Place the cooled Graham Cracker Crumble in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out air, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature and it’s as crunchy as the day you made it.

Reheating

Want to revive the crumble’s crunch after storage? Simply spread it on a baking sheet and toast in a 300-degree oven for a few minutes. Let it cool again before using—it’ll crisp right back up, good as new.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free graham crackers for Graham Cracker Crumble?

Absolutely! Gluten-free graham crackers can be substituted one-for-one. Just double-check their sweetness and adjust the sugar if needed—they’ll work beautifully in this recipe.

What if I don’t have cinnamon or vanilla?

No problem! Both are optional and the crumble still tastes fantastic without them. Cinnamon adds warmth and vanilla brings aroma, but their absence won’t detract from the essential Graham Cracker Crumble experience.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

If all you have is salted butter, go ahead and use it—just skip the added salt in the recipe so things don’t get too salty. The final flavor will still be deliciously balanced.

How fine should I crush the graham crackers?

A mix of textures is best! Aim for mostly coarse crumbs with a few small pebbly pieces. Too fine, and the crumble becomes sandy; too chunky, and it won’t bind as well. A rolling pin or your hands work perfectly for this step.

Is Graham Cracker Crumble just for desserts?

While it’s incredible on desserts, Graham Cracker Crumble is also surprisingly tasty sprinkled over a breakfast yogurt bowl, fresh fruit, or even layered in overnight oats for a sweet, crunchy surprise!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dressing up a midnight ice cream bowl or prepping for a festive family get-together, Graham Cracker Crumble brings easy magic to every occasion. It’s quick to whip up, endlessly adaptable, and always manages to steal the show—so go ahead and give it a try!

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