The Ultimate Graham Cracker Crust – 3 Ingredients Recipe
This Ultimate Graham Cracker Crust recipe uses just three simple ingredients to create a perfect base for your pies and cheesecakes. Made from graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter or coconut oil, it can be baked for a crisp texture or chilled for a no-bake option. Easy to prepare and versatile, this crust is a game-changer for dessert lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes (optional baking)
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: Enough crust for one 9-inch pie or springform pan
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (equivalent to 12 full sheet graham crackers, crushed into crumbs)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar, or a combination of both)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter or salted butter (melted) or coconut oil (melted) – add a dash of salt if using unsalted butter, if desired
Instructions
- Prepare Graham Cracker Crumbs: If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs on hand, pulverize graham crackers yourself. Use a food processor to grind them finely or place the crackers in a large ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin until you achieve a fine crumb texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter or coconut oil and mix thoroughly with a fork until all crumbs are evenly coated and wet.
- Form the Crust: Transfer the crumb mixture into a pie plate or springform pan. Use the bottom of a clean measuring cup or your fingers to firmly press the mixture into an even layer on the bottom and up the sides of the pan, shaping the crust evenly.
- Bake or Chill: For a crispier crust, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, then allow it to cool before filling. Alternatively, if your recipe is no-bake, chill the crust in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes to help it firm up before adding the filling.
Notes
- You can substitute brown sugar or use a combination of granulated and brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Using salted butter can add flavor, but adjust the salt accordingly if using unsalted butter or coconut oil.
- This crust works perfectly for cheesecakes, pies, and other no-bake or baked desserts.
- Pressing the crumbs firmly into the pan helps the crust hold together better during filling and serving.
- Store any leftover crust mixture before baking in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: graham cracker crust, pie crust, cheesecake crust, easy dessert base, no-bake crust, simple crust recipe
