This recipe is quick, reliable, and incredibly versatile. It comes together in minutes without special equipment and can be baked or used as a no-bake crust depending on your filling. The balance of buttery richness and subtle sweetness complements a wide variety of desserts, making it a go-to crust for many recipes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Graham cracker crumbs Granulated sugar Melted butter
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking the crust.
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, using the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to compact it evenly.
For a baked crust, bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden, then let cool completely.
For a no-bake crust, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before filling.
Servings and timing
This crust makes enough for one 9-inch pie. Prep time is about 10 minutes. Bake time is 8 to 10 minutes, if baking. Total time is 10 minutes for no-bake or about 20 minutes including baking and cooling.
Variations
You can substitute chocolate graham crackers for a richer, chocolate-flavored crust. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or salt enhances the flavor. For a nutty twist, replace a small portion of the crumbs with finely ground nuts. A no-sugar-added version can be made by omitting the sugar, especially if the filling is very sweet.
Storage/Reheating
An unfilled crust can be stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days. A baked crust can also be frozen for up to 2 months. There is no need to reheat unless a recipe specifically calls for it.
FAQs
Do I have to bake a graham cracker crust?
No, baking is optional. Many no-bake fillings work perfectly with a chilled, unbaked crust.
How do I keep the crust from crumbling?
Press the crumbs firmly into the pan and make sure there is enough butter to bind them together.
Can I make this crust in advance?
Yes, it can be prepared a few days ahead and stored in the refrigerator until needed.
What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
You can crush whole graham crackers using a food processor or a rolling pin in a sealed bag.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar adds a slightly deeper, caramel-like flavor.
How thick should the crust be?
The crust should be evenly pressed, not too thick or too thin, especially along the sides.
Can I use dairy-free butter?
Yes, plant-based butter works well as a substitute.
Does this crust work for cheesecakes?
Yes, graham cracker crust is a classic base for cheesecakes and holds up well when baked.
Can I make this crust gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers to make the crumbs.
Why did my crust stick to the pan?
Lightly greasing the pan before pressing in the crumbs can help prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Graham cracker pie crust is a dependable, easy foundation for countless desserts. Whether baked or no-bake, it delivers great flavor and texture with minimal effort, making it an essential recipe for any home baker.
A classic graham cracker pie crust made with just three ingredients. This buttery, lightly sweet crust is easy to prepare and works perfectly for baked pies, cheesecakes, and no-bake desserts.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to bake the crust.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, using the back of a spoon or measuring cup to compact it evenly.
For a baked crust, bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden, then let cool completely.
For a no-bake crust, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before filling.
Notes
Baking the crust adds extra firmness and a toasty flavor but is optional.Press the crumbs firmly to prevent crumbling.Chocolate graham crackers can be used for a chocolate-flavored crust.A pinch of cinnamon or salt enhances flavor.Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
