This buttery homemade graham cracker crust is the perfect blend of sweet and salty and is super easy to make.
There’s something about a buttery, sweet, and salty graham cracker crust that makes for the perfect vessel for just about any pie. And while I am certainly no stranger to the convenience of a pre-made crust, sometimes I want to make a recipe a little special and make the crust, too. Making a homemade graham cracker crust is easy and tastes way better than store-bought.
What ingredients do I need to make a homemade graham cracker crust?
All you need to make a delicious and easy graham cracker crust is graham crackers (or graham cracker crumbs), butter, sugar, and salt! Super simple!
Recipes that use a Graham Cracker Crust
Do I need to bake the crust before I add the filling?
In all honesty, it’s totally up to you. I prefer to bake my crust in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. It helps the crust hold together and gives it a great toasty flavor. However, chilling it thoroughly before filling it will also work.
Should I use a food processor to crush the crackers or do it by hand?
I suppose it depends if making this crust falls on a day when you need to get a little frustration out. If so, pop the crackers in a ziptop bag, grab a rolling pin or meat mallet and go to town getting them all crushed up. Otherwise, you can use a food chopper or food processor to crush them.
You can also use the box of graham cracker crumbs already crushed, if you want to save a step.
Ingredient FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the graham cracker crust?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. The flavor will be a little different, but it will work just fine.
Can I use gluten free graham crackers when making a graham cracker crust?
Sure! Gluten free crackers should work just fine in this recipe.
Can I use another type of cookie instead of graham crackers to make the crust?
Absolutely! Nearly any type of crunchy cookie should work – Oreos, shortbread cookies, butter cookies, vanilla wafers, etc. Just keep in mind that sweeter cookies might not need as much sugar in the crust. Some types of cookies will need less butter in the crust. You can always start with about 4 tablespoons of butter and add more if it’s needed.
Can I use the graham cracker crumbs from the grocery store?
You bet you can! That box of graham cracker crumbs from the store works just as well and saves you a step.
Recipe Card
Graham Cracker Crust
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 11 whole crackers)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter in a medium bowl, being sure the mixture is well blended and all the crumbs are moistened.
- Pour the mixture into a 9-inch ungreased pie plate and carefully press the mixture evenly on the bottom and sides of the pie plate. I like to use a 1/3 or 1/4 cup dry measuring cup to press it flat.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before filling.
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