Graham Cracker Crust Recipe

Overhead view of a graham cracker crust in a baking dish. A napkin off to the side with butter and graham crackers.

Graham Cracker Crust Recipe

Elevate your favorite homemade cheesecake and pie recipes with this delicious Graham Cracker Crust. All you need is three simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings crust

Calories 1329kcal

Author John Kanell

Equipment

9-inch pie plate

Ingredients

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (180g)
6 to 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (87g to 113g), melted
¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, and sugar until well moistened. Pinch the crumbs between your thumb, and pointer and middle fingers. If they feel moist and stick together when released from the pinch, they are ready to be pressed in the pan. If they feel dry, sandy, and lose their shape when released from the pinch, stir in more butter, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the flat-bottom of a measuring cup or glass to firmly press the bottom of the crust, and your fingers to press the sides into the pan.
Bake until aromatic and golden about 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.

Notes

Use a small silicone spatula or the back of a spoon to press in the sides of the crust and smooth the crease where the bottom meets the sides.
If you prefer a crispier crust, add a few extra minutes of baking time; just keep an eye on it in the oven to prevent burning.
Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of fine sea salt or kosher salt to the crumb mixture. You can also add ½ to 1 teaspoon of your favorite ground baking spices like cinnamon or ginger.
If making your own graham cracker crumbs, you can use any flavor of graham crackers– original or honey graham crackers make a classic crust, while cinnamon or chocolate graham crackers give you a delicious flavored crust.

Nutrition