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Best Graham Cracker Crust Recipe

A quick, rich, and buttery homemade golden base that takes less than 10 minutes and completely elevates your pies and cheesecakes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 9
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups Graham Cracker Crumbs approx. 11-12 full sheets, preferably Honey Maid
  • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar or 3 tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 pinch Salt optional, omit if using salted butter

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Crush the Crackers
  2. Place your graham crackers into a food processor and pulse until they form fine, uniform crumbs resembling damp sand. (Alternatively, place them in a large zip-top bag and crush thoroughly with a rolling pin).
  3. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
  4. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the fine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a tiny pinch of salt until completely combined.
  5. Step 3: Add Melted Butter
  6. Pour the melted butter directly over the crumb mixture. Using a fork, toss the ingredients together until every single crumb is thoroughly moistened. The mixture should hold its shape when you squeeze a handful of it together in your palm.
  7. Step 4: Press into the Pan
  8. Dump the damp crumbs into your 9-inch pan. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup or a straight-sided drinking glass to press the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, working from the center outward to ensure even thickness.
  9. Step 5: Set the Crust (Choose Your Method)
  10. For Baked Desserts (Blind Bake): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely before adding your filling.
  11. For No-Bake Desserts: Place the pressed crust directly into the refrigerator for 30 minutes or the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up before adding cool fillings.