Graham Cracker Pie Crust

Graham Cracker Pie Crust is buttery, slightly sweet, and comes together in minutes with just three ingredients. Whether you’re making a no-bake cheesecake, a chilled pie, or a layered dessert bar, this crust adds texture and warmth without the fuss.

I love to whip together a delicious pie for company. I prepare this crust and then I can make my orange creamsicle pie or my no bake strawberry dessert. 

Why this Graham Cracker Crust Recipe is a Keeper

Making a perfect graham cracker pie crust from scratch is faster than a trip to the store and tastes so much better than when you buy a store-bought graham cracker crust.

• Quick and Easy: It’s one of the easiest pie crusts you can make, requiring minimal ingredients and about 10-15 minutes of hands-on time.  
• Versatile: It pairs well with almost any filling, from rich and creamy cheesecakes to light and tangy key lime pies.  
• No-Bake Friendly: This crumb crust is the perfect solution for no-bake pies and desserts, as the butter-sugar mixture solidifies in the refrigerator to create a sturdy base.  
• Delicious Texture and Flavor: The combination of crushed graham crackers and melted butter creates a delightful, buttery, and slightly crunchy texture that is universally loved.

Do I Have to Bake the Pie Crust?

For no-bake desserts, like cream pies, baking is optional but recommended. Baking helps the crust hold its shape better and gives a richer flavor. For baked pies or cheesecakes, pre-baking for 8–10 minutes ensures a sturdy, crisp base.

Crust Ingredient Notes for Graham Cracker Pie Crust

You only need a few simple ingredients, and most are pantry staples!

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

• Graham Crackers: Use plain honey graham crackers for a classic flavor. Chocolate or cinnamon grahams add variety. You can also purchase graham cracker crumbs.
• Butter: Unsalted butter works best so you can control the salt level. Melt completely before mixing.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps bind crumbs; adjust to taste based on your filling.
  

Variations and Substitutions Pie Recipe

This three ingredient recipe is super flexible. Switch it up to make it work for your pie recipe.

• Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the crumb mixture for a warm, autumnal twist.
• Cookies: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can also use Oreo cookies to make an easy Oreo crust.
• Nutty: Mix in some finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and a nutty flavor.  
• Sweeteners: You can use brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor, or a sugar alternative if you prefer. Some recipes also work well with less sugar, as the graham crackers already have some sweetness.  
• Fats: Melted margarine or coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter, though the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Special Equipment Needed to Make a Graham Cracker Crust

You don’t need anything fancy to make this easy recipe, but these tools make the job easier.

• Food Processor: A blender or food processor speeds up crumb-making. If you don’t have either, you can also crush crackers in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
• Pie Plate: 9-inch glass or ceramic dishes work best for even browning. This recipe can also be made in a 10-inch pie plate or springform pan.

How to Make Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

This recipe for graham cracker pie crust comes together in just 4 super easy steps. This recipe is so good, it’s a great one to have on deck during the busy holiday season.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

1. Crush the Crackers: Add whole graham cracker sheets to a food processor or blender and pulse until you have fine crumbs. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Add Sugar and Butter: To the graham cracker crumbs, stir in the white sugar and brown sugar. Add the melted butter and combine until it resembles wet sand.
3. Transfer to Pie Pan : Pour the graham cracker mixture into a pie pan and use a clean measuring cup to pack it into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate.
4. Bake the Crust: In a preheated oven, bake unbaked graham cracker crust for about 10 minutes for cream pie recipes.

Prep Ahead Suggestions to Make Graham Cracker Crust

Preparing steps for this homemade graham cracker pie crust ahead of time can be the best way to go to be able to make it and enjoy it whenever.

• Make Ahead: A finished graham cracker crust (baked or unbaked) can be made up to three days in advance. If you make a crust ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.  
• Freezing: You can freeze a finished crust for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before adding the filling.  
• Freezing Crumbs: You can also make a large batch of the crumb mixture (graham crackers, sugar, and cinnamon) and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to make a pie, just add the melted butter, press it into the pan and fill with your favorite pie filling.

Questions About This Easy Graham Cracker Crust Recipe