Description
This buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust is your go-to base for cheesecakes, pies, and no-bake desserts. It’s quick to make with just 3 ingredients and works beautifully baked or chilled — perfect for beginners and pros alike!
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full crackers)
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
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3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Optional:
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¼ teaspoon cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Prep your pan: Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or springform pan.
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Crush the crackers: Use a food processor or a zip-top bag + rolling pin to make fine crumbs.
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Mix it up: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until evenly coated.
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Press into pan: Pour mixture into the pan. Use a measuring cup to press crumbs evenly into the base and up the sides.
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Chill or bake:
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No-bake: Chill crust for 2+ hours (or overnight) before filling.
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Baked: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely.
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Notes
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Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free graham crackers.
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Vegan option: Swap butter for melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
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Flavor boost: Add citrus zest or a pinch of nutmeg to customize.
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Great for cheesecakes, key lime pie, banana cream pie, or freezer bars.
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Crust can be made 3 days ahead or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if baked)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~185 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg