Learn how easy it is to make your own graham cracker crust with this simple tutorial! You only need three ingredients and about 10 minutes to prepare this pie crust. This recipe works great for baked or no-bake pies!

*Pictures and post updated November 2019.*

A baked graham cracker crust in a pie dish.

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a how-to baking post. Since we’re so close to the holidays, I thought it would be the perfect time to share one recipe that I make every holiday season — my homemade graham cracker crust recipe!

I’ve mentioned it before, but I’ve never been a fan of the store-bought graham cracker crusts. I feel like store-bought crusts are far too crumbly and it’s almost impossible to get a clean slice out of them without it falling apart.

I’ve been making my own homemade graham cracker pie crust for years now and I’ve never looked back because they’re SO much better. Plus, you’ll love this homemade version because:

  • It’s easy to make
  • It only requires three ingredients
  • You can prepare it in less than 10 minutes
  • It’s perfect for baked and no-bake pies!

Crushed graham crackers, sugar, and butter in glass dishes.

Recipe Ingredients

To make this graham cracker crust recipe, you’ll need three ingredients: graham crackers crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Let’s break each one down!

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: You’ll need 1 and 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs for this recipe which is equal to 11-12 full sheets of graham crackers. If you want to make this recipe even easier, you can buy graham cracker crumbs at the store too.
  • Granulated Sugar: This will add some sweetness to the crust.
  • Melted Butter: The most important ingredient to help the crust stick together. For a baked pie crust, I typically use 5 tablespoons of melted butter. For a no-bake pie crust, I like to use 6 tablespoons. 

The mixture for a graham cracker crust mixed up in a white bowl.

How to Make a Graham Cracker Crust

To make this easy graham cracker crust recipe, you’ll start by stirring together your graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Then, you’ll stir in the melted butter until all of the crumbs are moistened.

I suggest starting with 5 tablespoons of melted butter and then see how the mixture looks first. It should be a little bit crumbly, but if you squeeze some together in your hand it will hold together. If you feel that the crust is a little too dry or crumbly, you can melt an additional tablespoon of butter and stir it in.

Once you’ve mixed up the graham cracker crust mixture, you’ll scoop the mixture into a pie dish and press it down firmly on the bottom and up around the sides.

I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to help pack the crust down. I used a pie dish for this tutorial, but just about any kind of pan or dish will work just fine!

For a baked graham cracker pie crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the crust for 10 minutes.

For a no-bake graham cracker crust: Transfer to the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to chill while you prepare your filling, then fill the pie crust.

A graham cracker crusted pressed into a pie plate with a measuring cup on the side.

FAQ’s

Can I Use a Graham Cracker Substitute? 

I’ve had a few readers from outside the US ask about a graham cracker substitute they can use. If you don’t have graham crackers where you live, I recommend using digestive biscuits instead. 

When Should I Bake This Crust? 

If you’re using this homemade graham cracker crust for a baked dessert (like a pie or cheesecake), I recommend baking the crust before adding in the filling to help set the crust. If you’re making a no-bake dessert, there’s usually no need to bake the crust first. 

Can I Prep This Crust in Advance? 

This graham cracker crust for desserts may be prepared 1-2 days in advance. If the crust is baked, I suggest storing it at room temperature. If it’s for a no-bake recipe, I recommend storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill it.

A baked graham cracker crust in a pie plate with a measuring cup behind it.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free? 

I’m sure you can easily make this gluten-free! Simply look for certified gluten-free graham crackers. 

Can I Use a Butter Alternative? 

Most likely, yes. I’m sure melted margarine or another butter alternative would work well in this recipe. However, your pie crust may have a slightly different texture than mine. 

A slice of key lime pie on a white plate with the rest of the pie in the background.

Baking Tips

  • You can make your own graham cracker crumbs by crushing graham crackers in a blender, food processor, or plastic bag. If you want to make this recipe a little easier, you can skip this step and just use store-bought graham cracker crumbs. Both work great in this recipe!
  • If using graham crackers in this recipe, you’ll need about 11-12 full sheets of graham crackers to get 1 and 1/2 cups of crumbs.
  • I suggest starting with 5 tablespoons of butter. If you feel that the mixture is too dry or crumbly, melt an additional tablespoon of butter and stir it in.
  • Don’t have any graham crackers where you live? If you live outside of the US, digestive biscuits are a great alternative!

Different Ways To Use It! 

As I mentioned earlier, this homemade graham cracker pie crust is a perfect base for just about any pie. I especially love to use this recipe for my homemade key lime pie. Here are a few more ways you can use it!

A graham cracker crust pressed into a glass pie dish.

How To Make A Graham Cracker Crust

4.50 from 4 ratings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Learn how easy it is to make your own graham cracker crust with this simple tutorial! You only need three ingredients and about 10 minutes to prepare this pie crust. This recipe works great for baked or no-bake pies!

Ingredients

Servings: 1 9-inch pie crust
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
  • 5-6 tablespoons (70-85 grams) unsalted butter , melted and slightly cooled

Instructions
 

  • Add the graham crackers to a blender or food processor and process until you have fine crumbs. Scoop the crumbs into a mixing bowl and stir in the sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until well combined and all of the crumbs are moistened.
  • Scoop the mixture into a 9-9.5 inch pie plate (or springform pan) and firmly press it down into an even layer on the bottom and up around the sides of the dish.
  • For a baked pie crust: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned.
  • For a no-bake pie crust: Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes while preparing your filling, then fill the pie crust.

Notes

Graham cracker crust may be prepared 1-2 days in advance. If the crust is baked, I suggest storing it at room temperature. If it's for a no-bake recipe, I recommend storing it in the refrigerator until you're ready to fill it.
Graham Crackers: You'll need about 11-12 full sheets of graham crackers to get 1 and 1/2 cups of crumbs. If you want to make this recipe even easier, you can buy store-bought graham cracker crumbs! If you live outside of the US, digestive biscuits are a great alternative!
Butter: I suggest starting with 5 tablespoons (70 grams) of butter. If you feel that the mixture is too crumbly or dry, melt 1 additional tablespoon (15 grams) of butter and stir it in.
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Danielle
Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.