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Create a buttery Mini Graham Cracker Crust with just two ingredients! Perfect for small batch desserts like pies and cheesecakes. This crust is easy, versatile, and delicious.
Searching for creative ways to enjoy your mini graham cracker pie crust? Delight in these small pie recipes: zesty Lemon Meringue Pie, tangy Key Lime Pie, creamy Peanut Butter Pie, and warmly spiced Sweet Potato Pie. Each one is a perfect match for your mini crust!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Graham Cracker Crust Recipe
- Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- How To Make A Graham Cracker Crust
- Expert Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Best Desserts To Make With A Mini Graham Cracker Crust
- Alternative Uses For Graham Crackers In Single Serving And Small Batch Recipes
- Ideal Baking Dishes For Single Serving Pies
- Graham Cracker Crust Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Graham Cracker Crust Recipe
- Simplicity: All you need are two ingredients and a short amount of time to make this crust.
- Versatility: This crust pairs beautifully with sweet and tart fillings alike—think cheesecakes, key lime pies, or pumpkin pies.
- Small Batch Friendly: Ideal for a small pie, it’s perfect for intimate dinners or for when you want a treat all to yourself.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this mini graham cracker pie crust recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are the heart of the crust, offering that classic, slightly nutty sweetness. They’re readily available in U.S. grocery stores, usually in the cookie or baking aisle. For those in the UK, digestive biscuits make a great alternative. Other options include ginger snaps or vanilla wafers if you’re looking to switch things up. Got extra graham crackers? Use them in Peanut Butter Bars or S’mores Dip.
- Butter: Use melted butter to help bind the crumbs together and provide a rich flavor to the crust. It’s the key to achieving that cohesive, delectable base.
- Optional: Granulated Sugar: While sugar is commonly added to graham cracker crusts, it’s not always necessary. Depending on the sweetness of your pie filling, you may opt to skip it. For example, if you’re making a Key Lime Pie or a Peanut Butter Pie, the filling is usually sweet enough on its own, so sugar in the crust might be overkill. On the other hand, recipes like Sweet Potato Pie do benefit from a bit of sugar in the crust.
Recipe Variations
This graham cracker crust is like a blank canvas, waiting for your artistic culinary touch.
- Chocolate Pie Crust: Substitute regular graham crackers with chocolate-flavored ones.
- Nutty Crust: Substitute a portion of the graham cracker crumbs with finely ground almonds or walnuts for a nutty undertone.
- Coconut-Infused: Incorporate shredded coconut into the crumb mixture for a tropical twist, particularly good for fruit tarts like key lime or mango pie.
- Vegan Pie Crust: Use vegan butter and vegan graham crackers to keep it plant-based.
Note: This recipe is perfect when a pie is made in a 10-ounce ramekin. Doubling the ingredient amounts makes it suitable for a 5×5-inch baking dish.
How To Make A Graham Cracker Crust
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small graham cracker crust. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
Step 1: Prepare the Crumbs
Place your graham crackers in a zip-top bag, seal it, and then use a rolling pin to crush the crackers into fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can use a food processor or blender to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Step 2: Combine with Melted Butter
Transfer the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs to a bowl. Add the melted butter and mix until well combined.
Step 3: Set the Crust
Pour the butter and crumb mixture into your choice of dessert dish or a 10-ounce ramekin. Use the back of a spoon to firmly press down the mixture, creating an even crust.
Step 4: To Bake or Not to Bake
- For No-Bake Desserts: If your recipe doesn’t require baking, you’re all set! Simply follow the rest of your recipe’s instructions.
- For Baked Desserts: If your pie or dessert needs baking, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the crust for approximately 10 minutes, or as directed by your specific recipe.
Follow these simple steps to effortlessly make an individual graham cracker crust that’s perfect for small batch desserts. Whether you’re baking or going no-bake, this crust offers a reliable and delicious base.
Expert Tips
- Size Matters: This recipe is designed for a 10-ounce ramekin, which typically measures 4 inches in diameter and 2 inches in height. For a larger crust, simply double the ingredient quantities. This will work well for a 5×5-inch or a 4×6-inch baking dish, both of which have a similar base area.
- Smooth and Even: To get a well-structured crust, use the back of a spoon to press down the crumb mixture into your dish. Make sure to smooth out any bumps so the crust holds together.
- To Bake or Not: While some crusts are fine without baking, a quick stint in the oven (especially for baked pies) will keep your crust from getting soggy. So, if your recipe involves baking, it’s worth pre-baking the crust.
- Choose Real Butter: Skip the margarine and go for real, preferably salted, butter. The flavor payoff is considerable and gives your crust that rich, buttery taste.
- Texture Troubleshooting: If your crust mixture feels too dry or crumbly, simply add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of melted butter and mix.
- Flavor Boost: Looking to elevate your crust? Add a pinch of ground cinnamon for pumpkin pies. For fruit-based pies, a bit of lemon or orange zest can add a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
A graham cracker crust is more than just a base for pies and cheesecakes; its versatility knows no bounds.
- Fruit Tarts: Fill with vanilla pudding and top with seasonal fruits.
- Ice Cream Pie: Create a chilled treat by filling the crust with vanilla ice cream.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt and fruits for a healthier option.
Frequently Asked Questions
If graham crackers aren’t available in your area, digestive biscuits are a good alternative. Shortbread, vanilla wafers, or ginger snaps can also be used as substitutes.
Absolutely. You can make this crust 1 to 2 days in advance. For baked crusts, cover and store at room temperature. If you’re making a no-bake dessert, it’s best to cover the crust and keep it in the fridge.
This mini graham cracker crust recipe is tailored for a 10-ounce ramekin with dimensions of 4 inches in diameter and 2 inches in height.
For a larger crust, you can double the recipe to fit a 5×5-inch baking dish, which has a 25-square-inch base. This doubled amount will also suit a 4×6-inch dish, as its base is similarly 24 square inches.
With this information, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit the dish size you have on hand, ensuring your crust turns out perfect every time.
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
Make a gluten-free crust by using gluten-free cookies.
Best Desserts To Make With A Mini Graham Cracker Crust
This versatile crust is the perfect base for a range of mini pies and desserts. Whether you’re using a 5×5-inch dish or a standard ramekin, here are some delectable options to consider:
- Sweet Potato Pie For One – A comforting classic that pairs perfectly with our crust, best made in a 5×5-inch dish.
- Lemon Mango Pie For One – A tropical twist with citrusy notes, ideal for a 5×5-inch dish.
- Key Lime Pie For One – A tart and creamy dessert that really shines with this crust, best baked in a ramekin.
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake For One – A fuss-free option that doesn’t require any baking, perfect for a ramekin.
- Classic Lemon Meringue Pie For One – Tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue make this a must-try, especially when baked in a ramekin.
- Pumpkin Pie For One – The quintessential fall dessert that feels right at home with this crust, ideal for a ramekin.
- Lemon Cheesecake Mousse For One – A lighter option with zesty undertones, great for a ramekin.
- No Bake Cheesecake For One – An easy, creamy delight that’s ready in no time, best made in a ramekin.
- Peanut Butter Pie – A rich and nutty option that compliments the crust perfectly, best enjoyed in a ramekin.
With these dessert options, you’ll find endless ways to make the most out of your homemade mini graham cracker crust.
Alternative Uses For Graham Crackers In Single Serving And Small Batch Recipes
Graham crackers aren’t just for pie crusts! Expand your culinary repertoire by incorporating them into these single serving or small batch treats:
- Mini S’mores Dip – Create a cozy, single serve s’mores experience without the campfire.
- Ice Box Cake – Layer graham crackers with your choice of cream and toppings for a no-bake delight perfect for small gatherings.
- Key Lime Pie Ice Cream – Add crumbled graham crackers to homemade key lime ice cream for a frozen twist on a classic pie. The crumbs add texture and a pie-crust feel to each bite.
- Peanut Butter Bars – Make small batch peanut butter bars with graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, and a chocolate topping. It’s a no-bake treat that’s easy and delicious.
Ideal Baking Dishes For Single Serving Pies
For perfect single serving pies, consider using one of these three options:
- 5-Inch Baking Dish: A compact size that’s ideal for thicker pies or more substantial servings.
- 10-Ounce Ramekin: Holds the perfect amount for a single serving, and its shape makes it versatile for both baked and no-bake pies.
- Mini Pie Pan: Specifically designed for individual pies, offering a traditional pie shape in a smaller scale.
These baking dish options ensure you get the perfect size and shape for your single-serving culinary creations.
If you would like additional information on the dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes we use, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this graham cracker pie crust or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Graham Cracker Crust
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Instructions
- Pour crumbs into a medium sized bowl. Stir in the melted butter.
- Butter the bottom and sides of an 8 or a 10-ounce ramekin and pour the crumbs into the dish. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, press the crumbs gently so they form a crust on the bottom.
- If the crust needs to be pre-baked, bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. If this crust is for a no-bake pie recipe, use as instructed in your recipe.
Notes
- Size Matters: This recipe is designed for a 10-ounce ramekin, which typically measures 4 inches in diameter and 2 inches in height. For a larger crust, simply double the ingredient quantities. This will work well for a 5×5-inch or a 4×6-inch baking dish, both of which have a similar base area.
- Smooth and Even: To get a well-structured crust, use the back of a spoon to press down the crumb mixture into your dish. Make sure to smooth out any bumps so the crust holds together.
- To Bake or Not: While some crusts are fine without baking, a quick stint in the oven (especially for baked pies) will keep your crust from getting soggy. So, if your recipe involves baking, it’s worth pre-baking the crust.
- Choose Real Butter: Skip the margarine and go for real, preferably salted, butter. The flavor payoff is considerable and gives your crust that rich, buttery taste.
- Texture Troubleshooting: If your crust mixture feels too dry or crumbly, simply add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of melted butter and mix.
- Flavor Boost: Looking to elevate your crust? Add a pinch of ground cinnamon for pumpkin pies. For fruit-based pies, a bit of lemon or orange zest can add a delightful twist.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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