Delicious Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust

This post for apple pie with graham Cracker crust was first published on the 22nd of September 2023.

I mean fall is in full swing and you know how this is our favorite season! And pies are another obsession of ours, so I couldn’t wait to share this apple pie with graham cracker crust! We have loved making pies for years now and have enough experience to have written down some tips to help you out too. From passion fruit pie to peach hand pies, plum streusel pie to pumpkin ganache pie, you name it and we have it.

Our love for pies didn’t stop there, though. We also have more recipes like this Milk Bar pie, a pecan chocolate pie, a bourbon mixed berries pie, mince pies, strawberry balsamic pie, buttermilk pie and apple pie. And some savoury for good measure like this chicken pot pie and this Halloween mummy pie.

This easy apple pie with graham cracker crust will be a new favorite over the colder months and it has actually become one of our dad’s favorites too, so that says something! He’s a lover of all things chocolate when it comes to desserts and never fruit, so this is definitely a point extra for this pie. And if you are a lover of apple pie, then please let this recipe conquer your heart even more: crunchy and soft at the same time, spiced to perfection, it will be love at first bite with this pie recipe.

Let’s get making this delicious Apple Pie with Graham cracker crust immediately

Apple pie is a timeless dessert, beloved for its warm, comforting flavors and the way it evokes memories of home and family gatherings. While the classic version with a buttery, flaky crust is always a hit, this homemade Graham cracker crust recipe with a streusel topping offers a delightful twist by pairing the traditional apple filling with a graham cracker crust. This combination brings a new layer of texture and flavor to the dessert, making it both familiar and refreshingly different.

The graham cracker crust adds a subtle sweetness and a crunchy contrast to the tender, spiced apples, creating a pie that is as satisfying to eat as it is easy to make. Unlike a traditional pie crust, which requires careful rolling and chilling, a graham cracker crust comes together quickly with just a few ingredients and no special tools. This makes it an excellent option for both novice bakers and those looking to save time in the kitchen.

And if you want to grab a premade graham cracker crust, then you’re more than welcome to do that too. And the toasty graham cracker you find at the supermarket, in packets, can be easily turned into a home made graham cracker crust of sorts: all thanks to some shop bought graham cracker.

The filling stays true to the essence of an apple pie, featuring slices of tart and sweet apples that are gently spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves. As the pie bakes, the apples soften and meld with spices, creating a luscious filling that perfectly complements the crumbly, buttery crust.

This apple pie with graham cracker crust is perfect for any occasion, from holiday feasts to a simple weeknight dessert. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold as a sweet snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire, offering a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall.

What are graham crackers?

Graham crackers are sweetened crackers or biscuits that originated in the United States. They’re typically made from whole wheat or graham flour, sugar, and other ingredients like leavening agents and salt.

They take their name from Sylvester Graham, a minister and dietary reformer who advocated for whole grains and a vegetarian diet to abide by God and live a healthy life. He developed a coarser, less refined wheat flour, known as graham flour, which was used in the early recipes for graham crackers.

They were initially promoted as healthy food due to their use of whole grains and minimal processing. Today, they’re used in various recipes, including pie crusts, s’mores, savory dishes, and dessert bars, thanks to their slightly sweet, nutty flavor and crisp texture (Wikipedia). These crackers will be the base for our delicious take on a classic apple pie with graham cracker crust recipe.

Are apples good for you?

Yes, apples are very good for you! They are packed with a variety of essential nutrients and offer several health benefits:

1. Rich in Nutrients: Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber like pectin, which can help lower cholesterol levels. They also provide important vitamins, including vitamin C, which supports immune function, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure;
2. Antioxidant Powerhouse: Apples contain a variety of antioxidants, such as quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid. These antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers;
3. Heart Health: The fiber and antioxidants in apples have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Eating apples regularly may help lower blood cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve overall cardiovascular health;
4. Weight Management: Apples are low in calories and high in fibre, which makes them a satisfying snack that can help with weight management. The fiber in apples promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating;
5. Digestive Health: The fiber in apples supports healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. This can help prevent constipation and support overall gut health;
6. Blood Sugar Control: Despite their natural sweetness, apples have a low glycemic index, meaning they have a relatively small impact on blood sugar levels. The fiber in apples slows down the digestion of sugars, making them a good fruit choice for people managing their blood sugar levels.

What Ingredients do I need for this apple pie with graham cracker crust?

This recipe might seem like it requires a lot of ingredients, but most are used in all preparations, so don’t worry! For this apple pie with graham cracker crust you will need:

• Graham crackers: Graham crackers are a slightly sweet, crunchy biscuit made with whole wheat flour. They’re commonly used for pie crusts because they crumble easily and hold together well with butter. When finely crushed, graham crackers create a crumbly, buttery base for pies. This crust serves as a light and slightly sweet foundation that complements the apple filling beautifully. The texture is sturdy enough to hold the filling but also tender when sliced;
• Apples: The other main ingredient of this recipe. Pink Lady apples are an excellent choice because they’re firm, crisp, and offer a sweet-tart balance. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar and spices in the filling, while their firmness ensures they don’t turn to mush when baked. These apples maintain their shape during baking, creating the perfect texture for the filling. Their versatility makes them suitable for not only baking but also salads and snacks, making them a reliable pick for various recipes;
• Butter: You will need butter for the crust, the crumb, and the filling, and unsalted butter is preferred to give you full control over the salt content in the recipe. In the crust it binds the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a rich and cohesive base. In the crumb topping it adds richness and helps achieve a golden-brown, crisp topping, while in the filling it enhances the flavor and creates a silky, luscious consistency in the apple mixture;
• Brown sugar: We went for brown sugar for that nutty and caramel aftertaste that it gives instead of regular granulated sugar. Unlike granulated sugar, brown sugar has molasses, which contributes a nutty, caramel-like flavor. This enriches the filling and topping, giving the pie a cozy and indulgent vibe;
• Egg white: The egg white, mixed with a bit of water, is brushed over the graham cracker crust to create a seal. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy when the apple filling is added. It acts as a barrier between the crust and the filling, ensuring the crust stays firm and crisp even after baking;
• All purpose flour: Another ingredient that you will need for your topping and the filling, it ensures the filling and topping have the right texture and consistency;
• Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor of the pie by balancing the sweetness. It brings out the warm spices and ensures the crust isn’t overly sweet;
• Cinnamon: A classic pairing with apples, cinnamon provides warmth and depth to the pie’s flavor. Added to the crust, filling, and crumb topping, it ties all the elements together with a cozy, spiced note;
• Cardamom: Cardamom is a warm, slightly citrusy spice that enhances the flavor of the apples and complements the cinnamon. It adds complexity to the filling, making it feel more elevated and aromatic;
• Vanilla: Vanilla is a subtle yet impactful addition that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and the brown sugar in the apple pie with graham cracker crust. It rounds out the flavor profile of the filling, making it more luxurious and inviting without overpowering the other spices.

This combination of ingredients results in a perfectly balanced apple pie with a buttery graham cracker crust, warmly spiced apple filling, and a crisp topping. Each element works together to create a dessert that’s both comforting and refined.

Can I substitute anything in this apple pie with graham cracker crust?

Let’s see together how we can and if we can swap out any of the ingredients from this apple pie with graham cracker crust:

• Graham cracker crust: the whole apple pie with graham cracker crust recipe kind of revolves around it, but if you have a regular pie crust handy or someone is not a huge fan of these crackers – how can you not? jokes! – you can go for a regular pie crust or use different cookies like a vanilla wafer, gingersnaps, or even honey maid cookies;
• Brown sugar: You can use regular granulated white sugar instead of brown, the flavor will be just a bit different;
• Apples: You can pick the apples you think are best for baking and closer to your taste, granny smith apples, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or golden delicious are some of the most popular options. I think Pink Lady adds a nice touch to this apple pie with graham cracker crust, but that’s a personal opinion;
• Butter: You can swap it for dairy free butter, maybe even some vegan replacement, but we haven’t tested them;
• Spice: Cinnamon and cardamom really scream fall to me, but if you don’t fancy them, you can change them for nutmeg, allspice, or ginger. The spice really adds a new layer to your apple filling, the crumb topping, and the crust, so I suggest you use them for added flavor.

Should I pre-bake the graham cracker crust?

Yes, as this will help the crust for the apple pie with graham cracker crust keep up better and not have any leaks from the filling. After you mix everything you need for the crust, the recipe calls for ten minutes in the oven before baking, which helps it set.

How do you bind a graham cracker crust?

We use butter to bind the crumbs and sugar together. It should also be given ten minutes in the freezer and an egg white wash just before baking to help seal the crust. This will ensure that your apple pie with graham cracker crust won’t come out soggy.

How do I make this apple pie with graham cracker crust?

Start by making the graham cracker crust. In a food processor, pulse crackers to a crumb. Then in a mixing bowl add the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and sugar and combine well with a spatula.

Press the crust into a 9-inch pie dish or pie plate with the help of the spatula. In case you can’t press it completely, use the back of a glass to help you press the crust uniformly. Place the pie dish in the freezer for ten minutes.

In the meantime, preheat the oven to 180C. Mix the egg white with 1/2 teaspoon of water. When the time is up for the graham cracker crust, take it out of the freezer and with a brush, spread a thin layer of egg white wash all over the crust. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until it’s lightly brown. And let it cool.

Begin by preparing your crumble topping first; it should chill in the fridge before topping your apple pie with graham cracker crust. In a mixing bowl, blend together flour, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and melted butter until you achieve a crumbly texture, then refrigerate it.

Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin slices. In a large pan, start by melting the butter. Then add the apples, sugar, salt, and cinnamon and stir well to coat the apples. Let them cook for around 5 minutes over medium heat, until juice is released.

When ready, add the flour to the apple mixture and combine with a spatula. Let it cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the lemon juice and vanilla, and let it cool down.

Now it’s time to assemble your apple pie with graham cracker crust! Take the crust from the freezer, add your apple filling, and sprinkle your crumble topping on it. Bake for 40 minutes at 180C and let the pie cool completely before serving. Enjoy your apple pie with graham cracker crust on its own or with some ice cream on the side!

What can I serve with the apple pie with graham cracker crust?

This apple pie with graham cracker crust can be served with plenty of things, from more classic duos to something more extravagant like:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice of apple pie with graham cracker crust creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures;
2. Whipped Cream: Dollop some freshly whipped cream on each slice of apple pie with graham cracker crust. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and you have the best fall dessert;
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the apple pie with graham cracker crust to add a rich, sweet, and slightly buttery element on top of the crumble, or even better, add it to the apple filling for the most decadent apple pie with graham cracker crust you can imagine;
4. Cheddar Cheese: In some regions, it’s traditional to serve apple pie with graham cracker crust with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of sweet and savory flavors can be quite appealing;
5. Cinnamon Sugar or Icing Sugar: Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and sugar over the pie before serving for an extra burst of flavor;
6. Maple Syrup: Drizzle some maple syrup over the pie for a unique twist on sweet toppings;
7. Coffee, Juice, or Tea: Serve your apple pie with graham cracker crust with a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness with a warm drink.

What other filling can you put in a graham cracker crust?

This graham cracker crust is one of the most versatile crusts you can use, for example:

1. Cheesecake Filling: A classic choice. Cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and flavorings like vanilla or lemon juice make a delicious cheesecake filling. We will have to try it with the filling that we used for the no bake cheesecake;
2. Key Lime Pie Filling: A tangy and refreshing option made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks;
3. Chocolate Mousse: A rich and decadent filling made from melted chocolate, whipped cream, and egg yolks;
4. Pumpkin Pie Filling: A perfect choice for the fall season. It’s made with pumpkin puree, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, sugar, and eggs. We will have to try it with our delicious pumpkin ganache pie, a match made in heaven;
5. Lemon or Lime Curd: These citrusy curds are made from lemon or lime juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. They are zesty and delicious;
6. Panna Cotta: The easiest topping for any panna cotta dessert, an add-on that not only adds flavour but also texture;
7. Coconut Cream Filling: A luscious filling made with coconut milk, sugar, egg yolks, and shredded coconut, often topped with whipped cream and more shredded coconut;
8. Fruit Fillings: You can use graham cracker crust as a base for various fruit fillings like berry compote, strawberry, passion fruit, peach, apricot, or blueberry filling. Simply cook the fruit with sugar and cornstarch until it thickens and pour it into the crust once cooled;
9. Ice Cream Filling: You can create an ice cream pie by softening your favorite ice cream and spreading it into the graham cracker crust. Freeze until firm, and you have a frozen dessert. Use anything like lavender ice cream or strawberry sorbet;
10. Yogurt or Pudding Fillings: Fill the crust with flavored yogurt or pudding for a quick and easy no-bake dessert.

Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust

Cristina

Enjoy a delicious twist on a classic dessert with this easy apple pie with graham cracker crust, the perfect blend of sweet, cinnamon and fall! 

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  

For the crust:

• 180 g graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg white
• ½ tsp water

For the filling:

• 1.3 kg pink lady apples – sliced cored & peeled
• 6 tbsp butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ tsp cardamom

For the crumble:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 4 tbsp butter

Instructions

 

• Start by making the graham cracker crust. In a food processor, pulse crackers to a crumb. Then in a mixing bowl add the crumbs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon and sugar and combine well with a spatula.
• Press the crust into a 9-inch pie dish with the help of the spatula. In case you can’t press it completely, use the back of a glass to help you press the crust uniformly. Place the pie dish in the freezer for ten minutes.
• In the meantime, preheat the oven to 180C.
• Mix the egg white with 1/2 teaspoon of water. When the time is up for the graham cracker crust, take it out of the freezer and with a brush, spread a thin layer of egg white wash all over the crust. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until it’s lightly brown. And let it cool.
• Continue by preparing your crumble topping. In a mixing bowl, blend together flour, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and melted butter until you achieve a crumbly texture, then refrigerate it.
• Peel, core and slice your apples into thin slices. In a large pan, start by melting the butter. Then add the apples, sugar, salt and cinnamon and stir well to coat the apples. Let them cook for around 5 minutes over medium heat, until juice is released.
• When ready, add the flour to the apple mix and combine with a spatula. Let it cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the lemon juice and vanilla and let it cool down.
• Now assemble your pie. Take the crust from the freezer, add your apple filling and sprinkle your crumble topping on it.
• Bake for 40 minutes at 180C. Let it cool down completely before enjoying it on its own or with some ice cream on the side!

Notes

• The apple pie can be kept for up to three days in an airtight container. 
• Make sure to freeze the crust before pouring the filling to make sure that it will bind. 

Keyword apple pie with graham cracker crust

Shop the apple pie with graham cracker crust recipe

Have you ever tried making apple pie with graham cracker crust? Do you like using graham crackers in your recipes? Have you used graham crackers in any savory recipe? Let me know in the comments!

Pin this apple pie with Graham cracker crust recipe for later!