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    Home » Recipes » Pie

    Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crust: Easy & Dairy Free

    Published: Oct 4, 2019 · Modified: Aug 18, 2023 by Christine · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    pin image of up close pie crust

    If you’re looking for the BEST gluten free graham cracker crust that goes with just about any pie, turn to this easy crust made with simple ingredients like homemade gluten-free graham crackers and grain free almond flour. It's just 4 ingredients and will be your go-to gluten free graham cracker crust recipe!

    almond flour graham cracker crust on a wire rack

    If making your own pie crust sounds like something you'd quickly say 'no thank you' to, you are not alone. But the good news is this gluten free crust recipe is uncomplicated and if you'd rather use traditional graham crackers (rather than your own homemade graham crackers), you can absolutely do that too. You'll be a crust making pro in no time!

    Looking for gluten free pie recipes? Check out this gluten free pumpkin pie, this gluten free chocolate pie and this gluten-free cheesecake.

    Jump to:
    • ⭐Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust Recipe at a Glance
    • 🧾Ingredients & Substitutions in this Easy Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crust
    • 📖Forming the Graham Cracker Mixture
    • ⏲️To Bake Graham Cracker Crust or Not?
    • Variations for Gluten-Free Pie Crust
    • 💭Pro Tips for Making GF Graham Cracker Pie Crust Recipe
    • Gluten Free Graham Cracker Pie Crust FAQs
    • 🥧More Gluten-Free Crust & Pie Recipes!
    • 📋Recipe
    • Recipe

    ⭐Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust Recipe at a Glance

    This traditional graham cracker crust recipe has been tested with both storebought (Schar Honeygrahams) and with these delicious homemade gluten-free graham crackers, and both result in a delicious, crispy, easy to make crust. There's just 4 ingredients total - so making a graham cracker pie crust has never been easier. Not only that it's:

    • Dairy free
    • Solid, not crumbly
    • Quick to mix - a few stirs is all you need
    • Easy to prep
    • An amazing, lower carb crust (when using the homemade graham crackers recipe)

    🧾Ingredients & Substitutions in this Easy Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crust

    labeled ingredients on a countertop

    The ingredients for this gluten free graham cracker crust couldn’t be simpler. Let's look at the brand of ingredients I use and recommend and then some substitutions in case you need one...

    • Start with these amazing graham crackers - I used the ones I made, but if you don't want to make them, the Schar brand is also delicious. Find those online here. For best results, process them in the food processor to the point of crumbs. Vanilla wafers or chocolate cookie crumbs may be used in place of the graham crackers.
    • Almond flour - I use Nuts.com for nearly all of my flours. The price is excellent (especially considering how expensive gluten free flour can be!). If you need to substitute the almond flour, try something like oat flour. I cover this more in my substitutions guide ebook.
    • Granulated Sugar or Coconut sugar - I love the flavor of coconut sugar in this crust and highly recommend using it. I use the 365 brand at Whole Foods and it works wonderfully. Instead of the coconut sugar, you could use regular cane sugar. If you want to keep the crust low carb though, Swerve is another option - go for the granulated version. Be warned though, Swerve has a unique flavor so it may change the flavor of this crust. Once you get a filling in it, it's not as noticeable though. Brown sugar is not recommended as it changes the texture of the crust.
    • Melted vegan butter - I've tested this with both Earth Balance brand and Melt brand. Country Crock sticks are also great to bake with, they are just harder to find in my area. Regular butter or coconut oil can also be used.

    📖Forming the Graham Cracker Mixture

    steps to preparing crust

    Step 1 - Start with the graham crackers - use about 8 whole crackers or 4 graham cracker sheets, like in image 1 above. You can also use 3 packages of Schar brand Honeygrahams. Add them to the food processor to grind into fine gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.

    Preparation Using a Rolling Pin

    Instead of a food processor, you can add the crackers to a large zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin. This is a great option for baking with kids!

    Step 2 - Place the crumbs in a mixing bowl and add the rest of the ingredients.

    Step 3 - Mix with a sturdy spoon until the mixture is fully combined.

    Step 4 - Use the back of a spoon or back of a measuring cup and pat ¾ of the crust mixture on the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie pan in an even layer. Use all of the crumb mixture for the bottom of a 9" x 13" pan. Use all of the crust mixture for a springform pan.

    Pro tip: The back of a large spoon works great for patting the top of the crust down – just make sure to form the pie dish edges too – you don’t want an extra thick bit of crust in the pie crease.

    ⏲️To Bake Graham Cracker Crust or Not?

    Do you bake a graham cracker crust or not? This traditional gluten free graham cracker crust can be used as-is. There's no egg in it or ingredients that would need to be baked for taste, but I recommend a baked graham cracker crust.

    A baked crust is a bit sturdier and firmer, which makes it a great option for cream pies like chocolate pudding or ones that use cream cheese. Once the crust is cool it has a firmer texture so slicing and serving it is easy.

    To Bake a Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crust: Bake in a preheated oven (325F) for 10-12 minutes. Then remove from the oven and the next important step happens… the cooling step. Make sure to cool the crust completely before filling it. If time allows, make the crust a day ahead of time, store it in an airtight container or wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature. Most important, do not fill a warm crust! It will make for a mushy pie.

    Variations for Gluten-Free Pie Crust

    While this pie crust recipe was developed with graham crackers, other crust options for a tasty variation on the original are:

    • Vanilla wafers
    • Chocolate cookie crumbs
    • Shortbread
    • Gluten free peanut butter cookies this these

    💭Pro Tips for Making GF Graham Cracker Pie Crust Recipe

    Even though this pie crust is easy to make, it's because these crust-making tips help ensure it turns out delicious every time.

    1. Measure the Ingredients Accurately

    This goes for both the liquid ingredients (melted butter) and dry ingredients (flour, graham crackers and sugar). If you've taken my baking class, this probably sounds familiar, but measure the ingredients by weight - needs to be weighed, use a digital scale like this one for that, but the rest of the ingredients can be measured by cups. The reason why is that once you process the graham crackers into crumbs, the cup measurement is even across the board.

    2. Let the Melted Butter Cool Slightly

    This is a tip I've discovered after working with extremely hot butter! It is not fun to burn your fingers when trying to pat the crust into the pan. Give the butter at least 5 minutes to cool once it's melted.

    3. Bake the Crust Before Filling It

    Not only does this produce a beautiful pie crust, but baking it creates a barrier that prevents it from getting soggy when filled with a filling. Plus a baked crust has a bit of firmness that an unbaked one doesn't have, which makes for an amazing pie. Like this buttermilk pie or this chocolate pie!

    4. Helpful Tools

    Every baker needs the right tools. These are the ones I use and recommend having on hand for this recipe:

    • Food processor - this is a very important tool as crushing these graham crackers is possible with a rolling pin, but it adds a level of diffculty to the process. I've used a Cuisinart for a long time and love it, but I have my eye on this Kitchen Aid next!
    • Pie plate - since the recipe makes a lot of crust, you'll have plenty for a 9" pie plate with some left over. These glass plates are not only pretty look at, but work wonderfully.
    • 9" x 13" pan - if you opt for this size, this brand of pans is one of the best.

    Gluten Free Graham Cracker Pie Crust FAQs

    Can I use a different size pan for the crust?

    Yes! This recipe makes enough for the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate with some left over. Add the extra crumb mixture to the bottom of a muffin tin for smaller pies!

    Does this pie crust taste like almonds?

    This pie crust is just slightly sweet and full of delicious graham cracker flavor. The almond flour just adds a touch of texture, nothing nutty about it. The crust only needs ⅓ of a cup so it’s just enough to help the crumb still together with the butter, but definitely does not add an almond flavor.

    Can I use rice flour or graham flour instead of the almond flour?

    I would not recommend using another flour in place of the almond flour. This recipe has been developed with almond flour so another flour like rice flour may change the texture.

    What can you use this gluten free Graham Cracker pie crust for?

    One of the best things about this crust is how versatile it is! From lemon to chocolate to buttermilk pie, the possibilities are virtually endless for pie fillings. Another bonus: Since it’s made with low carb graham crackers, it’s a low carb crust!

    Does the pie crust need to be baked before filling it?

    Not that this crust needs any more help tasting amazing, but if there’s one thing that really pushes it over the top it’s a quick bake in the oven. There’s just something about that slight crispness that happens from those 12 short minutes. So baking the crust before filling it isn’t just recommended, it’s what gives the crust it’s final punch of flavor.

    Can I use vanilla wafers in place of the graham crackers?

    Vanilla wafers will also work as a substitute for the graham crackers in this recipe.

    🥧More Gluten-Free Crust & Pie Recipes!

    • slice of chocolate pie on a white plate.
      Melt in Your Mouth Gluten Free Chocolate Pie (Dairy Free)
    • side shot of bite of pie
      Gluten Free Apple Pie Recipe with an Easy, Flaky Crust
    • side shot of a bite of pie
      Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie {Dairy Free}
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      Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe: Best Flaky Texture

    Did you make and love this recipe? Give it your review and star rating rating below! And make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook too!

    📋Recipe

    Recipe

    almond flour graham cracker crust on a wire rack

    Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crust {Dairy Free}

    The BEST Gluten free Graham Cracker Crust that’s also low carb! Use it for any pie – even freeze some to keep on hand whenever the mood for pie strikes!
    3.97 from 27 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 22 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 61kcal
    Author: Christine

    Ingredients

    • 160 grams gluten free graham cracker crumbs about 1 ¼ cups
    • 50 grams granulated sugar about ¼ cup
    • 35 grams almond flour about ⅓ cup
    • 5 Tablespoons vegan butter melted

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 325F.
    • In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar and almond flour.
    • Add the melted butter and mix well.
    • Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press the crust into the base and up the sides of a 9½ - 10" ungreased pie plate.
    • Bake in the oven for 10 - 12 min. Cool completely before using.

    Video

    Notes

    • Use this homemade graham crackers recipe or storebought crackers. This recipe has been tested with Schar Honeygrahams and 160 grams is 2 packages of graham crackers.
    • Blend graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs. 
    • Use a large spoon or your hands to pat the crust into the bottom and sides of the pie plate.
    • Let the pie crust cool completely before filling it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 223IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @zest_for_baking or tag #zestforbaking!

    If you enjoyed this recipe, check out these other delicious gluten free recipes:

    • Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcakes
    • Buttery Gluten Free Biscuits
    • Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
    • Gluten Free Lemon Blueberry Scones

    And here are some helpful guides for gluten free baking:

    • Ultimate Guide to Gluten Free Flour Substitutes
    • 5 Alternatives to Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum
    • How to Make a Gluten Free Flour Mix

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dawn M Robertson

      November 24, 2020 at 8:46 pm

      5 stars
      Very easy to make. Just took it out of the oven. Will use it for a pecan pie that I’m making tomorrow. I was happy to find this recipe because I only have 1 box of Schar’s GF Graham Crackers and that’s not enough for a standard Graham Cracker crust. You saved me from making a last minute trip to the store the day before thanksgiving! I haven’t tasted it but it smells delicious and I’m sure it will be awesome!

      Reply
      • Dawn M Robertson

        November 24, 2020 at 8:48 pm

        I used Turbinado Cane Sugar for this recipe.

        Reply
      • Christine

        November 24, 2020 at 9:41 pm

        Hi Dawn, Awesome to hear! This crust has been a lifesaver for me too, many times 🙂

        Happy Thanksgiving to you!

        ~Christine

        Reply
    3.97 from 27 votes (26 ratings without comment)

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    Christine Brady.

    Hi, I'm Christine, a gluten free baker and baking problem-solver. I love baking breads and sharing best practices so that everyone can bake tasty treats too. Zest For Baking (est. 2013) is where you'll find gluten free (and dairy free) recipes, tips for substituting ingredients, and help navigating the world of gluten free baking.

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    Since 2013, Christine has been helping readers with gluten free baking challenges and substitution issues, all while creating delicious gluten free baking recipes that no one would guess are actually gluten free. Her Zest For Baking recipes have been featured on Beyond Celiac, The Daily Meal, Bloglovin' and Dr. Axe, to name a few. When she's not hanging out on Facebook or sharing pictures on Instagram or pinning on Pinterest, you can find her in her kitchen, creating more ZestForBaking.com recipes!

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