I love this versatile lightened up graham cracker crust! It comes together quickly without butter or oil, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste or texture. This crust is a staple in my kitchen, perfect as a base for cheesecakes, pies, or any dessert you can dream up. Whether you’re whipping up a no-bake treat or a classic baked dessert, this graham cracker crust will be your go-to for all your delicious creations.

Why You Will Love This Healthier Graham Cracker Crust

This graham cracker crust is made without butter or oil!
The crust binds together with applesauce.
You only need four simple ingredients to make this recipe.
It’s the perfect graham cracker crust for pie recipes.
It only takes about 10 minutes to make and 10 minutes to bake!
This graham cracker crust is vegan!
It’s ready quickly and comes together easily.

What Is Graham Cracker Crust Made Of?

Graham cracker crust is a pie crust traditionally made from graham crackers, sugar, and butter. However, we have put our spin on it to make it healthier! This graham cracker crust contains no butter or oil. Instead, we used unsweetened applesauce. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make graham cracker crust for your favorite pies.

Ingredients Needed

Graham Crackers: To make this graham cracker crust, you will need 12 full graham crackers, the same as 24 individual graham cracker squares.
Brown Sugar: Sweeten the crust with brown sugar, regular sugar, or a sugar-free brown sugar substitute.
Cinnamon: Add a touch of ground cinnamon so you don’t taste the applesauce in this pie crust.
Applesauce: It is important to use cold unsweetened applesauce. The applesauce eliminates the need for butter or oil in this recipe.

How To Make Graham Cracker Crust Without Butter

Step 1: Lightly crush the graham crackers as you add them to a food processor.

Step 2: Add the brown sugar to the food processor with the graham crackers. Then, add the cinnamon.

Step 3: Place the lid on the food processor. After that, pulse the ingredients.

Step 4: Add the unsweetened applesauce.

Then, pulse again until combined.

Step 5: Pour the ingredients mixture into a 9-inch pie plate. Then, press the crust together using the bottom of a measuring cup.

Step 6: Bake the graham cracker crust in the oven.

Step 7: Once baked, let the crust completely cool before using it.

How To Use Graham Cracker Crust

This graham cracker crust is perfect for cheesecake and pies! We used it in our banana cream pie and chocolate pudding pie recipes!

Expert Tips

The Crust May Appear Crumbly: Don’t be nervous if the crust appears crumbly at first. Once you apply pressure and press it together in the pan, it will stick together and form a crust.
Crust Consistency: The graham cracker crust must be formed and pressed together. However, avoid packing it too tight so that it bakes into a hard crust. It should be no longer crumbly and pressed together.
Use A Measuring Cup: To press the crust together, use the bottom of a measuring cup and your hands. Press the crust together evenly throughout the pie plate.
Let The Crust Cool: Ensure you let the crust cool for at least 20 minutes after baking it.
Use Cold Applesauce: It is best to use cold unsweetened applesauce for this recipe so the crust comes together easily and has the correct texture.

Variations

Sugar Substitution: You can use brown sugar in this recipe or a 1:1 sugar-free substitute such as Swerve or brown monk fruit.
Cinnamon: I like to add a touch of ground cinnamon to this graham cracker crust. It adds a nice flavor and makes it so you can’t taste the applesauce in the crust. If you don’t have cinnamon, substitute it with pumpkin pie spice.
Make This Crust Gluten-Free: To make this graham cracker crust gluten-free use gluten-free graham crackers.
Use Chocolate Graham Crackers: You can use chocolate graham crackers instead for a chocolate graham cracker crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Substitute For Butter In Graham Cracker Crust?

You can substitute butter for unsweetened applesauce with this graham cracker crust recipe! It’s a healthier alternative to traditional graham cracker crust.

How Long Is Graham Cracker Crust Good For?

Once baked you can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Is It Better To Bake Or Not Bake A Graham Cracker Crust?

Baking a graham cracker crust allows it to become crispy and stick together. It helps ensure that it won’t lose its shape. We baked this graham cracker crust at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Is This Graham Cracker Crust Vegan?

Yes, this graham cracker crust is naturally vegan and dairy-free! There is no butter in this recipe! Just ensure that the graham crackers you use are vegan.

More Recipes To Try Next!

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.