Easy Graham Cracker Crust
Recipe information
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Cooking:
10 min.
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Servings per container:
12
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Source:

Ingredients for - Easy Graham Cracker Crust

1. 12 rectangular graham cracker sheets (about 6 ounces), broken into pieces equaling  about 1 1/2 cups -
2. 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted -
3. 2 tablespoons sugar -
4. 1/8 teaspoon salt -
5. 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon or orange zest -
6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract -

How to cook deliciously - Easy Graham Cracker Crust

1. Stage

Preheat the oven (optional): If baking the crust, preheat the oven to 350°F. Set a rack in the middle position.

2. Stage

Make the crumbs: In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until finely ground. You should have about 1 1/2 cups. By hand : Enclose the broken graham crackers in a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag. Seal the bag and roll over with a rolling pin to crush the graham crackers until they are fine crumbs.

3. Stage

Mix the crust: Add the butter, sugar, salt, and optional orange zest and vanilla (if using) to the food processor. Pulse until combined.

4. Stage

Press the crust into the pie pan: Spread the crumbs evenly over the bottom of the pie pan. With your fingers, press it into the sides of the pan all around and then into the bottom of the pan. Cover a dry measuring cup with plastic wrap (to keep it from sticking to the crumbs). Gently re-press the crumbs into the pan to make them even and compact, starting with the sides first. Tamp down the crumbs on the bottom so the crumbs are even and compact.

5. Stage

Chill the crust (optional): If you want to use this immediately and/or are filling it with something that doesn't need baking, you don't have to bake the crust first. Instead, place the assembled crust in the freezer for 15 minutes to allow the butter to become firm. Remove and fill according to recipe directions.

6. Stage

Bake the crust (optional): If you want to bake this crust for the toasty flavor it imparts before filling it, put it in the center of the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly browned. Set the pie pan on a rack to cool to room temperature and use it according to your recipe directions. Did you love the recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!