Name: Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-488339H28M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 6–7 cups peeled, thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No rolling out pie dough—graham cracker crust is quick and fuss-free
Combines the classic flavor of apple pie with a sweet, toasty crust
Great for beginner bakers or when you’re short on time
Delicious served warm or cold
Pairs perfectly with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg (optional)
Unsalted butter, melted
Apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
Brown sugar
All-purpose flour or cornstarch
Lemon juice
Vanilla extract
Salt

Directions

Prepare the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a pie dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Peel and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Make the filling by mixing the apples with brown sugar, flour (or cornstarch), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
Spoon the filling into the pre-baked graham cracker crust. Gently press down to compact the apples.
Bake the pie in a preheated oven until the apples are tender and bubbling—about 45–50 minutes. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
Cool the pie for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
Serve as is or with your favorite topping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: About 2 hours and 10 minutes

Variations

Crumble topping: Add a brown sugar-oat streusel on top before baking for extra texture.
Spiced apples: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for deeper flavor.
Caramel drizzle: Top with caramel sauce after baking for added richness.
Nutty twist: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling or crust.
Mini pies: Use muffin tins and make individual-sized apple pies with graham cracker crust.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover apple pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap the fully cooled pie in plastic wrap and foil and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes, store-bought crust works fine for convenience, but homemade has better texture and flavor.

What apples are best for this pie?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices—they hold their shape and have a nice balance of sweet and tart.

Do I need to pre-bake the crust?

Yes, pre-baking helps the crust stay crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy under the filling.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. It can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How do I keep the crust from getting too dark?

Use foil or a pie crust shield to cover the edges halfway through baking if needed.

Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

Yes, but the flavor and texture are better with fresh apples. Adjust sugar if using sweetened canned filling.

Should the pie be served warm or cold?

It’s delicious either way—warm with ice cream or chilled for a firmer slice.

How thick should I slice the apples?

About 1/4 inch thick slices work best—they cook evenly and layer well in the crust.

Is this pie gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free graham crackers and cornstarch to make it gluten-free.

Can I add a top crust or lattice?

You can add a graham cracker crumble or a thin layer of streusel topping, but a traditional top crust isn’t typical with graham cracker bases.

Conclusion

Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is a fresh take on a beloved dessert. The graham cracker base adds a sweet, nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the warm spiced apple filling. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavor, it’s a go-to recipe that will impress without the stress of traditional pie dough.