The Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

graham cracker crustPhoto byJustina Price

"Perfecting the Graham Cracker Crust for Cheesecake”

The key to making a great cheesecake is the crust. Making a graham cracker crust is a simple process that involves crushing graham crackers and combining them with melted butter and sugar. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a basic graham cracker crust and prepping the springform pan for baking the best cheesecake.

I personally like to buy graham cracker crumbs but is very easy to make your own. For the graham cracker crust start by crushing the graham crackers do this by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or using a food processor. Aim for fine crumbs without any large chunks!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 sheets) or graham cracker crumbs,

¼ cup brown sugar

½ cup melted butter

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the crumbs.

2. Melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop until it is completely melted.

3. Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the graham cracker crumbs and sugar mixture. Stir well until the crumbs are evenly coated with the melted butter. The mixture should have the consistency of wet sand and hold together when squeezed.

4. Transfer the mixture to a springform pan. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the dish using the back of a spoon, a glass with a smooth bottom or your fingertips. Ensure the crust is packed tightly to prevent it from crumbling later.

5. Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes until it turns golden brown. Baking the crust helps it set and hold together better.

6. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely before filling it with your desired pie or dessert.

That's it! You now have a homemade graham cracker crust ready to be filled with delicious fillings like cheesecake, key lime pie, or any other pie that pairs well with a graham cracker crust. Enjoy!