Graham Cracker Pie Shell

Graham Cracker Pie Shell Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 1 pie shell

Introduction

Graham cracker pie shell is a classic and versatile base for many delicious pie recipes. It adds a sweet and crunchy element to pies, making it a popular choice for dessert lovers.

History

The graham cracker pie shell has been a staple in American dessert recipes for decades. The use of graham crackers as a crust dates back to the early 20th century, when they were first used in recipes for pies and cheesecakes. The sweet and slightly nutty flavor of graham crackers pairs perfectly with a variety of fillings, making it a versatile option for bakers.

Ingredients

7 large plain graham wafers (each measuring 2.5 inches x 5 inches)
3 tbsp melted margarine

How to prepare

Break the graham wafers into small pieces and place them in a plastic bag. Fasten the opening with a bag tie.
Press the bag with a rolling pin or a large jar until the crumbs are fine. You should have a total of 1.25 cups of crumbs.
Empty the crumbs into a bowl.
Melt the margarine and add it to the crumbs. Mix well with a fork.
Set aside 2 tbsp of the mixture to use later as the garnish for the pie filling.
Using the back of a spoon, evenly press the remaining crumb mixture onto the bottom and sides of a 9" pie plate.
Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 3 hours or longer before filling.

Variations

Use chocolate graham crackers for a chocolate-flavored crust.
Add chopped nuts or coconut to the crumb mixture for added texture and flavor.
Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey crust.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the crust before filling to ensure it holds its shape and doesn't crumble.

- For a more flavorful crust, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb mixture.

- If you prefer a sweeter crust, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the crumb mixture.

Serving Suggestions

The graham cracker pie shell is perfect for filling with a variety of pie fillings, such as lemon meringue, chocolate cream, or key lime pie. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Press the crumb mixture firmly into the pie plate to ensure it holds together.

- Chill the crust before filling to prevent it from crumbling when serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version of the crust.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the graham cracker pie shell in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before filling.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pie with the reserved crumb mixture for a decorative touch. - Dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the graham cracker pie shell with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a classic dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 20g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 7g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 4%

Alergens

Contains wheat and soy

Summary

The graham cracker pie shell is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with a small amount of protein. It also provides a small amount of calcium and iron.

Summary

The graham cracker pie shell is a simple and delicious base for a variety of pie recipes. With a sweet and crunchy texture, it adds a tasty element to any dessert. Enjoy this classic crust with your favorite pie fillings for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Graham Cracker Pie Shell. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my Aunt Mary in her cozy little kitchen. Aunt Mary was known for her delicious pies, and I was always eager to learn her secret recipes.

On this particular day, Aunt Mary was busy preparing a pie for dessert. As I watched her work, I noticed that she was using graham crackers for the crust instead of the traditional pastry dough. I was intrigued by this new technique and asked her how she came up with the idea.

Aunt Mary smiled and said, "Oh, I learned this recipe from a dear friend of mine many years ago. She used to make the most amazing pies with graham cracker crusts, and I just had to learn how to do it myself."

I watched as Aunt Mary crushed the graham crackers into fine crumbs and mixed them with melted butter and sugar to form the crust. She then pressed the mixture into a pie dish and baked it until it was golden brown and fragrant. The smell that filled the kitchen was absolutely heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished pie.

When the pie was ready, Aunt Mary sliced a piece for me to try. The crust was crunchy and sweet, with a hint of cinnamon that added a warm and comforting flavor. The filling was smooth and creamy, perfectly complementing the crispness of the crust. It was love at first bite, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this pie myself.

Aunt Mary was more than happy to teach me her friend's recipe for Graham Cracker Pie Shell. She showed me the steps, from crushing the graham crackers to baking the crust to perfection. I took notes and asked a million questions, eager to absorb every detail of the recipe.

After that day, I made the Graham Cracker Pie Shell countless times, experimenting with different fillings and variations. I shared the recipe with my friends and family, who all raved about the unique and delicious crust. It became a staple in my baking repertoire, a recipe that I would pass down to future generations.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Graham Cracker Pie Shell for special occasions and gatherings. It became a beloved tradition in our family, a symbol of love and comfort that brought us together around the table. I always thought of Aunt Mary and her friend whenever I made the pie, grateful for their generosity in sharing such a wonderful recipe with me.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, mixing graham cracker crumbs with butter and sugar to make the crust, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood my mind. The aroma of the pie baking in the oven brings me back to that day in Aunt Mary's kitchen, when I first learned the magic of the Graham Cracker Pie Shell.

And as I take the pie out of the oven and let it cool on the counter, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It's more than just a dessert – it's a reminder of the love and joy that food can bring into our lives, a connection to the past that enriches the present.

So as I slice a piece of the pie and savor the sweet and crunchy crust, I give thanks to Aunt Mary and her friend for sharing this recipe with me. It may be a simple pie shell, but to me, it's a treasure trove of memories and traditions that I will cherish forever. And I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will learn to make the Graham Cracker Pie Shell and carry on the legacy of love and deliciousness that it represents.