If you are looking for a delightful twist on a classic dessert, this Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust is an absolute must-try. The sweet and tangy apples nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust create a wonderfully nostalgic yet fresh flavor combination that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this pie balances tender apples, a cinnamon-infused streusel topping, and a crispy, flavorful crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts.

Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering straightforward, quality ingredients is key to making this pie shine. Each element plays an important role, whether in providing structure, adding sweetness, or layering on that delicate spice that sets this dessert apart.

6 Graham Crackers (crushed or 1 cup crumbs): The base of the crust, offering a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and crisp texture.
1/4 cup Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust perfectly.
1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar: Enhances the crust’s sweetness just enough without overwhelming.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for the streusel topping.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel sweetness to the streusel and filling.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness in the streusel topping.
1/2 tsp cinnamon (or more depending on preference): Adds warmth and spice that perfectly complements the apples.
1/4 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors by quieting any bitterness and rounding out the sweetness.
5 tbsp butter (cold and diced small): Creates that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth streusel texture.
5 Honeycrisp apples (peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch): Crisp and juicy, these apples provide the star of the pie filling.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the apple filling with a rich, molasses note.
3 tbsp flour: Helps thicken the apple filling so it holds together beautifully.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the apples with aromatic spice, making every bite cozy.
1/4 tsp kosher salt: Balances the filling’s sweetness for a layered taste.
1 tbsp cornstarch: Ensures the filling thickens nicely without becoming gummy.

How to Make Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and greasing a 9-inch springform pan for easy removal and serving. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, and granulated sugar. Microwave in 30-second intervals until the butter melts, then stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your pan, using a measuring cup to compact it firmly. Bake for 6 minutes until golden brown, then set aside to cool. This forms that sturdy, flavorful foundation that makes this Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust truly special.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

While the crust cools, mix together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold diced butter with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture clumps together in small pea-sized pieces. Pop it into the freezer for about 20 minutes to chill and firm up. This streusel topping will add an irresistible crunch and sweetness once baked, perfectly complementing the tender apple filling beneath.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

Use a mandolin or sharp knife to thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples, ensuring they cook evenly. In a large bowl, toss the apples with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt, massaging the mixture gently with your hands to coat every slice. When ready, drain off any excess juice to avoid a soggy crust, then stir in cornstarch, which will help thicken the filling beautifully as it bakes. This step is where the magic happens, marrying sweet and tart with the warmth of cinnamon.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Once the crust is cool, spread the prepared apple filling evenly over it. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping generously over the apples. Bake the assembled pie for 35 to 40 minutes, until the streusel is golden brown and the apples are bubbling gently. Allow the pie to cool slightly; this resting time lets the apple juices thicken, making every forkful a juicy, flavorful delight. This careful layering and baking process is what makes this an unforgettably tasty Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust.

How to Serve Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust

Garnishes

To elevate your pie presentation, feel free to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can also add a subtle sweetness and extra visual appeal. Fresh apple slices or a few toasted pecans alongside your slice bring a nice contrast in texture and a hint of sophistication.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with simple sides like a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a spiced cider in cooler months. For dessert lovers, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a side of mascarpone cheese adds a luxurious touch that complements the pie’s cozy flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, consider serving this Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust in individual mini springform pans for personal pies, or alongside a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar cheese, which surprisingly pairs well with apple desserts. You can also slice it into bars for an easy grab-and-go treat at picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your pie, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty second-day treat. Leftovers should keep well for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This pie freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual slices or the whole pie securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving.

Reheating

To bring your Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust back to life, warm slices in a preheated 350° F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will re-crisp the crust while gently warming the filling. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this pie?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, you can substitute with Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples depending on your taste and availability. Just remember to adjust the sugar accordingly if the apples are particularly tart or sweet.

Is it necessary to strain the apple juice before baking?

Yes, draining excess juice from the apple mixture helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy and ensures the filling sets nicely after baking. The cornstarch added after straining will thicken the remaining juices during baking.

Can I make the crust or topping ahead of time?

You can prepare the graham cracker crust base a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The streusel topping can also be made and chilled in the freezer ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when ready to enjoy fresh pie.

Why use a springform pan for this pie?

A springform pan makes removing the pie much easier because it opens on the sides, preserving the neat edges of the delicate graham cracker crust. If you don’t have one, a regular pie dish will work too, but handle the crust gently when serving.

How can I make this pie vegan?

To create a vegan version, substitute the butter in both the crust and streusel with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use a plant-based sweetener if needed, and ensure that your sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the recipe can remain the same.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust truly redefines comfort dessert with a brilliant, buttery crust and luscious apple cinnamon filling topped by a crisp streusel. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like old-fashioned homemade love but with a modern, fun twist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pie to bake and share year-round.

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Easy Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 19 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour 11 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Apple Pie with a Graham Cracker Crust offers a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Featuring a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust, a spiced honeycrisp apple filling, and a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, this pie is perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to prepare, baking up to a golden, aromatic treat that’s delicious served warm with ice cream.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
Make Graham Cracker Crust: In a microwave-safe medium bowl, combine 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until butter is fully melted and mixture resembles wet sand.
Form Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan. Use the bottom of a 1/3 cup measuring cup to firmly press the crust flat and compact.
Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 6 minutes until it turns golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.
Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Cut in 5 tablespoons cold diced butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture forms pea-sized clumps.
Chill Streusel: Place the streusel topping in the freezer for 20 minutes to chill and set.
Prepare Apple Filling: Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice peeled and cored apples into thin 1/4-inch slices. In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, combining thoroughly by hand.
Drain and Toss with Cornstarch: Once the crust is cool, strain the apple mixture to remove excess juices. Then sprinkle 1 tablespoon cornstarch over the apples and mix well to thicken the filling.
Assemble Pie: Pour the apple mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Evenly sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the apples.
Bake Pie: Bake the assembled pie in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the streusel is golden and apples are tender.
Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool to allow the filling to thicken for easier slicing. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use Honeycrisp apples or any sweet-tart apple variety for best flavor and texture.
To avoid soggy crust, ensure you strain excess juice from apples before assembling.
The pie can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For easier slicing of apples, a mandolin slicer is highly recommended.
Adjust cinnamon quantity in streusel topping according to taste preference.
If you prefer a traditional pie crust, this recipe can be adapted by replacing the graham cracker crust.
Allow the pie to cool properly to let the cornstarch-thickened filling set perfectly before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 46 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American