There’s nothing quite like a perfectly crunchy, buttery graham cracker crust to complement your favorite vegan pies and cheesecakes. But if you’ve been searching for a dairy-free, plant-based crust recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture, you’re in the right place!
This vegan graham cracker crust recipe is incredibly simple, made with wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes. Whether you’re crafting a creamy vegan pumpkin pie, a luscious chocolate tart, or a fresh fruit cheesecake, this crust will be your new go-to base.
Plus, it’s customizable and versatile, so you can tweak it to your liking or dietary preferences without losing that classic graham cracker goodness.
Ready to bake a crust that’s crisp, flavorful, and 100% vegan? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will elevate your plant-based desserts to a whole new level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan graham cracker crust is a game-changer for anyone who loves easy, delicious plant-based baking. It’s:
- Quick and easy: No need for complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Deliciously crunchy: The perfect texture that holds up well under any filling.
- Customizable: Use gluten-free graham crackers or swap coconut oil for vegan butter.
- All-natural and vegan: Free from dairy, eggs, and refined sugars when you choose your ingredients carefully.
- Perfect for many desserts: Works beautifully in pies, cheesecakes, and tarts.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vegan graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crackers, crushed)
- 1/4 cup organic coconut oil or vegan butter, melted
- 3 tbsp organic brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
- Pinch of sea salt
Equipment
- Food processor or a rolling pin and ziplock bag (to crush graham crackers)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch pie pan or tart pan
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Refrigerator
Instructions
- Prepare the graham cracker crumbs. If using a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until fine crumbs form. If you don’t have a processor, place the crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you get fine crumbs.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the sugar and spices.
- Add the melted coconut oil or vegan butter. Pour it over the dry mixture and stir until all crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture feels like wet sand. This will help the crust hold together when pressed.
- Press the crust into the pan. Transfer the crumb mixture into your pie or tart pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to firmly press the crumbs evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
- Chill the crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. This step is essential for a firm, crunchy crust that won’t crumble when sliced.
- Bake if desired. For a firmer crust, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool completely before adding your filling. If you prefer a no-bake option, simply chill and fill!
Tips & Variations
“For an extra depth of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the crust mixture before pressing it into the pan.”
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or substitute with crushed gluten-free cookies or nuts.
- Oil alternatives: Swap coconut oil for melted vegan butter or even nut butters for a richer taste.
- Sweetener swaps: Maple syrup or agave can replace sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Add nuts or seeds: Mix in finely chopped almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Spice it up: Try adding ground ginger or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall desserts.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 150 | 7% |
Fat | 8g | 12% |
Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
Sugar | 7g | 8% |
Fiber | 1g | 4% |
Protein | 1g | 2% |
Sodium | 70mg | 3% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan graham cracker crust is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of fillings. Here are some ideas to inspire your next dessert:
- Fill with a creamy vegan cheesecake made from cashews or tofu for a classic treat.
- Use it as the base for a no-bake vegan chocolate tart topped with fresh berries.
- Try a seasonal pumpkin pie filling spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for autumn gatherings.
- Top with a layer of coconut whipped cream and sliced fruits for a fresh, light dessert.
For more vegan dessert inspiration, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or dive into our creamy Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for another comforting twist.
Conclusion
Creating a vegan graham cracker crust that’s both delicious and easy to prepare is simpler than you might think. This recipe offers a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and subtle spice, making it the ideal foundation for countless plant-based desserts.
By relying on simple, wholesome ingredients, you get a crust that holds up beautifully whether baked or chilled. It’s a fantastic way to add texture and flavor without compromising your vegan lifestyle.
Give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple in your dessert repertoire. For more easy and tasty vegan recipes, don’t forget to explore our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and discover how effortless vegan baking can be.
Happy baking and indulging in delicious plant-based treats!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Graham Cracker Crust
Description: A simple and delicious vegan graham cracker crust perfect for pies and cheesecakes. Made with vegan-friendly ingredients and easy to prepare.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 1 9-inch crust
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vegan graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup organic coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add melted coconut oil and maple syrup; mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and set.
- Remove from oven and let cool before filling.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 22g
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