Crust for no-bake dessert bars
A crust for no-bake dessert bars is a simple, press-in base typically made from crushed cookies or graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. It serves as the foundational layer for chilled treats like cheesecakes, key lime bars, or peanut butter slices, providing a sweet, crumbly contrast to creamy fillings. This style of crust is a hallmark of easy, no-oven-required home baking, popular across North America.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This crust is high in carbohydrates and fat, primarily from the butter and cookie crumbs, with minimal protein. A typical serving provides a quick energy source and some calcium, with a calorie count generally ranging from 150 to 200 kcal per bar-sized portion.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Potassium | 45 mg |
| Magnesium | 8 mg |
| Phosphorus | 35 mg |
| Vitamin A | 60 IU |
| Selenium | 4 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 bar crust (approx. 60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this crust represents the mid-20th century boom in convenience cooking, where pre-made ingredients like graham crackers simplified home dessert-making. Nutritionally, its high butter content makes it calorie-dense but also a good source of saturated fat and a small amount of fat-soluble vitamins from the dairy.
