Graham Cracker Crust

A graham cracker crust is a simple, no-bake or baked pastry base made primarily from crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Originating in the United States, it is a staple for classic American desserts like cheesecakes, key lime pies, and cream pies, offering a sweet, crumbly, and slightly honeyed foundation.

🍳 View the full Graham Cracker Crust recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This crust is high in carbohydrates and fat, with minimal protein, as its main components are refined flour, sugar, and butter. A typical slice (about 1/8 of a 9-inch crust) contains roughly 120-150 calories, providing quick energy but little in the way of essential vitamins or minerals.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	130 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbs	18 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	110 mg
Iron	1.2 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Potassium	45 mg
Magnesium	10 mg
Phosphorus	30 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.1 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.8 mg
Folate	15 mcg

Per 1/8 of a 9-inch crust (approx. 35 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The crust's popularity is deeply tied to the American cultural tradition of convenient, home-style baking, often using a pre-made, store-bought cracker. Nutritionally, it transforms simple, shelf-stable ingredients into a versatile dessert base, though it is primarily a source of empty calories.