5 Graham Cracker Crust Substitutes That Match the Texture

If all that s'mores-making this summer has led you to be out (or shy of the amount needed) of graham crackers the moment you're trying to make a pie or cheesecake, don't fret: There are plenty of things you can substitute for graham cracker crumbs. While you can't exactly replicate that nutty flavor and slight sweetness that graham crackers add to desserts unless you're ambitious enough to make your own, it's easy to find a graham crackers substitute that will closely match its texture. That's really all you need when mixing any kind of crumbs with a little butter to help it stick together. Take note of these easy-as-pie substitutions that won't have you missing graham cracker crust at all.

Easy Substitutes for Graham Cracker Piecrust

Depending on the flavor of pie you are making, try one of these substitutions. For every 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, you can use:

1. 1½ cups of crushed gingersnaps (about 22 cookies): This crust is wonderful with apple, pear, and pumpkin pies.
2. 1½ cups of crushed vanilla wafer cookies (about 33 cookies): This versatile crust complements almost any filling. If you're asking, "What can I use instead of graham crackers for cheesecake?" This is a safe bet.
3. 1½ cups of crushed chocolate wafer cookies (about 32 cookies): This dark-chocolaty crust goes best with raspberry, chocolate, caramel, or butterscotch fillings.
4. 1½ cups of crushed sandwich cookies (about 21 cookies): Omit sugar from the piecrust recipe. Try this crust with a peanut butter pie!
5. 1½ cups crushed cornflakes: This one is ready for almost any filling but is especially delicious in a citrus-flavored tart.

Of course, there's always the classic pastry piecrust when you're looking for flaky and not sandy in your piecrust texture. You can get creative with other piecrust ideas like flattened purchased cinnamon rolls, avocado piecrust for a savory pie, and all sorts of delicious ideas you haven't yet dreamed up.