Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by Lori Walker
Since the 20th century, graham cracker crust has been the foundation of numerous desserts. Despite the simplicity of its ingredients, the preparation process can sometimes be labor-intensive.
That’s when the invention of store-bought premade graham cracker crust became the best choice if you’re planning to make quick no-bake desserts.
It saves you the time of traditionally blind-baking the pie crust and making it from scratch. But can you bake the premade graham cracker crust? Let’s find out.
Premade Graham Cracker Crust: Can You Bake It?
Yes, you can bake premade graham cracker crust. But it is a matter of preference and depends on your chosen recipe.
The graham cracker crust was introduced by Sebastien Thieffine in the 1930s and has since become the foundation of American pie-making [1].
It was named after Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister, and dietary reformer. He promoted a strict diet to suppress sexual desires through this coarsely ground wheat flour.
The National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) started its mass production in 1898. And several decades after that, graham cracker crust evolved into a premade product popularly used in baked and no-bake desserts.
Read: Is It Okay To Use Pie Crust To Make Dumplings?
How Long Can You Bake It?
You can bake the premade graham cracker crust for around 6 to 8 minutes. But most of the time, the package label will tell you how long you should bake the premade graham cracker crust.
Preheat your oven to 375°F before baking the graham cracker crust. However, the premade graham crust can be baked depending on the recipe.
If you want to brush it with egg whites or beaten egg, set the temperature at 375°F and bake it for 5 minutes. After baking the premade graham cracker crust, cool it on a cookie sheet before filling it.
But is it ok to use bread flour for your pie crust?
Why Should You Bake Premade Graham Cracker Crust?
You should bake the premade graham cracker crust if you want a golden-colored crust. Baking gives color and sets the shape of your crust.
The premade graham cracker crust was previously baked before it entered the market. It works best for no-bake desserts such as watermelon pie, strawberry lemonade pie, and a no-bake cheesecake.
But if you want to add fillings to the premade graham cracker crust, you will have to bake it to avoid the crust from crumbling.
For instance, key lime pie, lemon meringue pie, and pumpkin pie involve baking the premade graham crust with its filling.
Find out why your homemade bread crust is so hard here.
Should You Bake It Before Adding Fillings?
You should not bake store-bought premade graham cracker crust before adding the fillings. Since it has already been baked, you can add the fillings before baking the pie according to the recipe instructions.
“You want to make sure the crust holds up to your filling.”
– Sebastien Thieffine, Executive Pastry Chef
You can use a pie tin with premade graham crust and ensure it is lined with parchment paper. Avoid tilting the tin if the crust does not have any fillings yet.
The graham crust tends to crumble out of the baking pan.
How To Bake Premade Graham Cracker Crust
Baking a premade graham cracker is extremely easy. It does not require you to bake unless the recipe calls for it.
If you want to make a dessert with a golden crust, brush it with egg white wash or a beaten egg. Then, preheat the oven to 375°F to evenly cook the crust and bake it for 5 minutes.
For baked pies and desserts, follow the recommended baking time in the recipe instructions, which can take around 30 minutes to an hour.
Read: Why Does The Top Of My Lemon Bars Have A Crust?
Is It Necessary?
No, it is not necessary to bake the store-bought premade graham crust. But as mentioned, baking results in a more flavorful pie crust and a more toasted texture.
The store-bought graham cracker crust shares the same ingredients as the homemade one. You only need graham crackers, butter, and sugar [2].
However, the premade graham cracker crust saves you time if you want to make a baked pie or dessert faster.
You are also free to add cinnamon or a bit of spice for another layer of flavor to your graham crust.
Read: 10 Helpful Tips To Save Your Leftover Pastry Cream
FAQs
Can I put a graham cracker crust in the oven?
Yes, you can put a graham cracker crust in the oven. Add the fillings and bake according to the suggested time for your recipe. But can you use flour instead of bread crumbs?
How do you keep a graham cracker crust from burning?
You can keep the graham cracker crust from burning by keeping an eye on it and constantly checking its color.
After it turns golden brown, cover the edges of the graham crust with aluminum foil to thoroughly cook the filling without burning the pie crust.
Find out if you can fix a burnt cheesecake top here.
How do you know when the graham cracker crust is done?
You will know that the graham cracker crust is done once it turns golden brown.
You will have to reduce the temperature according to the recipe instructions and continue baking until the filling is cooked.
Final Thoughts
The premade graham cracker crust is the best choice if you’re hurrying to make a pie or tart.
It usually consists of the same baking recipes as the homemade crust, with graham crackers, butter, and sugar.
It yields almost the same taste result but with a faster making process. It is not necessary to bake a store-bought graham cracker crust unless you want a more flavorful and crisper crust.
You can also bake the premade graham crust if you’re planning to add fillings, then strictly follow the instructions on how long you should bake it.
References:
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/American-pie-history
- https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/graham-cracker-crust
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