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    Bites with Bri » Dessert » Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

    Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

    Published: Jul 5, 2022 · Modified: Nov 30, 2022 by Brianna May · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This easy Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is everything you love about a traditional pumpkin pie, minus the hassle of the crust. Not only is a graham cracker crust easy to make, it is just as tasty. The filling is made with buttermilk to give it an extra zing. 

    Pumpkin pie with graham cracker crust in a blue pie dish.

    This pumpkin pie recipe in an easy graham cracker crust needs to be on your Thanksgiving and/or Christmas menu! It is the first of many pie recipes this season.

    If you are out of oven space, try this No Bake Oreo Cheesecake Pie.

    If you are looking for an apple dessert as well, try my Apple Bread Pudding or Air Fryer Apples with a crisp topping. It is to die for. 

    Wash this all down with a warm cup of Easy Instant Pot Hot Chocolate. Perfect for the holidays.

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to Make Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
    • Expert Tips & Variations
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Dessert Recipes
    • Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Graham cracker pumpkin pie is much easier than the traditional version. The crust requires no chilling and is made from only 3 ingredients. You can also use a store-bought crust.
    • The filling is spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or cloves giving it tons of fall flavor.
    • Using buttermilk instead of evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk results in a super rich and creamy filling with a little tanginess. I promise it is a game changer.
    • It is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas. 
    • You can make the cracker crumbs with or without a food processor. You also do not need a rolling pin like you do for a traditional pie crust.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Ingredients in glass bowls needed to make a graham cracker crust pumpkin pie.
    • Graham Cracker Crust: You can swap the homemade crust for a store-bought one, like Keebler. You still should pre-bake it as the recipe states. 
    • Pumpkin: The only ingredient on the back of the can should be pumpkin. Be sure it has no added sugar or spices. It is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling. 
    • Buttermilk: I highly recommend buttermilk. It adds a great flavor to the pie. However, you can substitute it for 1% or 2% milk. Let the buttermilk and eggs sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. 
    • Cinnamon & Other Spices: Instead of using ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. You can use 1 ½ teaspoons store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice. You still need to add the 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon.
    • Whipped Cream: Using an electric mixer, whip 1 cup heavy cream, 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, until stiff peaks form.

    Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

    How to Make Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

    Quick Overview

    • Make the crust in a pie plate or dish.
    • Make the filling in a medium bowl. 
    • Pour the filling into the crust & bake.
    • Cool & serve!

    Step by Step Instructions

    A 4 photo collage showing how to make graham cracker crust and pie filling.

    Be sure to use pressure when compacting the crust.

    Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pulse graham crackers and brown sugar in a food processor into a fine crumb. You can also grind them in a zipped top bag with a rolling pin or your hands.

    Step 2: Simultaneously, pour in the melted salted butter and pulse the graham cracker mixture until the butter is combined. You can also combine them in a bowl with a spatula.

    Step 3: In a 9-10 inch pie dish, press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom and up the sides. Use the bottom of a small glass or measuring cup and your hands to compact the mixture. Bake for 7-8 minutes.

    Pumpkin Pie Filling

    Step 4: While the pie crust bakes, make the filling. Add the pumpkin, buttermilk, eggs, unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl. Using an electric/stand mixer or a whisk, mix together the filling until well combined.

    A 4 photo collage showing how to bake the pumpkin pie.

    Cover the edges of the crust so they do not burn.

    Step 5: Pour the pumpkin filling into the pre-baked crust.

    Step 6: Use a spatula to smooth out the filling gently. The pie will be filled to the very top.

    Step 7: Bake for 55-65 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees. The center will be slightly wobbly but the edges should be set. At the 25-30 minute mark, cover the edges of the pie with foil or a pie crust shield so the edges do not burn.

    Step 8: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 2-3 hours. The center will drop and the pie will level as it cools. Cover and transfer to the refrigerator once cooled. Serve with whipped cream.

    Expert Tips & Variations

    • Use room temperature ingredients. Let the buttermilk and eggs sit out at room temperature for about 1 hour. After the unsalted butter is melted, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Using ingredients that are all about the same temperature helps them combine seamlessly.  
    • Use buttermilk. The slight tanginess adds more depth and flavor to the pie. 
    • Mix the filling well. You want to ensure the filling is smooth and there are no lumps in the mixture.
    • Cool completely. The pie will be extremely hot right when it comes out of the oven, be sure to let it cool at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. I prefer to serve the pie cold so I refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before slicing.  
    • Add the whipped cream to each slice right before serving. If the whole pie is not being eaten at once, I recommend adding it to each slice so the whipped cream and pie can be stored separately. You could also serve the pie with vanilla ice cream. 
    • Store in the fridge. This pie will stay good for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover it. You can also freeze individually wrapped pieces for 2 months. 
    • Make a no-bake graham crust pie. If you want to skip the pre-baking step, you can, but the crust will be softer.
    A slice of pie being removed from the dish with whipped cream.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do you keep a graham cracker crust from getting soggy?

    Baking it will help the crust to set and prevent it from absorber the moisture from the filling. If you have ever not baked the crust, you can taste the difference.

    Can I substitute graham cracker crust for pie crust?

    Yes, in fact, that is why I created this recipe. These are much easier to make than traditional pie crusts. I also prefer them to store-bought pie crust. 

    Should you bake a graham cracker crust before filling?

    It depends. No-bake desserts often use cracker crusts because they do not have to be baked. I like to pre-bake the crust to deepen the flavor and prevent it from getting soggy. 

    Is it best to pre-bake pie crust for pumpkin pie?

    Yes. This prevents the crust from getting soggy. 

    How do you bind graham cracker crust?

    The melted butter and brown sugar is what brings the graham cracker crumbs together and makes the mixture somewhat pliable. 

    More Dessert Recipes

    • White Chocolate and Raspberry Blondies
    • Mini Flourless Chocolate Cakes
    • Easy Strawberry Snack Cake
    • Chocolate Raspberry Tart

    If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and/or comment! I always appreciate your feedback. Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram.

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    5 from 165 votes

    Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

    This easy Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is everything you love about a traditional pumpkin pie, minus the hassle of the crust. Not only is a graham cracker crust easy to make, it is just as tasty. The filling is made with buttermilk to give it an extra zing.
    Servings8 people
    Prep10 minutes
    Cook1 hour
    Total1 hour 10 minutes
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Brianna May

    Equipment:

    • Meat Thermometer
    • Stand Mixer
    • Hand Mixer
    • Mixing Bowls

    Ingredients:

    Crust*:

    • 12 whole graham crackers
    • 5 Tablespoons brown sugar
    • 5 Tablespoons salted butter, melted

    Filling:

    • 1 15 ounce can unsweetened pure pumpkin puree
    • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature*
    • 3 eggs, room temperature
    • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted & cooled slightly
    • ¾ cup brown sugar
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 Tablespoons flour
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon*
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
    • homemade whipped cream, for serving*

    Instructions:

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pulse graham crackers and brown sugar in a food processor into a fine crumb. You can also grind them in a zipped top bag with a rolling pin or your hands.
    • Simultaneously, pour in the melted salted butter and pulse the graham cracker mixture until the butter is combined. You can also combine them in a bowl with a spatula.
    • In a 9-10 inch pie dish, press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom and up the sides. Use the bottom of a small glass or measuring cup and your hands to compact the mixture. Bake for 7-8 minutes.
    • While the pie crust bakes, make the filling. Add the pumpkin, buttermilk, eggs, unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl. Using an electric/stand mixer or a whisk, mix together the filling until well combined.
    • Pour the pumpkin filling into the pre-baked crust.
    • Use a spatula to smooth out the filling gently. The pie will be filled to the very top.
    • Bake for 55-65 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees. The center will be slightly wobbly but the edges should be set. At the 25-30 minute mark, cover the edges of the pie with foil or a pie crust shield so the edges do not burn.
    • Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 2-3 hours. The center will drop and the pie will level as it cools. Cover and transfer to the refrigerator once cooled. Serve with whipped cream.

    Notes:

    • Graham Cracker Crust: You can swap the homemade crust for a store-bought one, like Keebler. You still should pre-bake it as the recipe states. 
    • Pumpkin: The only ingredient on the back of the can should be pumpkin. Be sure it has no added sugar or spices. It is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling. 
    • Buttermilk: I highly recommend buttermilk. It adds a great flavor to the pie. However, you can substitute it for 1% or 2% milk. Let the buttermilk and eggs sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. 
    • Cinnamon & Other Spices: Instead of using ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. You can use 1 ½ teaspoons store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice. You still need to add the 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon.
    • Whipped Cream: Using an electric mixer, whip 1 cup heavy cream, 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, until stiff peaks form. 
    • Use room temperature ingredients. Let the buttermilk and eggs sit out at room temperature for about 1 hour. After the unsalted butter is melted, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Using ingredients that are all about the same temperature helps them combine seamlessly.  
    • Cool completely. The pie will be extremely hot right when it comes out of the oven, be sure to let it cool at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. I prefer to serve the pie cold so I refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before slicing.  
    • Store in the fridge. This pie will stay good for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover it. You can also freeze individually wrapped pieces for 2 months.

    NUTRITION:

    Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 407mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 42g
    Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention or tag @bites.with.bri_ or use the hashtag #biteswithbri
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rose

      November 25, 2022 at 10:49 am

      5 stars
      Phonmenal!!!!!! This is an amazing recipe. I don't like pumpkin pie but I love Graham Cracker Crust so I gave it a try. I'm in love and everyone was so happy with the turnout.

      Reply
      • Brianna May

        December 05, 2022 at 7:11 am

        Awesome thank you so much!

        Reply
    2. Lisa

      November 16, 2022 at 4:42 am

      5 stars
      The pumpkin spice level is perfect in this delicious pie

      Reply
      • TS

        November 23, 2022 at 8:21 pm

        5 stars
        First pie I've ever attempted.... came out great!!
        I went a smidge heavier on the spices because I love that flavor and feel most pumpkin pies are too weak. I will definitely make this again in the future!

        Reply
        • Brianna May

          December 05, 2022 at 7:11 am

          Great!! I am glad it was a hit.

    3. Terri

      November 15, 2022 at 7:21 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe that was easy to make. The crust goes perfectly with pumpkin. You will love this one.

      Reply
    4. Karen

      November 15, 2022 at 7:15 am

      5 stars
      So delicious. I can’t wait to make it again for Thanksgiving day!

      Reply
    5. Amy Liu Dong

      November 02, 2022 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      Such an easy and delicious dessert recipe to make for my sister's birthday celebration. Yum!

      Reply
    6. Oscar

      November 02, 2022 at 3:23 pm

      5 stars
      Two of my favorite things are pumpkin and graham cracker crusts. This turned out so good and the spices were just the right amount without being overpowering. Great recipe.

      Reply
    7. Bernice

      November 02, 2022 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      The last graham wafer pie I made didn't turn out right. Your post contains so many great tips, I'm willing to try again. Wish me luck!

      Reply
    8. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome

      November 02, 2022 at 1:43 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so easy! I love the buttermilk in it. The flavor is the best I've tried!

      Reply
    9. mary

      July 07, 2022 at 8:44 am

      The graham cracker crust is a great change up from my regular pumpkin. The crust adds flavor and crunch!

      Reply
    10. Oscar

      July 06, 2022 at 6:05 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at graham cracker crust. Plus pumpkin is my favorite flavor and I can enjoy it all year around. Saving this recipe for my next family dinner. Thank you.

      Reply
    11. Nancy

      July 06, 2022 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      These are perfect for Halloween and fall season ahead!

      Reply
    12. Genevieve

      July 06, 2022 at 3:45 pm

      5 stars
      It's pumpkin season on our farm and I'm so excited! You can never go with homemade pumpkin pie! I love that you did this in a pan in the oven too to give it that extra crispiness on the crust. Looks delicious!

      Reply
    13. Megan

      July 06, 2022 at 5:50 am

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy. It was the perfect pie for our family get together on the weekend. Cheers for a great recipe.

      Reply
    14. Emily

      July 05, 2022 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy to make with the graham cracker crust. We really enjoyed the zing from the buttermilk in the filling!

      Reply

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    I am a recipe developer, food photographer, blogger. My goal is to teach you how to cook, not just follow my recipes. I love to cook with bold flavors that are still family friendly. My hubs is a picky eater and all of these recipes are approved by him, so I am sure you and your family will love them too. Learn more about Bri >>

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