This easy apple pie with graham cracker crust and buttery crumb topping is a fall favorite. We pair a caramel-style apple filling with a store-bought graham cracker shell for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. If you haven’t tried fruit pies in a graham cracker crust, this is a delicious place to start—classic fall flavors with minimal fuss.
*This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details.*
Easy Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Crumb Topping
If you want the flavor of homemade apple pie without rolling a traditional pastry, this apple pie with graham cracker crust and a cinnamon crumble is the recipe to make. It’s approachable for bakers of any level and works particularly well for holidays and gatherings.
The pie brings together tender spiced apples, a crisp graham cracker shell, and a crunchy streusel topping. The caramel drizzle and a scoop of vanilla ice cream finish it perfectly.
Can I substitute graham cracker crust for pie crust?
Yes. A graham cracker crust is a great shortcut and pairs well with many fillings. Baking time and temperature can differ from a traditional pastry crust, but fruit fillings, pumpkin, and lemon desserts all work nicely in a graham shell.
Ingredients
Below are the main ingredients you’ll need. Refer to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Apples – Use a mix for balanced flavor; Granny Smith and Gala are a great combination.
- Lemon juice – Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth to the filling.
- Salted butter – If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
- Granulated and brown sugar – A blend of sugars gives sweetness and caramel notes.
- Apple pie spice – Or substitute pumpkin pie spice if needed.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the filling so it sets nicely in the crust.
- Graham cracker crust – Store-bought makes this recipe very quick; you can also make a homemade graham crust from crumbs if preferred.
For the crumb topping:
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar – Packed, for a caramel flavor in the streusel.
- Ground cinnamon – Or apple pie spice for extra warmth.
- Salted butter – Softened to room temperature; add a bit of salt if using unsalted butter.
- Caramel sauce – Optional, for drizzling when serving.
Equipment
A store-bought graham cracker crust includes the pan. If you make your own crust, use a 9-inch pie dish. A saucepan is helpful for cooking the filling, and a kitchen scale is useful if you want precise flour measurements. Mixing bowls and a rubber spatula are handy for the streusel.
How long to cook apple pie with graham cracker crust
The process is straightforward. Here are the key steps:
Heat peeled, sliced apples with a pinch of salt over medium heat until they release moisture and start to soften.
Mix the crumb ingredients with your fingers until coarse crumbs form, then chill briefly to firm the butter.
Spoon the apple mixture into the graham crust and smooth the top.
Sprinkle the chilled crumble over the filling and bake about 30–35 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles.
Tip: Chilling the crumble before baking helps it stay crisp and buttery. Let the pie cool completely before slicing for the cleanest slices.
Storage
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you used a store-bought crust, the original packaging top can often be flipped over and secured for easy storage. Otherwise, an airtight container or pie carrier works well.
Top Tip
Wait until the pie is fully cooled before cutting so the filling sets. Rewarm individual slices when serving warm with ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. For this recipe the graham cracker crust crisps up during the regular bake, so pre-baking is not necessary.
Yes. Many fruit fillings adapt well to a premade graham shell, and this caramel apple version is a great example.
Fruit fillings like apple, cherry, and blueberry work beautifully. Creamy fillings such as cheesecake or no-bake custards are also excellent choices.
Yes. You can substitute 1–2 cans of canned apple pie filling in place of the homemade filling for an even quicker version.
More Fall Recipes
If you enjoy this pie, other cozy fall recipes to try include cinnamon cupcakes, pumpkin banana muffins, and other seasonal treats.
-
Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup
-
Cinnamon Cupcakes
-
Banana and Pumpkin Muffins
-
Graveyard Brownies
10 cozy recipes. No stress. All the fall flavor.
Make this your easiest, coziest baking season yet. Inside the ebook you’ll find simple fall dessert recipes, cozy flavors like pumpkin and apple, step-by-step instructions for beginners, and a printable fall grocery list.
If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment — feedback is always appreciated. Share your photos on Instagram and tag @chenee_today.
📖 Recipe
Equipment you may need
- 3-quart saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food scale (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 7–8 medium apples, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thin (Granny Smith and Gala recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- Caramel sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the apples and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the apples release moisture and begin to soften.
- Add lemon juice, butter, sugars, apple pie spice, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens and the apples are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly.
- To make the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl. Press together with your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Chill the bowl in the freezer for about 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the apple filling into the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top without overfilling. Evenly sprinkle the chilled crumb topping over the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let the pie cool completely before slicing. Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving, if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 454 kcal | Carbohydrates: 64 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 21 g | Sugar: 39 g
