This easy apple pie with graham cracker crust and cinnamon crumb topping is a fall favorite. It combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with the buttery crunch of a graham cracker crust and a crisp streusel on top. Using a store-bought graham cracker pie shell keeps this recipe simple and fast while still delivering classic, comforting flavors. If you’ve never tried a fruit pie in a graham cracker crust, this is the perfect introduction.
*This recipe may use common grocery ingredients and pantry staples. Adjust spices and sugars to taste.*
If you enjoy this apple pie, consider trying other autumn desserts such as Pie Crust Cookie Twists, Turtle Pie, or Biscoff Blondies with White Chocolate for more cozy baking ideas.
Easy Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Crumb Topping
If you want a delicious apple pie without making a traditional pastry crust, this recipe is for you. The graham cracker shell adds a toasty, slightly sweet base that pairs perfectly with caramelized apples and a buttery cinnamon streusel. It’s approachable for bakers of all skill levels and makes a lovely dessert for holidays, potlucks, or any cozy evening at home.
This version features a homemade apple filling cooked down on the stovetop to thicken and concentrate the flavors before baking, then finished with a chilled crumb topping that bakes to a golden, crunchy finish.
Other fall desserts to explore include Apple Cider Donut Cake, Cake Mix Apple Cobbler, and Apple Dapple Cake. For a seasonal roundup, look for collections of the season’s best fall desserts to inspire your baking.
Can I substitute graham cracker crust for pie crust?
Yes. A graham cracker crust is a great shortcut that works with many fillings. Baking time and temperature may vary compared to a traditional double-crust or flaky butter crust, but for fruit fillings like apple, blueberry, or cherry it’s a reliable and delicious option. You can also use a homemade graham cracker crust if you prefer to control sweetness and texture.
Below you’ll find ingredient notes, equipment suggestions, and step-by-step instructions to make this caramel apple pie with a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
See the recipe section for exact measurements. These are the core ingredients for the best apple pie with a graham cracker crust:
- Apples – Use a mix of sweet and tart varieties. Granny Smith and Gala or Honeycrisp work well together.
- Lemon juice – A splash prevents browning and adds brightness.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor; use pure vanilla if possible.
- Salted butter – Adds richness; if using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
- Granulated and brown sugar – A combination gives a balanced sweetness and caramel notes.
- Apple pie spice – Or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the filling so it sets cleanly when sliced.
- Store-bought graham cracker crust – For speed and convenience, though you can make your own crumb crust if you prefer.
For the cinnamon streusel topping you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Light brown sugar (packed)
- Ground cinnamon
- Salted butter (softened to room temperature)
- Caramel sauce for serving (optional) and vanilla ice cream if you like it à la mode.
Equipment
If you use a store-bought graham cracker crust it comes with a foil pan. Otherwise, you’ll want a 9-inch pie dish. Other helpful tools: a medium saucepan for cooking the filling, mixing bowls for the crumble, a rubber spatula, and a kitchen scale for precise flour measurements if desired.
How long to cook apple pie with graham cracker crust
This apple pie is quick to prepare and bakes about 30–35 minutes until the crumb topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. Prep time is short since the crust is pre-made; total time from start to finish is under an hour, including cooling.
Heat peeled and sliced apples over medium heat until they release moisture and begin to soften. Stir in the remaining filling ingredients and cook until the mixture reduces and thickens.
Combine the crumble ingredients in a bowl and rub together with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Chill briefly before topping the pie to help achieve a crisp texture.
Spoon the apple mixture into the graham cracker crust, pressing down gently to fit but avoiding overfilling.
Top with the chilled crumb mixture and bake 30–35 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until the crumb is golden and the filling bubbles. Let cool completely before slicing to ensure neat slices.
Hint: Chilling the crumb topping briefly before baking helps it hold its shape and deliver a buttery, crunchy finish. If you prefer warm pie, reheat individual slices and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage
Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator in an airtight container or by securing the foil pan top. It will stay fresh for up to four days. For best texture, bring slices to room temperature or gently warm before serving.
Top Tip
Allow the pie to cool fully before cutting. This gives the filling time to set so slices hold together. To serve warm, heat individual portions briefly and top with ice cream and caramel.
Frequently Asked Questions
You typically don’t need to prebake a store-bought graham cracker crust for this kind of fruit pie. The crust crisps during the regular bake and holds up well under the filling and crumb topping.
Yes. Premade graham cracker crusts work well for baked fruit pies and many chilled desserts. They’re a convenient, time-saving option.
Graham cracker crusts are versatile: fruit fillings like apple, blueberry, and cherry work well, as do cream or cheesecake-style fillings. They add a sweet, crunchy contrast to both baked and no-bake desserts.
Yes. Use 1–2 cans of your favorite apple pie filling in place of the fresh-cooked filling for a fast version. Adjust the crumb topping and bake time as needed until bubbly and golden.
More Fall Recipes
If you love seasonal baking, try cozy recipes like Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup, Cinnamon Cupcakes, Pumpkin Banana Muffins, and Graveyard Brownies for holiday entertaining and autumn treats.
- Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup
- Cinnamon Cupcakes
- Banana and Pumpkin Muffins
- Graveyard Brownies
10 cozy recipes. No stress. All the fall flavor.
Get a simple, beginner-friendly baking plan to make the season easy and delicious. Includes step-by-step recipes, fall flavor ideas, and a printable grocery list.
- 10 simple, foolproof fall dessert recipes
- Cozy flavors like pumpkin, chai, apple, and brown butter
- Step-by-step instructions for beginners and busy bakers
- Bonus: flavor pairing guide and printable fall grocery list
If you try this recipe, leaving a review or a comment on the original recipe page is appreciated. Sharing photos of your finished pie on social media with the recipe name helps others discover it.
📖 Recipe
Equipment you may need
- 3-quart saucepan or medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food scale (optional for accuracy)
- 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 store-bought or homemade graham cracker crust (9-inch)
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (114 g)
- Caramel sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the apples and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples release moisture and begin to soften.
- Add lemon juice, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring, until the mixture thickens and the apples are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Allow to cool slightly.
- To make the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl. Use your fingers to press the mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs. Chill the crumb mixture in the freezer for about 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the apple mixture into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top, being careful not to overfill. Evenly sprinkle the chilled crumb topping over the apple filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from oven and cool completely before slicing.
- Serve slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream if desired.
Nutrition
