This apple pie with graham cracker crust delivers everything you crave about apple pie with absolutely no hassle. From top to bottom, this homemade apple pie is an easy-to-make, no-bake wonder.
I love a good sweet homemade apple pie with a graham cracker crust and this recipe is just that!
Also known as a Dutch apple pie, this scrumptious treat features a graham cracker crust, tartly sweet apple pie filling, and an irresistible streusel topping – all completely homemade, but still easy to make.
Too many no bake apple pie recipes depend on canned pie filling or store-bought crusts, but not this recipe!
If you’ve enjoyed some of my other recipes for no bake desserts — like no bake cheesecake, marshmallow treats, or peanut butter fudge — you’ll definitely want to add this easy apple pie recipe to your list of favorites.
This graham cracker crust apple pie is both simple to make and loaded with fresh, hand-crafted ingredients. The best of both worlds!
Homemade Apple Pie Ingredients
- Graham Crackers
- Granulated Sugar
- Butter – salted and melted
- Honey
- Water – cold
- Gelatin – unflavored
- Apple Cider
- Green Apples
- Brown Sugar
- Lemon Juice
- Apple Pie Spice
- Almond Flour
- Oats – quick cooking
- Ground cinnamon
How to Make Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
FOR THE CRUST
STEP ONE: Combine the graham crackers and granulated sugar in a food processor and pulse for about 30 seconds. You want the mixture to have the same consistency as sand.
STEP TWO: Transfer the graham cracker crumbs to a mixing bowl. Add the honey and melted butter and stir to combine.
STEP THREE: Use nonstick cooking spray to lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan. Press the crust mixture into the bottom and sides of the pan, getting it as even as possible. Then, stash the crust in the refrigerator to chill as you prepare the rest of the recipe.
FOR THE APPLE FILLING
STEP ONE: In a medium saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin powder into the cold water. Set it aside for about 5 minutes to bloom.
STEP TWO: Place the pan over medium heat, add the apple cider, and use a whisk to make sure all the gelatin is fully dissolved.
STEP THREE: Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, and apple pie spice to the pan. Stir to combine and then cook for 15-18 minutes. You want the apples to be fork-tender.
STEP FOUR: Remove the pan from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature – usually about 45 minutes.
STEP FIVE: With a spoon, transfer the apples from the apple pie filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Spread them out as evenly as possible, then gently pour the liquid over the top.
FOR THE STREUSEL TOPPING
STEP ONE: Combine the almond flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl and stir together.
STEP TWO: Add the melted butter to the dry mixture and stir until you start to see large clumps.
STEP THREE: Sprinkle the crumb topping over the top of the apple filling layer. Cover the pie pan and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours — ideally, overnight.
STEP FOUR: Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?
Yes, you can use a prepared graham cracker crust to save time or if you already have one on hand!
Whenever I opt for store-bought, I prefer Keebler graham cracker crust, but any brand will do the trick.
What apples are best for apple pie?
Generally speaking, the best apples to use in any baking recipe are crisp and firm with a bright, tart flavor.
For this no-bake apple pie, green Granny Smith apples bring that tart and crisp flavor. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Pink Lady are other popular options — and you can even use a mixture of two or three varieties!
Should I peel the apples for this easy apple pie recipe?
You do not need to peel the apples for this apple pie recipe. However, you are more than welcome to peel them if you prefer.
Can I use wheat flour for the crumb topping?
Since the crumb topping doesn’t get cooked, almond flour is used instead of wheat flour.
If you need a nut-free option or just prefer to use wheat flour, be sure to choose a heat-treated variety. Consuming raw wheat flour can be unsafe.
You can also heat wheat or all-purpose flour in the oven by baking it at 350 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes, until the temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
What can I substitute for butter in graham cracker pie crust?
When making the crust for your graham cracker crust apple pie, butter is my top choice. However, you can use coconut oil or even olive oil as a substitute if needed.
Avoid using “butter alternatives” in your homemade crust as they tend to have too much water content for what the crust needs to stay crumbly and crunchy.
Why is my graham cracker pie crust so hard?
If your graham cracker crust comes out a bit on the hard side, you might have added too much butter to the mix. Especially when chilled in the refrigerator, too much butter can make things as hard as a rock.
You also want to be sure not to pack the crust too tightly. Be firm, but don’t go overboard. Once the crumbs are in place and the crust is holding its shape, leave it alone.
Do I need to pre-bake my pie crust?
No, you do not need to pre-bake your pie crust when using a graham cracker crust for apple pie.
Whether we are talking about the crust, filling, or topping, I designed this apple pie with graham cracker crust recipe to be a truly no-bake creation!
What toppings go well with this no-bake apple pie?
I recommend enjoying this graham cracker crust apple pie with freshly whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Apple pie with graham cracker crust is also amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of Greek vanilla yogurt.
Can I make graham cracker crust apple pie ahead of time?
This apple pie with graham cracker crust can be made a day or two ahead of time, but no longer.
Once prepared, store the pie in the refrigerator and enjoy it within three days.
More apple recipes:
- Air Fryer Apple Crisp
- Apple Turnover
- Apple Cobbler Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Filling
- Apple Crumble Cheesecake
- Air Fryer Apple Slices
- Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes
Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 14 sheets cinnamon graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Apple Layer
- ¼ cup cold water
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 1 ½ cups apple cider
- 2 cups sliced green apple
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
For the Streusel
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons salted butter melted
Instructions
For the Crust
- Place the graham crackers and granulated sugar in a food processor and pulse until they have the same consistency as sand– about 30 seconds.
- Transfer the graham cracker crumbs to a bowl and stir in the butter and honey.
- Lightly grease a 9” pie pan with nonstick cooking spray and press the crust into an even layer on the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Place in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
For the Apple Layer
- Place the cold water in a medium saucepan and sprinkle over the gelatin. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Next, add the apple cider and place the pan over medium heat. Whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add the sliced apple, brown sugar, lemon juice, and apple pie spice. Cook for an additional 15-18 minutes or until the apples are fork-tender.
- Set the apple filling aside and allow it to cool to room temperature– about 45 minutes.
- Then, spoon the apples into the crust, making sure to spread them out evenly. Gently pour the liquid over the apples.
For the Streusel
- In a small bowl, stir together the almond flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add the melted butter and stir until large clumps begin to form.
- Sprinkle the streusel over the apple layer and place the pie in the fridge to chill until completely set– at least 6 hours but preferably overnight.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.