Name: Graham Cracker Crumble
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 sleeve graham crackers (9 sheets of 4 crackers, roughly crushed); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 3 tablespoons sugar (granulated or light/dark brown); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); Pinch kosher or fine sea salt

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Description of this Recipe

This delightful Graham Cracker Crumble is a versatile, easy-to-make topping that adds a touch of sweet, buttery crunch to a wide array of desserts. Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple scoop of ice cream, enhance a fruit parfait, or add texture to a creamy yogurt bowl, this crumble is the perfect solution. Its simple ingredients and quick preparation time make it a go-to recipe for adding a homemade touch to your favorite treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Graham Cracker Crumble. First and foremost, its simplicity is a major draw. With just a handful of pantry staples and a single bowl, you can whip up a batch in minutes. The recipe is incredibly forgiving and customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, spice levels, and even the type of sugar used to suit your preferences. The buttery, graham cracker flavor is universally appealing, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the textural contrast it provides—a delightful crunch against creamy or soft desserts—is simply irresistible. The crumble also stores well, so you can make a large batch and have it on hand for whenever a dessert craving strikes.

Introduction

In the world of desserts, texture and flavor are key. A simple crumble can transform an ordinary treat into something truly special. This Graham Cracker Crumble is designed to do just that. Inspired by the classic flavors of graham crackers and butter, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and a warm, comforting taste that complements a variety of desserts.

The beauty of this crumble lies in its adaptability. It’s not just a topping; it’s an invitation to get creative in the kitchen. Think of it as a blank canvas for your dessert dreams. Whether you’re layering it with fresh berries and whipped cream in a parfait, sprinkling it over a warm apple crisp, or simply using it to add a bit of flair to your morning yogurt, the possibilities are endless.

This recipe is perfect for those times when you need a quick and easy dessert solution. Maybe you’re hosting a last-minute gathering, or perhaps you just want to treat yourself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Either way, this Graham Cracker Crumble is the answer. It’s a simple pleasure that brings a touch of homemade goodness to any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 sleeve graham crackers (9 sheets of 4 crackers), roughly crushed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons sugar (granulated or light/dark brown)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Pinch kosher or fine sea salt

Prep:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).
Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the crumble from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Roughly crush the graham crackers. You can do this by placing them in a large zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them into coarse crumbs. Alternatively, you can pulse them in a food processor for a few seconds.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Step 5: Add the melted butter and vanilla extract (if using) to the bowl. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated with butter and the dry ingredients are well combined.

COOK Rating:

Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Extremely easy)
Taste: 4.5/5 (Delicious and versatile)
Customization: 5/5 (Highly customizable)
Overall: 4.8/5 (Highly recommended)

Serving Suggestions:

Ice Cream Topping: Sprinkle generously over your favorite ice cream flavors for added texture and flavor. Vanilla, chocolate, and coffee ice cream are particularly good choices.
Parfaits: Layer with yogurt, fresh fruit, and whipped cream for a delightful parfait.
Fruit Crisps and Crumbles: Add to the topping of apple, peach, or berry crisps for extra crunch.
Yogurt Bowls: Sprinkle over yogurt with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Milkshakes: Blend into milkshakes for a unique texture and flavor boost.
Dessert Pizza: Sprinkle over a dessert pizza with a cream cheese frosting base and fresh fruit.
Brownies or Blondies: Sprinkle on top before baking for a sweet and crunchy topping.
Puddings: Use as a topping for puddings like vanilla, chocolate, or banana pudding.

Tips:

Graham Cracker Type: You can use regular, honey, or chocolate graham crackers depending on your preference. Honey graham crackers add a subtle sweetness, while chocolate graham crackers provide a richer flavor.
Sugar Options: Granulated sugar provides a clean, crisp sweetness, while light or dark brown sugar adds a hint of molasses for a richer, more complex flavor. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is fully melted but not too hot. Hot butter can cause the graham cracker mixture to become greasy.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the crumble while it’s baking, as it can burn easily. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the brand of graham crackers you use.
Cooling Time: Allow the crumble to cool completely before breaking it up into crumbles. This will ensure that it becomes nice and crispy.
Storage: Store the crumble in an airtight container to maintain its crispness. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Adding Nuts: For added flavor and texture, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the crumble mixture.
Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a unique twist.
Citrus Zest: Add a touch of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, for a bright and refreshing flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition Information: (Per serving, approximately 1/4 cup)

Calories: 120-150 (depending on ingredients)
Protein: 1 gram
Sodium: 50-70mg

Conclusion

This Graham Cracker Crumble is a simple yet versatile recipe that can elevate a wide variety of desserts. Its ease of preparation, customizable nature, and delightful flavor make it a must-have in any home baker’s repertoire. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of crunch to your ice cream, enhance a fruit parfait, or simply satisfy a sweet craving, this crumble is the perfect solution. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let your creativity shine!

Questions and Answers:

Can I use gluten-free graham crackers for this recipe?
- Yes, you can definitely use gluten-free graham crackers. Just make sure to choose a brand that you enjoy the taste and texture of, as some gluten-free graham crackers can be a bit dry or crumbly. Follow the recipe as written, and you should have no problem creating a delicious gluten-free crumble.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
- While butter is essential for the classic flavor and texture of this crumble, you can substitute it with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. Use the same amount of coconut oil as you would butter, and make sure it’s melted before mixing it with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that coconut oil will impart a slight coconut flavor to the crumble.
How can I prevent the crumble from burning in the oven?
- The key to preventing the crumble from burning is to keep a close eye on it while it’s baking. The baking time can vary depending on your oven and the brand of graham crackers you use. Start checking the crumble after 8 minutes, and if it’s browning too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature slightly or cover the baking sheet with foil.
Can I add other ingredients to the crumble mixture?
- Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can add chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, for added flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger. For a bright and refreshing flavor, try adding a touch of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange.
How long will the crumble stay fresh?
- The crumble will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, 1 week in the refrigerator, or 3 months in the freezer. To maintain its crispness, store it in an airtight container. If you’re storing it in the freezer, make sure to let it thaw completely before using it. You can also re-crisp it in a warm oven for a few minutes if it has lost some of its crunch.