Citrus Infused Graham Cracker Crust
This Citrus Infused Graham Cracker Crust takes your classic dessert foundation to new heights! Inspired by the classic recipe on the back of a Nabisco Graham Cracker crumbs box, I've added a delightful twist with a hint of orange zest and warm cinnamon. By cutting the sugar in half, this crust offers a perfect balance between sweetness and citrus zing. Baking it for just 5 minutes ensures that it sets beautifully, preventing any overcooking or burning during the final baking stage. Perfect for cheesecakes, tarts, or pies, this crust will have your guests saying 'OOH LA LA' with every bite!
N/A
Servings
94
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups (none)
Orange zest
1 (finely grated)
Ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon (none)
Granulated sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Melted butter
5 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, finely grated orange zest, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3
Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined and resembles wet sand.
4
Transfer the crumb mixture into a pie pan or the bottom of a springform pan. Using your fingers or a flat-bottomed object, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
6
Use this flavorful crust in any recipe that requires a graham cracker base, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5.6
Fat
10
Carbs
0.75
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Infused Graham Cracker Crust?
It is a flavorful twist on the classic graham cracker crust, featuring orange zest, cinnamon, and a reduced sugar content for a perfect balance of sweetness and zing.
What ingredients are in this crust?
The recipe requires graham cracker crumbs, orange zest, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
How long do I need to bake the crust?
The crust should be baked in a preheated oven for exactly 5 minutes to set it without overcooking.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the crust.
How much orange zest should I use?
The recipe calls for the finely grated zest of one orange.
Can I use this crust for cheesecake?
Yes, this citrus-infused crust is perfect for cheesecakes, tarts, and various pies.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 5 tablespoons of melted butter.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Is this recipe high in sugar?
This recipe actually cuts the standard sugar amount in half, using only 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
What should the texture of the mixture be before baking?
Once the butter is added, the mixture should be thoroughly combined and resemble wet sand.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
It was inspired by the classic recipe found on the back of a Nabisco Graham Cracker crumbs box but enhanced with citrus and spice.
How many graham cracker crumbs do I need?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 94 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 5.6 grams of fat.
Does this crust contain protein?
Yes, it contains about 0.75 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to grease the pan?
The recipe does not specify greasing, as the butter in the crust usually prevents sticking, but you can use a pie pan or springform pan.
How do I press the crumbs into the pan?
You can use your fingers or a flat-bottomed object to press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides.
Is it necessary to cool the crust after baking?
Yes, you should allow the crust to cool slightly after removing it from the oven.
Is the cinnamon optional?
While essential for the specific 'Citrus Infused' flavor profile of this recipe, it adds warmth that complements the orange zest.
Can I use this for a no-bake dessert?
Yes, although the crust itself is baked for 5 minutes, it is an excellent base for no-bake fillings like silk pies or chilled tarts.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: crumbs, zest, cinnamon, sugar, and butter.
What type of zest is best?
Finely grated orange zest is recommended for the best flavor distribution.
Why bake it for only 5 minutes?
A short bake time ensures the crust sets beautifully and prevents it from burning during the final baking of your pie or cheesecake.
Can I use a springform pan?
Absolutely, this crust works well in both standard pie pans and springform pans.
Is this an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is very beginner-friendly.
What flavor does the orange zest add?
It adds a bright, citrusy zing that balances the richness of the butter and graham crumbs.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe simply specifies 'melted butter'; usually, unsalted is preferred in baking, but salted can add a nice contrast.
Can I use pre-made graham cracker crumbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs.
Is this a homemade crust?
Yes, this is a homemade recipe that provides a more flavorful alternative to store-bought pre-made crusts.