How to Make a Crumb Crust
Crumb crusts are a quick and simple alternative to traditional pie crusts. They require only a few ingredients and just minutes to assemble, and the possibilities for creating different flavor variations are endless. Use this ratio to help you get started making your own crumb crust, and check out the article above for a comprehensive crumb crust tutorial!
- Prep Time: 00:05
- Cook Time: 00:10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: (1) 9-inch crumb pie crust
- Category: Pie Crust
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (227 grams) crumbs (about 2 cups), more as needed
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (optional)
- Pinch salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, (divided)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the crumbs, sugar, and salt. Start by adding 3 tablespoons of the melted butter, and add more as needed. Usually it needs no more than 8 tablespoons (though very dry crumbs like pretzels can take more). The mixture should be damp, like wet sand, and will hold together when squeezed. If it is too dry, add more melted butter, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon more crumbs until it’s the correct consistency.
- Gather the crumb mixture loosely around and up the sides of the plate until all the edges are covered with crumbs.
- Form the top edges of the crust and neaten them by pressing them together with two fingers. It may feel like you won't have enough crumbs to cover the bottom of the pie plate at this point, but don't worry. There will be plenty of crumbs to go around.
- Next, start packing down the sides of the crumb crust against the pie plate in an even layer with your thumb. As you do this, start moving the excess crumb mixture toward the center of the pie plate.
- Continue packing the crumbs from the outer edges towards the middle until you have a single layer.
- Then with your fingers, a spatula, or the bottom of a measuring cup, pack down the crumbs until everything is tight and even.
- The crumb crust can be parbaked in a 350ºF preheated oven for 10 minutes for a more toasted flavor and stable texture, or it can be chilled in the freezer before it is filled.
Notes
The article above this recipe has the bulk of the information needed to successfully create your own crumb crust. Be sure to read through it if you have any lingering questions or you are looking to trouble shoot.
In addition, this website also has many crumb crust recipes already measured out with more specifics if you have a particular crust in mind:
Find it online: https://everydaypie.com/how-to-make-a-crumb-crust/