I decided that this recipe was so easy and delicious that it needed it's very own post! With only 6 ingredients (including a secret ingredient that has made taken this crust to the next level), anyone can easily make this gluten-free, keto Graham Cracker crust in a matter of minutes.
Since my The Only Pie, Tart or Bar Crust You Will Ever Need! (Gluten-Free, Keto) was so popular, I decided to tackle a graham cracker version.
What criteria needed to be met to officially be labelled "The Only Graham Cracker Crust You Will Ever Need"?
- Limited ingredients
- Limited time
- Can stand up to a liquid and maintain it's crispness even after a couple of days
- 1 bowl
- As flavourful as the original gluten and sugar tasting crust
I used this recipe for several different tarts, cheesecakes and bars and have loved it in every shape and form.
Even after 5 days of being stored in the fridge, the crust maintained the crunch that we all love.
So, what is the secret ingredient that makes this crust over the top delicious?
Cardamom! (it is also spelt Cardamon for whatever reasons!)
Interesting Facts about Cardamom:
- It is the 3rd most expensive spice in the world. Don't let this deter you from buying it as a little goes a very long way. (pure vanilla and saffron are more expensive)
- It is the main component of a chai blend
- It has a complex strong, sweet, pungent flavour and aroma, with hints of lemon and mint.
- It is known for its diuretic, antioxidants and antiemetic (ie. it can help soothe an upset stomach) properties
How to make The Only Graham Cracker Crust You Will Ever Need:
This is really simple. Combine almond flour, flax meal, salt, cinnamon and cardamom in a medium mixing bowl. Add softened butter and mix until everything is fully incorporated.
THAT'S IT!
All you have to do after that is decide what shape you want the crust to be.
Here is a picture of the uncooked crust in a springform pan. See how easily it forms up the edges?
This is the crust after baking it before adding the cheesecake filling. The edges brown nicely.
I also made this crust for a new recipe that required a tart pan.
Here is the uncooked version:
You can see how I was easily able to get the crust into the fluted pattern of the tart pan.
Can you make this without cardamom?
Of course but I am not sure why you would want to. The depth and complexity that cardamom gives to this crust take it to the next level. However, if you don't want to try and be brave, then just replace the cardamom with more cinnamon.
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy:
- The Only Pie, Tart or Bar Crust You Will Ever Need! (Gluten-Free, Keto)
- One Bowl Lemon Lime Graham Cracker Crust Bars (Keto, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free)
- Lemon Strawberry Tart (Gluten-Free, Low Carb)
The Only Graham Cracker Crust You Will Ever Need (Gluten-Free, Keto)
With only 5 ingredients, this crust can be used as the base for a cheesecake or a tart crust. Graham cracker in texture and taste, this crust requires only almond flour, flax, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon. Gluten-Free, Keto and simple, this will quickly become your go-to crust for all your desserts.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups almond flour
- 0.5 cups flaxmeal
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (I use Lakanto Golden to make it sugar free)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1 stick butter, softened (which equals 115 g, 4 oz or 8 tbsp)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Generously grease the pan you will be using and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Using a whisk, stir to incorporate.
- Add the softened butter to the mixture and stir until mixture can be easily formed into a ball.
- Press mixture into pan and parbake for 10 minutes (ie. if crust will be returning to oven) and 20 minutes if you are fully baking the crust.
Notes
- The nutritional value is for the sugar-free version using Lakanto Golden.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Keto, Low Carb, Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 171
- Fat: 16.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.7 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 4.1 g
Linda says
Best alternative on the market!!!! THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES!
Cat says
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I am happy to hear your family enjoyed it!
Rebecca says
This recipe was a big hit with me and my family! Thank you for sharing!
Cat says
Sorry about not being specific. A stick of butter is equal to 110 grams, 4 oz or 8 tbsp. I just updated the recipe.
Abril says
Sooo... how much is a stick of butter !!!! Like how many grams ? Oz anything , my stick of butter is The freaking Costco size ... more specific would be great please help
Cat says
You could probably just replace the flax meal with the same amount of almond flour. Let me know how it turns out!
Jacci says
What can you sub for the flax meal?
Cat says
Technically speaking, all the ingredients could be eaten raw and therefore the crust does not need to be baked. However, if you do not bake the crust, it will not be crunchy like a regular graham cracker pie crust so I suggest you bake the crust to ensure you get a traditional crunchy grahama cracker crust. I hope that helps clarify things!
AMY says
I have a recipe I'd like to use this for. Does it have to be baked? My original recipe uses traditional Graham cracker crumbs, mixed with butter and sugar, pressed in the pan and then frozen. I wasnt sure if the almond flour should be baked before eating?
Cat says
You have completely made my day...even my week! I am so happy you liked it! If you have anything you would like to see transformed into a gluten-free, Paleo or keto recipe, I am always up for a challenge!
Nissa says
This was amazing. The cardamom was it. This tastes better than processed crackers any day! I wanted a real crust and Graham cracker taste for my cheesecake. Perfect.