There’s something so comforting about a dessert topped with buttery golden crumbs that melt and crunch in every bite. This Graham Cracker Crumble Topping captures that feeling perfectly. With just a handful of simple ingredients—graham crackers, butter, and sugar—you can create a versatile, cozy topping that transforms any sweet treat into something extra special. Whether you’re sprinkling it over ice cream, layering it into parfaits, or adding texture to cheesecake cups, this crumble brings warmth and homemade charm to your desserts.
I first made this crumble to top some banana pudding parfaits, and now I use it for everything. The flavor is buttery, caramel-like, and lightly spiced—simple enough for breakfast parfaits but indulgent enough for fancy desserts. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every season!
Why You’ll Love It
- ✨ Fast and easy: Only 10 minutes of hands-on prep and a short bake time.
- 💛 Buttery and crunchy: Every bite has a golden, toasty texture that adds warmth to any dessert.
- 🍯 Customizable: Try it with honey, cinnamon, or chocolate grahams for different flavors.
- 🥣 Perfect for meal prep: Store in the fridge or freezer to have crumble ready anytime.
- 🍦 Versatile: Ideal for sundaes, parfaits, cheesecake cups, and baked fruit desserts.
- 🌿 Simple ingredients: No special tools or mixers—just stir, bake, and enjoy!
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 9 (about ¼ cup each)
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve (9 sheets) graham crackers, roughly crushed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons sugar (granulated or brown)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of kosher or sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the crumble toast evenly without sticking.
- Crush the graham crackers Place the crackers in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin until you have a mix of fine crumbs and small chunks. The varied texture makes the crumble extra delightful.
- Mix the crumble In a medium bowl, combine the crushed grahams, sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Pour in melted butter and vanilla, stirring until all the crumbs are evenly coated and clumpy.
- Bake until golden Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–12 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye—it can brown quickly near the end!
- Cool and store Remove from the oven and let cool completely. The crumble will crisp as it cools. Break into chunks and store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations to Try
- Cinnamon Lover’s Crumble: Add a full teaspoon of cinnamon for a cozy, fall-inspired version.
- Chocolate Crumble: Use chocolate graham crackers for a decadent topping for sundaes or chocolate mousse cups.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Holiday Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm seasonal version perfect for pumpkin desserts.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Don’t over-crush your graham crackers—chunky bits give the crumble texture.
- For an extra caramelized flavor, try dark brown sugar instead of white.
- Spread the crumble evenly before baking to ensure even toasting.
- Once baked, resist the urge to stir—it crisps best when left to cool untouched.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 84
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Sodium: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs?
A: Yes! It will still work, but for a chunkier crumble, crushing whole crackers by hand gives better texture. - Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—just use gluten-free graham crackers and plant-based butter. - Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
A: Substitute with vegan butter like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance for a fully dairy-free version. - Q: What desserts does this pair best with?
A: Try it over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake cups, yogurt parfaits, or grilled fruit with whipped cream.
Final Thoughts
This Graham Cracker Crumble Topping is one of those easy little recipes that instantly upgrades anything it touches. It’s buttery, sweet, and just the right kind of crunchy—the kind of topping that makes you
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Graham Cracker Crumble Topping – Sweet, Buttery & Irresistibly Crunchy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (¼ cup each) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Graham Cracker Crumble Topping is buttery, golden, and perfectly crunchy — the ultimate finishing touch for ice cream, parfaits, and desserts. Made with crushed grahams, butter, and sugar, it’s an easy, make-ahead topping for any sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve (9 sheets) graham crackers, roughly crushed
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp sugar (white or brown)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of kosher or sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Crush graham crackers into fine and chunky pieces.
- In a bowl, mix crushed grahams, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add melted butter and vanilla, stirring until fully coated.
- Spread mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 8–12 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
- Cool completely, then break into crumbs and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Store at room temperature up to 3 days, refrigerated up to 1 week, or frozen up to 3 months. For a flavor twist, use chocolate grahams or add a sprinkle of nutmeg or ginger.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 84
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 0.1g
Keywords: graham cracker crumble, dessert topping, crunchy topping, buttery crumble