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The Easiest, Most Versatile Crumb Crust – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

The Easiest, Most Versatile Crumb Crust

A simple, press-in crust ready in 20 minutes, perfect for structured fillings like cheesecakes, custards, or cream pies. This adaptable recipe works for sweet or savory creations and can easily be made vegan.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 one 8- to 10-inch tart or pie crust
Calories: 155
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g / 6.3 oz) dried bread or graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons (38 g / 1.34 oz) brown sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g / 2.01 oz) melted butter or neutral oil
  • for the Perfect Crumb Crust
  • Go Savory: For a crust perfect for quiche, use bread crumbs, omit the sugar, and add 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) of minced shallot, a pinch of black pepper, and 1/4 cup (960 ml) of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
  • Make It Vegan: For a fully plant-based crust, simply use a neutral oil like grapeseed or corn, or a flavorful extra virgin olive oil in place of the butter.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C.
  2. In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the crumbs, brown sugar, and salt. Pulse or stir briefly to combine.
  3. With the processor running or while stirring continuously, slowly drizzle in the melted butter or oil.
  4. Mix until the crumbs are uniformly moistened and resemble wet sand.
  5. Transfer the mixture to an 8- to 10-inch pie or tart pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
  6. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is fragrant and just beginning to brown at the edges.
  7. Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the crust to cool completely before filling. It will crisp up as it cools.
  8. Taste and Adjust: If you're using plain, unsweetened bread crumbs for a sweet tart, taste the mixture before pressing it into the pan. You may want to increase the sugar by a tablespoon or so to balance your filling.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 2gFat: 8g

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