Quick Answer
It takes approximately 60 to 70 regular-sized graham crackers to make 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the graham crackers.
Detailed Answer
Graham crackers are a popular baking ingredient used to make crusts, toppings and fillings for pies, cheesecakes, and many other desserts. Their sweet honey-flavored taste combines well with fruits, chocolate, and more. When making recipes that call for graham cracker crumbs, it’s useful to know how many whole graham crackers it takes to make 2 cups of crushed crumbs. Here is a more detailed look at the graham cracker to crumbs conversion:
How Many Graham Crackers in a Standard Box
Graham crackers are sold in standard size boxes containing two sleeves with 14-16 crackers per sleeve for a total of 28-32 crackers. Popular brands like Honey Maid, Keebler, and Nabisco all follow this size format. So if you purchase a standard box of graham crackers, you’ll get between 28-32 whole crackers to work with.
Weight of Graham Crackers
The average graham cracker weighs around 5 grams. This can vary slightly between brands and crackers of different sizes or thicknesses. Standard graham crackers are about 2.5 x 5 inches in diameter. Mini graham crackers weigh a bit less at around 3 grams each.
Graham Cracker Crumbs Per Cracker
When crushed, a single full-sized graham cracker produces around 2 tablespoons of fine crumbs. For a more coarse texture, you may get up to 3 tablespoons per graham cracker. Again, results vary based on size and thickness. Mini graham crackers produce about 1 tablespoon of fine crumbs.
Volume of Graham Cracker Crumbs Per Cup
One cup of graham cracker crumbs equals about 16 tablespoons or 48 teaspoons. This is the standard measurement used in recipes. So to get 2 cups of crushed graham crackers, you would need 32 tablespoons or 96 teaspoons of crumbs.
How Many Graham Crackers for 2 Cups of Crumbs
Based on the standard graham cracker crumb measurements above, it takes approximately 60-70 regular sized graham crackers to make 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs.
This number can vary based on:
– Graham cracker size – Standard vs. mini
– Graham cracker thickness – Thinner crackers produce more crumbs
– Crumble texture – Fine vs. coarse crumbs
– Level of crushing – How well the crackers are broken down
As a general guideline:
– Standard graham crackers take about 2-3 crackers per 1/4 cup of crumbs
– Mini graham crackers take about 3-4 crackers per 1/4 cup of crumbs
So to make 2 cups of crumbs:
– Standard graham crackers: 60-70 crackers
– Mini graham crackers: 90-100 crackers
See the table below as an approximate guideline based on different graham cracker sizes:
| Cracker Size | Crackers Per 1/4 Cup | Crackers Needed for 2 Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (2.5 x 5″) | 2-3 | 60-70 |
| Mini (2 x 2″) | 3-4 | 90-100 |
Weight of Graham Crackers for 2 Cups
Based on an average weight of 5 grams per full-sized graham cracker, 60-70 crackers weighs approximately:
– 60 crackers = 300 grams
– 70 crackers = 350 grams
So you need 300-350 grams of graham crackers to end up with 2 finely crushed cups.
Tips for Crushing Graham Crackers
Here are some useful tips for efficiently crushing graham crackers into crumbs:
– Break graham crackers into smaller pieces first – this makes them easier to grind down into fine crumbs. You can break them apart by hand or put them in a plastic bag and gently pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
– Use a food processor – Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor fitted with a steel blade attachment. Take care not to overprocess into a paste. Pulse in short bursts until you get the texture you want.
– Use a blender – A blender is great for making ultra-fine graham cracker crumbs. Put crackers in and blend on high speed, stopping to stir or shake the blender periodically.
– Crush in a zip top bag – Place graham crackers in a large zip top plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and use a rolling pin to crush the crackers through the bag. The bag contains the mess and prevents crumbs from flying everywhere.
– Grind in a mortar and pestle – For small batches, a mortar and pestle can work well. Just add crackers and grind away. It gives you more control over texture.
– Roll with a wine bottle – Put graham crackers in a bag and roll over them repeatedly with a wine bottle to break them down into crumbs. Apply pressure as you roll to get a finer grind.
– Use a spice grinder – Small spice or coffee grinders are perfect for making graham cracker crumbs. Be sure to grind in batches and don’t overfill it.
No matter what crushing method you use, resist the urge to sample the crumbs as you go! Removing crumbs from the batch as you crush will throw off the cup measurement.
Substitutions for Graham Cracker Crumbs
If you need graham cracker crumbs for a recipe but don’t have any on hand, there are a few substitute options to consider:
– Crushed vanilla wafers – Vanilla wafers offer similar sweet flavor and texture.
– Crushed gingersnaps – Gingersnaps provide that nice molasses flavor.
– Crumbled digestive biscuits – Digestive and wheatmeal biscuits mimic the graham cracker taste profile well.
– Crushed cinnamon shortbread cookies – For less nutty flavor and more buttery cinnamon taste.
– Crushed speculoos cookies – The ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg notes are well-suited as subs.
– Bread crumbs or crushed zwieback – Dry bread products won’t replicate the flavor but can work in a pinch.
– Crumbled Oreo cookies – Obviously won’t be an exact match, but crushed Oreos can make an easy impromptu graham cracker crust.
When substituting, you may need to adjust any other spices in the recipe accordingly since graham crackers have a distinct honey and cinnamon taste. And be sure to still crush or grind the substitute into fine crumbs as needed for the recipe. But in a last minute graham cracker emergency, crushed vanilla wafers or gingersnaps make solid stand-ins.
Storing Graham Cracker Crumbs
Properly stored, graham cracker crumbs can last 2-3 months in the pantry or 6-12 months in the freezer. Here are some tips for storing graham cracker crumbs:
– Store crumbs in an airtight container or zip top bag. Squeeze out excess air to prevent moisture.
– Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight if storing in the pantry. Freezing extends shelf life.
– Refrigerate up to one week or freeze up to one year for best quality and freshness. Crumbs can last at room temp around 2-3 months before going stale.
– Portion crumbs into recipe-ready amounts before freezing to make prep easier. Defrost needed amounts overnight in the fridge.
– Add a piece of bread to help absorb moisture and prevent sogginess. Replace the bread regularly.
– For maximum freshness, make crumbs as close to use as possible. Older crumbs may need toasting to refresh.
– Look for signs of moisture, clumping, crystallization of sugars or a rancid smell before using older crumbs. Stale crumbs can be refreshed in the oven.
Homemade graham cracker crumbs maintain their signature honey and cinnamon flavors when stored properly. Seal out excess air in an airtight container to keep them dry, crisp and delicious tasting.
Uses for Graham Cracker Crumbs
There are so many delicious ways to use graham cracker crumbs in cooking and baking:
– Graham cracker crusts – For cheesecakes, tarts, parfaits and more
– Topping for casseroles or crumbles – Adds crunch and subtle sweetness
– Breading or coating for frying – Helps fry items get crispy
– Mix ins for cookies or bars – Provides flavor and texture
– Binders for no-bake balls or bars – Helps hold other ingredients together
– Crusts for cream pies or custards – Works well paired with chocolate or banana cream
– Toppings for yogurt, oatmeal or ice cream – Gives a streusel-like addition
– Additions to pancake or waffle batter – Extra flavor and crunch
– Coatings for baked chicken tenders or fish sticks – Makes a crispy panko-like layer
– Fillings or toppings for cakes and cupcakes – Brings balance alongside frosting
– Mix-ins for milkshakes or smoothies – Adds malty cookie flavor
– Fold ins to whipped cream – For desserts like banana splits
– Mix with peanut butter for sandwiches – Adds a different twist to PB&J
From crusts to toppings, coatings to fillings, graham cracker crumbs are one of the most versatile ingredients to have in your kitchen. Their sweet honey-graham taste enhances all kinds of recipes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re baking a pie, making a cheesecake, or simply want those delicious graham flavors to incorporate into a recipe, knowing how to make graham cracker crumbs is useful kitchen knowledge. Approximately 60-70 regular sized graham crackers makes 2 finely crushed cups of crumbs. Mini crackers may require 90-100 for 2 cups. Stored properly, the crumbs will keep their fresh taste for baking whenever needed. With their crispy golden texture and hint of cinnamon, graham cracker crumbs can add their signature stamp to all kinds of desserts or dishes. Let your food processor or rolling pin make quick work of crushing up this handy pantry staple.
