7 Delicious Graham Cracker Dessert Recipes

Of all America’s favorite snack foods, graham crackers have perhaps the most unusual origin story: The whole-wheat cookie was born in Connecticut in the late 1800s, when a Presbyterian minister named Reverend Sylvester Graham began looking for a way to curb his sexual urges (which he believed were making people sick).

Jump to recipe

Graham believed there was a link between a fatty, meaty diet and sexual desire, and he wanted to develop an alternative to processed white bread that would help people live more moral lives. His invention was a very bland cracker made from whole wheat flour.

Related: Icebox cake is easy to make and delicious. We’ll show you how to make this retro dessert.

Dandy

Unfortunately for graham, but fortunately for the American palate, graham crackers have made their own path since they were first invented. Graham crackers are one of the key ingredients in s’mores, a campfire classic made with chocolate and marshmallow sandwiched between two graham cracker slices.

While not quite the white bread alternative the minister had in mind, Americans love marshmallows. In fact, research suggests that of the 90 million pounds of marshmallows purchased each year in the US, roughly half goes into s’mores.

But graham crackers aren’t just for s’mores. They can be used in a variety of sweet treats, from cheesecakes and pie crusts to protein shakes. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite vegan graham cracker recipes. But before we get to that, let’s talk a little more about the graham cracker itself.

What are Graham Crackers?

Graham crackers are slightly sweet, crispy, cookie-like crackers usually made with a mixture of enriched and whole wheat flour, sugar, salt, canola oil (or palm oil), and baking soda.

Part-time food

Are graham crackers vegan?

All of the main ingredients in graham crackers are not derived from animals, so it’s easy to find vegan versions of the snack in stores. However, many brands also choose to add extras to their recipes. If it’s made with chocolate or chocolate chips, it’s worth checking the ingredients list, as milk may have been added, for example. Many graham crackers are flavored with cinnamon, which is vegan, or honey, which most people would consider non-vegan. Some of the most popular graham cracker brands with vegan options in the US include Partake Foods, Nabisco, and Nairn’s.

Why is honey not vegan?

Although some vegans choose to consume honey and eat graham crackers with honey, many consider honey to be non-vegan. This is because honey is made by animals, namely female honeybees. These bees make honey to feed their offspring and also store it as another food source during the winter when there are much fewer flowers. If you want to know more about why bees make honey, you can find more information here. Also, check out our guide to the best vegan alternatives available on the market.

Vegan Graham Cracker Recipe

Once you’ve purchased your vegan graham crackers, the fun can begin. Of course, you can eat them straight out of the bag, but you can also follow one of the vegan recipes below to create a delicious, decadent treat.

1 Easy Vegan S’mores Protein Smoothie

Who says protein smoothies have to be basic and boring? Worry not! Liven up your flavor with a s’mores-inspired shake. That’s right, mix in graham cracker crumbs, chocolate protein powder, almond milk and butter for a creamy, delicious treat. Top off with a deliciously melty toasted marshmallow to serve.
Get the recipe

Little Pine

2 Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake with Toasted Meringue

Cheesecake is always an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dessert, especially when served with a toasted meringue topping and, of course, the all-important graham cracker crust. Add in some homemade fudge sauce and it’s even more decadent.
Get the recipe

Hannah Kaminski

3 Indoor S’mores Bar

Q: How many s’mores inspired desserts can you make with graham crackers? A: The sky’s the limit! With a delicious melty chocolate filling, graham cracker crust, and toasty marshmallow topping, your loved ones will be asking you to make them your own indoor s’mores bar again and again.
Get the recipe

Lauren Hartman and Julie Grace

Four Key Lime Pie Bar

The traditional dessert, key lime pie, isn’t complete without a delicious, buttery graham cracker crust, and the same is true with this delicious, bite-sized version of the Southern treat baked into a pie bar.
Get the recipe

Sam Turnbull

Five Chocolate Peanut Butter Graham Bars

If you love peanut butter cups but can’t be bothered to make them, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Graham Bars give you the same taste without the hassle — and they’re quick and easy to make.
Get the recipe

6 Magic Cookie Bar

Layer graham crackers, walnuts, chocolate chips and shredded coconut to create delicious and simple vegan magic cookie bars. They’re super easy to make, and if you want to make them faster, you can save time by buying vegan condensed milk in advance instead of making it yourself.
Get the recipe

Doron Peterson

7 Gooey S’more Brownies

If you love s’mores and brownies, combining the two is the ultimate indulgence. S’mores and brownies are great year-round treats, but if you’re heading out camping this summer, make them in advance and enjoy them around the fire pit.
Get the recipe

Charlotte is an editor and writer at VegNews, based in sunny Southsea on the south coast of England.