One of the simplest crusts that has been around for generations, Vanilla Wafer Crust. Not too sweet, perfect for ANY cream pie.
Vanilla wafers are synonymous with bananas, as in Banana Cream Pie. However, if you’re one of those who are not crazy about bananas, like I said, any cream pie is well-suited with a vanilla wafer crust. It’s not just for bananas anymore!
You will need 1-1/2 cups of ground up vanilla wafer crumbs; about 24 cookies (regular size, not minis). An 11 oz box will yield 2-2/3 cups crumbs; not enough for two crusts. So, I crush about 30 cookies, so I have extra in case I make a mistake (oh for shame). The remainder of the box is for snacking with hopefully extra filling!
If you do not have a food processor a blender works just as well. If you’re roughing it, as in going back to 1970 basics, a plastic bag and a rolling pin does the job. Nothing wrong with a little retro flair. And, if you want to have fun, before you add the melted butter you can make Confetti Crumb Crust.
Combine the vanilla wafer crumbs with 4 tablespoons of melted butter, mix with a fork, It should have the consistency of wet/damp sand.
Press into a 9-inch pie plate with a custard cup or measuring cup. Bake at 350 F for 5 minutes, let it cool completely, and then it’s ready for your filling of choice.
Vanilla wafers have been around for over 125 years (1898 to be exact). The crust is so easy and simple to make, yet simply delicious, no matter what filling you choose.
My top go to pies with vanilla wafer crust is Banana Cream Pie, Memphis Mafia, Sex on the Beach Icebox Pie, and Strawberry Shortcake Freezer Pie.
Okay pie peeps, I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Vanilla Wafer Crust
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes5
minutesVanilla Wafer Crust: An old-time classic crust, perfect for any cream pie and of course, superb with banana cream pie and pudding!
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 24 cookies)
4 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Place the vanilla wafer cookie crumbs in a medium size bowl. Stir the crumbs as you drizzle in the melted butter.
- Once the butter is thoroughly mixed into the crumb it should have the consistency of damp/wet sand. If too “wet” looking add a couple of tablespoons of cookie crumbs.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate, using a custard cup or bottom of a measuring cup. pressing in bottoms and sides.
- Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and completely cool before adding any filling.
