Homemade Vegan Graham Crackers Recipe are a delightful twist on a classic snack. Crafted with plant-based ingredients, these crackers offer a crisp texture and a subtly sweet flavor, perfect for pairing with spreads or enjoying solos. They are free from animal products, making them a great choice for vegans and environmentally conscious eaters alike. Ideal for a guilt-free treat any time of day.
WHY IT’S A GREAT CHOICE
- Utilizes wholesome, plant-based ingredients for a health-conscious snack.
- Perfectly sweetened with natural sweeteners, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
- Crisp and satisfying texture, ideal for creating homemade s’mores.
- Free from animal products, aligning with vegan and ethical eating practices.
- Versatile for pairing with various spreads or enjoyed as a standalone treat.
Finding the perfect Vegan Graham Cracker Recipe can feel like a daunting task. Many store-bought graham options are laden with animal products or lack that nostalgic, honey-like sweetness we all crave. I remember the frustration of scanning ingredient lists, only to put the box back on the shelf, disappointed yet again.
That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands. After countless trials and tweaks, I’ve crafted a perfect recipe that not only satisfies those sweet, crunchy cravings but does so with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
This homemade vegan graham cracker recipe is my go-to solution for a guilt-free snack that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
What Is A Vegan Graham Cracker Recipe?
A Vegan Graham Cracker Recipe is a plant-based alternative to the traditional graham cracker, which typically contains honey and sometimes dairy or other animal-derived natural ingredients.
Vegan versions are crafted to exclude these, instead relying on alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave and plant-based oils or fats to achieve the desired sweetness and crunch.
They are designed to cater to those following a vegan lifestyle, ensuring no animals are harmed in their making. These crackers retain the classic’s beloved flavor and texture, making them a perfect snack for dipping, topping, or enjoying on their own.
Quick Fact – Graham crackers were created in the 19th century as a health food. They were part of the Graham Diet, which emphasizes whole grains and vegetarian meals.
Recipe Directions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 F (176 C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine coconut sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, maple syrup, molasses, and melted coconut oil. Whisk until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate oat flour, arrowroot starch, and ground flax seeds into the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until fully mixed. The dough should be manageable, not too sticky or dry. Adjust with oat flour if sticky, or mix more if it seems dry.
- Roll Out Dough: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper on a cutting board. Roll it out into a 1/16-inch thick rectangle, about 10 x 12 inches. This thickness ensures a crispy texture. Chill in the fridge for 10-20 minutes if rolling is difficult.
- Cut and Transfer: Cut the dough into 2-inch x 3-inch rectangles. Use a floured metal spatula to transfer the pieces to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Chill for 5-10 minutes if needed.
- Bake: Prick each cracker twice with a fork. Bake for 10-14 minutes until they’re slightly firm and darker. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Cool: Allow the crunchy crackers to cool on the sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. They’re great for s’mores, as a snack, or for a graham cracker crust!
- Store: Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the fridge for 7-10 days, or freeze for 1-2 months. Dough can be frozen for up to a month and used after defrosting overnight in the fridge.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Flour Varieties: Experiment with different types of flour, such as almond flour, spelled flour, or whole wheat flour, for unique flavors and textures.
- Sweeteners: For varying right amounts of sweetness and moisture, substitute maple syrup or molasses with agave nectar, date syrup, or coconut sugar.
- Flavors: To introduce new flavor profiles, add vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon zest to the dough.
Add-Ons
- Nuts And Seeds: For added crunch and nutrition, incorporate finely chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans) or seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) into the dough.
- Spices: Customize with spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in vegan chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a chocolatey surprise within the crackers.
Toppings
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt vegan chocolate over cooled crackers for a decadent touch.
- Icing: Create a simple icing with powdered sugar and lemon juice or plant-based coconut or soy milk to drizzle or spread on top.
- Nut Butter: Spread a thin layer of almond, cashew, or peanut butter on the crackers for extra richness.
- Fruit Preserves: Top with your favorite fruit preserves or a light layer of fresh fruit slices for a sweet contrast.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Mushrooms: A great substitute for meat due to their umami flavor and meaty texture, especially portobellos.
- Jackfruit: Unripe jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled pork and absorbs flavors well, which is ideal for BBQ dishes.
- Cauliflower: Can be used as a substitute for chicken in wings, as a steak, and as a base for pizza crusts.
- Lentils: A hearty replacement for ground beef in recipes like Bolognese sauce, tacos, and meatloaf.
- Eggplant: Its meaty texture makes it a good substitute for fish or meat in lasagna and moussaka.
- Zucchini: Can be spiralized into noodles as a pasta alternative or used in place of lasagna sheets.
- Beets: Their earthy flavor and meat-like texture make them suitable for burger patties or as a tuna substitute in salads.
- Chickpeas: Versatile for mimicking chicken or tuna salad textures and for making falafel.
- Sweet Potatoes: Can be used as favorite pie fillings in burgers and tacos and as a sweet dessert component.
- Butternut Squash: A creamy substitute for cheese in sauces and soups, and can be roasted as a meat alternative.
Quick Tip – For a richer flavor in vegan baking, use brown sugar or coconut sugar. They add moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness to your treats.
Best Side Dishes
- Vegan Cheesecake Dip A creamy, tangy dip made from cashews and coconut cream, perfect for dipping your crackers.
- Fruit Compote Simmered seasonal fruits with a touch of maple syrup, creating a sweet topping.
- Chocolate Hummus A sweet, healthy spread made from chickpeas, cocoa powder, and sweeteners, ideal for a chocolate fix.
- Peanut Butter Mousse A light, fluffy peanut butter treat made with silken tofu or whipped coconut cream.
- Coconut Yogurt Serve with a side of thick, creamy coconut yogurt for dipping or topping your crackers.
- Almond Butter And Banana Slices A simple yet satisfying combination; spread almond butter on your crackers and top with banana slices.
- Vegan Caramel Sauce This rich, sweet sauce made from coconut milk and sugar is drizzled over the crackers.
- Berry Salad A refreshing side of mixed berries, lightly dressed with lemon juice and mint.
- Chia Seed Jam A quick, homemade jam made from chia seeds and your favorite fruit for a healthier topping.
- Vegan Ice Cream A scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream flavor alongside graham crackers makes for a delightful dessert.
How To Serve?
- As A Snack: Enjoy them plain as a crispy, sweet snack any time of the day. They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without overindulging.
- With Dips And Spreads: Pair them with vegan dips and spreads such as almond butter, peanut butter, chocolate hummus, or cashew cheese for a richer taste experience.
- S’mores: Use them to make vegan s’mores by sandwiching vegan marshmallows and chocolate between two crackers. Briefly warm them up to melt the chocolate and marshmallow for a gooey delight.
- Dessert Base: Crush them to make a crust for vegan pies, cheesecakes, or tarts. The crackers’ texture and sweetness provide an excellent base for these desserts.
- Topped With Fruit: For a refreshing and healthier dessert option, top them with fresh fruit slices or a fruit compote. A dollop of coconut whipped cream can add an extra layer of decadence.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a simple yet delicious ice cream sandwich, place a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream between two graham crackers.
- Charcuterie Boards: For a well-rounded selection of snacks, include them in a vegan charcuterie board alongside vegan cheeses, fruits, nuts, and other nibbles.
- With Coffee Or Tea: They make a great accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage, adding a sweet, crunchy element to your coffee break or tea time.
Quick Tip – To keep your vegan graham crackers crisp, store them in an airtight container with a small packet of silica gel or a piece of bread to absorb excess moisture.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Storage: To maintain freshness, keep crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
- Make Ahead: Dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for a month, ready to be rolled and baked on demand, making it perfect for planning ahead.
Recipe Fact – Sylvester Graham created the original graham cracker in the 1820s. It was designed as a healthy food to aid digestion and discourage impure thoughts.
Time-Saving Tips
- Pre-Mix Dry Ingredients: Measure and mix your dry ingredients the night before. Store in an airtight container to save time when you’re ready to bake.
- Batch Prepare: Make a double or triple batch of dough. Divide and freeze portions for future use, allowing you to start quickly next time.
- Roll Between Sheets: Use parchment paper to roll out your dough to avoid sticking without extra flour, which will speed up clean-up.
- Use A Food Processor: A food processor can speed up the dough’s mixing and ensure the main ingredients are well incorporated.
- Pre-Cut Parchment: Have your parchment paper pre-cut for the baking sheets. This small step can save time during preparation.
- Oven Ready: Ensure your oven is preheated while you prepare the dough. This way, you can bake immediately without waiting.
- Cooling Rack: Transfer baked crackers to a cooling rack immediately to stop the cooking process and speed up cooling time, making them ready to eat sooner.
Vegan Graham Cracker Recipe
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutters or sharp knife
- Metal Spatula
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Coconut sugar (or sub organic cane sugar)
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp Molasses (blackstrap molasses recommended)
- 2 ½ Tbsp Melted coconut oil
- 1 ¼ cup Oat flour (ground from gluten-free oats)
- 1/4 cup Arrowroot starch (cornstarch or tapioca starch may work)
- 1 ½ tsp Ground flax seeds (flaxseed meal)
Instructions
- Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 F (176 C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your crackers will not stick and makes clean-up easier.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of coconut sugar, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 Tbsp molasses, and 2 ½ Tbsp melted coconut oil. Use a whisk to mix these simple ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add 1 ¼ cup oat flour, 1/4 cup arrowroot starch, and 1 ½ tsp ground flax seeds. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are fully integrated. The dough should be easy to handle and not too sticky or dry. If it's too sticky, add more oat flour; if it's too dry, keep mixing or add a bit more melted coconut oil.
- Roll Out Dough: Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper on a cutting board. Roll it out to form a 10 x 12 inches rectangle and a 1/16-inch thick. This thickness is key for achieving the perfect crispy texture. If the dough is hard to roll, refrigerate it for 10-20 minutes to firm up a bit.
- Cut And Transfer: Cut the rolled-out dough into 2-inch x 3-inch rectangles. Carefully use a metal spatula, lightly floured with oat flour, to lift and transfer the cut pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them roughly 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading. If the dough becomes difficult to handle, chilling it for 5-10 minutes can help.
- Bake: Before baking, prick each cracker twice with a fork. This helps prevent the crackers from puffing up too much. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-14 minutes or until the crackers are slightly firm to the touch and have darkened in color. Watch closely towards the end to avoid burning.
- Cool: After baking, let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This helps them start to crisp up. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. They're ready to be enjoyed in various ways, like in s'mores, as a snack, or crumbled as a base for a vegan butter graham cracker crust.
Notes
- Coconut Oil: Use refined coconut oil for a neutral taste or unrefined for a slight coconut flavor.
- Flour Substitutions: Gluten-free all-purpose flour can replace oat flour for a different texture.
- Sweetener Variations: Adjust sweetness by experimenting with different types of vegan sweeteners.
- Storage: Proper storage is key for maintaining freshness and crispness.
- Freezing Dough: Freezing dough makes future baking convenient; just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
- Thickness Matters: The thickness of the dough affects texture; thinner rolls result in crispier crackers.
- Watch Closely: Oven temperatures vary; keep an eye on baking to prevent burning.
Nutrition Table
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Vegan Graham Crackers Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make homemade Vegan Graham Cracker Recipe gluten-free by substituting flour with gluten-free oat flour blend.
Ensure that the blend is suitable for baking and doesn’t contain any added flavors or sweeteners that could alter the taste of the crackers. It’s also important to check that any other ingredients used, such as baking soda and arrowroot starch, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How Long Do VVegan Graham Cracker Recipe Last?
When stored in an airtight container, Vegan Graham Cracker Recipe can last up to 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days or freeze them for 1-2 months.
To ensure they maintain their crispness, include a piece of bread or a silica gel packet in the container to absorb excess moisture. Thaw frozen crackers at room temperature before serving to revive their texture.
Can I Use A Different Sweetener Instead Of Maple Syrup And Molasses?
Yes, you can use different sweeteners in your vegan graham cracker recipe. Agave syrup, date syrup, or brown rice syrup are good alternatives that can mimic the consistency and sweetness of maple syrup and molasses.
Keep in mind that each sweetener has its own unique flavor profile, which can slightly alter the taste of your crackers. Experiment with the quantities to achieve the desired sweetness and texture.
Are These Vegan Graham Crackers Suitable For Making S’mores?
Absolutely, these vegan graham crackers are perfect for making s’mores. They have the right balance of sweetness and crunchiness that complements the creamy texture of melted vegan chocolate and marshmallows.
For a fully vegan s’more, ensure that the chocolate and marshmallows you use are also vegan. These graham crackers can hold up well to the heat and provide a delicious base for this classic treat.
Can I Add Or Substitute Ingredients To Flavor The Crackers Differently?
Yes, you can easily customize your vegan graham crackers by adding or substituting ingredients to create different flavors. For instance, you can add grated lemon zest, orange zest, or almond extract for a citrusy or nutty flavor.
Spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger can also be added to the dough for a warm, spiced twist. If you want to include additional textures, consider incorporating finely chopped nuts or seeds into the dough. Just be mindful of the moisture balance and adjust the flour or liquid ingredients as necessary.
