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Vanilla Wafer Pie Crust

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I love a good chilled pie, and nothing complements one better than this delicious Vanilla Wafer Pie Crust recipe! It’s easy to make and works in place of just about any recipe that calls for a graham cracker pie crust. 

 

Main image for recipe of pie crust in pie plate.

 

Sometimes the little details have the biggest impact, and that’s no different with this tasty pie crust recipe.

Though it’s very similar to a graham cracker pie crust, the flavor is just different enough to stand out on its own. It’s a subtle twist on a famous favorite! 

I especially love to use this recipe with all things banana. Banana cream pie, banana cheesecake — nilla wafers have always gone with banana desserts!

And while this Nilla Wafer Crust is great for more than just banana flavored things, it goes without saying that it’s also perfect WITH all things banana! 

 

Nilla wafers in a food processor, uncrushed.

 

What pie goes well in a Vanilla wafer pie crust?

This vanilla wafer pie crust is very versatile! It goes best with icebox pies (the kind you don’t have to cook), and we have quite a few suggestions, if we do say so ourselves.

My #1 favorite recipe that uses this recipe is No Bake Banana Cream Cheesecake. 

Basically, you can use this recipe in place of any that calls for a graham cracker pie crust. Here are some other recommendations that go well with this tasty Vanilla wafer pie crust recipe:

 

Nilla wafers in food processor crushed up

 

What ingredients are in a Vanilla Wafer pie crust?

I love how quick and easy it is to make this, the BEST vanilla wafer pie crust recipe. It goes so great with so many different fillings! And the ingredients are super simple. Here’s what you’ll need to get started: 

  • Vanilla wafer crumbs – I like to pulse the nilla wafers in the food processor for the quickest and easiest way to get crumbs. Another option is to place the wafers in a gallon-size bag and roll it into smithereens using a rolling pin. 
  • White sugar – since the vanilla wafers are already pretty sweet, just a little sugar is all you need to bind with the butter and get your pie crust nice and set. 
  • Butter – butter adds richness and helps maintain the structure of your Nabisco Nilla Wafer pie crust. 

 

butter and sugar added to nilla wafers.

 

How to make nilla wafer pie crust?

  1. Crush vanilla wafers. 
  2. Add sugar and butter and stir well. 
  3. Press mixture into pie plate. 
  4. Bake
  5. Fill.
  6. Enjoy

It really is THAT easy to have a delicious and vanilla-y pie crust for your favorite icebox pie filling or no bake cheesecake! 

 

nilla wafer crust all mixed up

 

Do you bake vanilla wafer pie crust?

Yes, this pie crust is baked for a little while to get it nice and crisp and to caramelize those sugars. It’s a quick bake time and makes for the perfect textured pie crust to complement your yummy filling! 

Can I make vanilla wafer pie crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this crust ahead of time! 

If you’re just looking for a day or two ahead, you can fully prep this pie crust, cover tightly with saran wrap, and store in the fridge for up to two days before preparing the rest of the pie. 

 

nilla crust place into a pie plate.

 

Can I freeze vanilla wafer pie crust?

Yes, you can freeze vanilla wafer pie crust!

If you’re wanting to freeze the pie crust for 1-2 months, I recommend using a disposable pie tin with a lid. Prepare the pie crust as usual but DO NOT bake it.

Cover the crust with the plastic lid upside down (like the readymade ones you buy at the store) and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake as usual before using. 

If you’re making a frozen pie, that’s just fine too! Once fully prepared, this pie crust works great with ice cream pies or other frozen pies. 

Can I make mini pie crusts using this recipe?

If you’re wanting to make mini nilla wafer pie crusts, this recipe works great for that as well! Simply press the pie crust mixture into muffin tins or mini pie pans and prepare as usual. 

You’ll want to keep a close eye as they bake so they don’t get overcooked. Usually smaller crusts cook faster. The pie crusts should be the slightest golden brown. 

 

Measuring cup pressing pie crust into place

 

Can I use any brand of vanilla wafers? 

Yes! “Nilla Wafers” is the brand name of the Nabisco variety, but there are a bunch of store brands that may be less expensive and work just as well. 

Can I buy readymade vanilla wafer pie crusts?

Sometimes you can find readymade vanilla wafer pie crusts in your local grocery store, though for me it’s been hit or miss. 

I totally recommend making it on your own because 1) have you seen how easy this recipe is?! And 2) you can make a bigger pie! The ones in the store are only for 6 oz pies, which are pretty tiny, if you ask me. 

 

zoomed in image of pie crust in pie plate

 

What to do with leftover vanilla wafers?

While nilla wafers make a great snack on their own, we LOVE nilla wafers in all things banana flavored. Check out the following recipes for leftover nilla wafer inspiration:

 

top side view of pie crust in pie plate.

 

I’m sure you’ll love this Vanilla Wafer Pie Crust as the foundation for whatever delicious pie or treat you’re making! I know all my friends and family have loved it, and I’m sure yours will too. Happy baking and enjoy! 

 

Yield: 1 Pie Crust

Vanilla Wafer Pie Crust

zoomed in image of pie crust in pie plate

I love a good chilled pie, and nothing complements one better than this delicious Vanilla Wafer Pie Crust recipe! It’s easy to make and works in place of just about any recipe that calls for a graham cracker pie crust. 

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafers
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350*F
  2. Crush up vanilla wafers in a food processor, blender or in a sealed ziploc bag with a rolling pin.
  3. Place crushed vanilla wafers in a bowl.
  4. Add sugar and butter and stir well.
  5. Place crumbs in a 9” pie plate.
  6. Using the back of a measuring cup, firmly press cookie crumbs into the entire bottom and up the sides of the pie plate.
  7. Bake for 7 - 10 minutes - just until edges begin to turn a hint of brown. Do not over cook.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 152Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 106mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 0gSugar: 13gProtein: 1g

 

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Lisa

Thursday 21st of December 2023

Can you do this in cupcake papers for a cold cream cheese pies( mini)

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