Graham cracker cake is a charmingly nostalgic dessert that showcases the versatility of pantry staples. Popular in mid-century American kitchens, this version uses crushed graham crackers in place of some flour for a warm, nutty flavor and a delicate crumb. The result is a moist, simple cake with subtle sweetness and rustic charm. Ideal for layering with fruit, cream, or frosting, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and texture to any occasion without fuss.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup flour (sifted )
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 20 graham crackers (finely rolled, about 1 2/3 cups)
- ½ cup shortening
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 eggs
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Dry Ingredients
- Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combine with finely crushed graham cracker crumbs. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Shortening
- In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Batter
- Add the dry ingredients, 1/2 of the milk, and the vanilla.
- Mix until the dry ingredients are moistened.
- Add the rest of the milk.
- Beat for 2 minutes with an electric mixer or 300 strokes by hand.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk
- Add the eggs and the rest of the milk.
- Beat for 1 minute with a mixer or 150 strokes by hand.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into two greased and paper-lined 8-inch round cake pans or one 13×8-inch pan.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Tips
- Add a simple vanilla or cream cheese frosting for a classic layered cake finish.
- Replace part of the milk with buttermilk for extra tenderness.
- Fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to highlight the graham cracker flavor.
- Substitute butter for shortening for richer flavor.
- Layer with whipped cream and berries for a lighter variation.
- Bake as a single 9×13 cake for easier serving.
- Add chocolate chips for a s’mores-inspired twist.
- Use dark brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
- Frost with chocolate icing for a retro combination.
Nutrition
Calories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 328mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 78IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!