Gluten-Free Graham Crackers
I recently made Chinese almond cookies and decided it was time to make my own Graham crackers that were gluten-free and vegan.
I decided to use simple ingredients that I had on hand and after some searching online I decided I wanted a simple recipe that will be the base of many recipes to come including, S’mores, ice-box cake, Graham cracker crumbs, and gluten-free Graham cracker crust.
As always, I suggest you read the complete article for useful information included in the blurb. However, you can find the detailed recipe with exact ingredients and step-by-step instructions below.
Graham Cracker History
Graham cracker is an American cookie, it is one of America’s oldest snack food that is typically sweetened with honey, sugar, and cinnamon. They were invented in the early 1800s by a Presbyterian minister, his name was Sylvester Graham. He made this snack in order to adhere to his then-radical vegetarian diet, which forbade the use of white flour and spices.
The reason was Graham wanted to put an end to masturbation, which he saw as a major social problem. Graham, as 17 children, believed that sexual desires were something that should be restrained.
He also believed that “self-abuse” — a colloquialism that was widespread in the 1830s and 1820s — was a special illness that society suffered from. He came to the conclusion that a diet of vegetables, fruits, minimal dairy, and insipid carbohydrates would put an end to lusty conduct on the basis of pseudoscience and faith.
Graham (who died aged 57) spent the last 2 decades of his life preaching his diet (afterward dubbed the Graham Diet). Graham thought that sexual activity and especially self-love led to blindness and insanity, so he encouraged through his diet his followers to refrain from these behaviors.
Reverend Graham’s crackers were made with unbleached flour with bran and wheat germ added. They weren’t even mildly sweetened and nothing like the modern-day version.
After Graham’s passing in 1851, the Grahamite movement started to lose steam, but one individual, in particular, continued to adhere to Graham’s dietary (and sexual) prohibitions. This individual was Dr. John Harvey Kellogg who directed his patients to adhere to a similar diet.
Graham’s followers, known as Grahamites, went on to create one of the 1st vegetarian movements in the United States and inspired the production of graham crackers, graham flour, and graham bread. Graham did not invent these things, nor did he profit from them.
Check out more on the history of Graham crackers here.
Graham Crackers’ Appealing Features
They’re Low In Calories.
Graham crackers are quite low in calories, at 130 calories per eight crackers. Actually, eight crackers is a sufficient quantity. You may consume less than this amount at a time, reducing your calorie intake even further.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, the crackers will come in handy as a healthy snack instead of a decadent dessert because of their low-calorie count.
Graham crackers are low in saturated fat and total fat. These are desirable properties, particularly given the high-fat content of many processed foods.
Ingredients Are Usually Simple.
Graham crackers are typically made with common ingredients such as flour, honey, sugar, salt, and canola oil. Some companies, such as Annie’s, especially prioritize organic ingredients.
It’s always good to see items that return to the basics, as processed foods typically contain extensive ingredient lists and several additives.
Many goods also exclude high fructose corn syrup, which is a related feature. Instead, they use sugar and honey as a more natural source of sweetness.
They Are Versatile.
The way we use graham crackers contributes to their popularity. The majority of us do not consume graham crackers alone. Instead, we’re making s’mores, utilizing them as a foundation for a dessert, or incorporating them into another meal.
In this way, Graham crackers are highly versatile. You can even get graham cracker crumbs and graham cracker pie crusts.
Even so, desserts are not your only option. Graham crackers can also be used in healthier ways, including by using them with Greek yogurt and topping them with fruit. Additionally, nut butter tastes great on them and its protein helps to counteract the carbohydrates in the crackers.
Even fish or chicken can be coated with Graham cracker crumbs. The crumb mixture has a higher sugar content than usual, but certain seasoning combinations might really benefit from the added sweetness.
There Could Still Be Additives.
Previously, I explained that graham crackers are typically made using simple ingredients. True, but that does not mean they are always additive-free.
Artificial flavors are used by several brands. It’s always a pity when firms do this when items can easily be organically flavored instead.
Obviously, artificial flavors are made in a laboratory. They are highly contentious, in part because they have been connected to a variety of adverse effects and serious health issues.
The Crackers Are Highly Processed.
The increasing prevalence of processed foods in modern diets is quite worrying. Not only might these meals have additives, but they are also typically low in nutrients, rich in sugar, and offer nothing of value.
They Are High In Carbs.
Graham crackers are likewise excessively high in carbohydrates, with more than 20 grams per serving. And even if whole wheat flour is used, very few of these carbs actually come from fiber.
You are mostly considering digestible refined carbs, which is detrimental to your health.
They Have Added Sugar.
Let’s be honest. Many of us need to reduce our sugar intake, not increase it, because sugar is already excessively prominent in modern diets. A high sugar intake has also been related to numerous health problems, including increased inflammation and an increased risk of diabetes.
Even across the various graham cracker varieties, the sugar concentration is surprisingly consistent
Can You Make Graham Crackers At Home?
Making graham crackers at home is one method to circumvent some of their concerns. This allows you to reduce additives and concentrate on quality.
This graham crackers recipe is ideal for many reasons:
- It is gluten-free.
- There‘s no added sugar.
- There are no additives or preservatives.
- It is quite simple and easy.
Graham Cracker Ingredients
- All-Purpose gluten-free flour – I used the Knusteaz brand and the texture was just right.
- Cornstarch – I used non-GMO cornstarch for a light texture. You can substitute with arrowroot, potato, or tapioca starch.
- Brown Sugar – I used Sugar In the raw brand. You can substitute it with coconut sugar.
- Baking powder – I used non-aluminum baking powder.
- Cinnamon – You can substitute with ground coriander.
- – I used Himalayan pink salt.
- Vegan Butter – I used Earth Balance butter.
- Maple Syrup – You can substitute it with sorghum molasses, molasses, or agave.
- Vanilla – The addition of vanilla enhances the flavor
- Water
How To Make Gluten-Free Vegan Graham Crackers?
Making homemade Graham crackers is so easy, the ingredients are easily recognizable and aren’t as processed as store-bought. You can’t beat the fresh baked smell and taste of your homemade crackers.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large bowl mix all the dry ingredients. Add vegan butter and cut into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks just like bread crumbs.
Add maple syrup, water, vanilla, and form into a dough ball. Roll dough out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to 1/8 of an inch thickness. (Make sure to roll it thin enough for a crisp Graham cracker.)
Score dough using a pizza cutter for a rectangular shape and prick the dough with a chopstick or fork.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until edges are turning golden brown and crackers or hardening.
Cut the prescore lines with a knife, allow to crackers to cool for 5 minutes then carefully break along the scored lines and transfer to a cooling rack to completely cool.
How Can You Enjoy Gluten-Free Graham Crackers?
As stated before, the graham cracker’s adaptability is what makes it so lovely. With its crunch and light sweetness, it goes well with a wide variety of other healthful dishes. This is why they make such a great “canvas” for kids’ snack creativity. “Make “edible paint” by combining unsweetened Greek yogurt and natural food colors and brushing it over these gluten-free graham crackers “. Then, provide a variety of age-appropriate toppings, like chia seeds, nuts, raisins, cacao coconut shavings, etc., as fun and nutritious toppings.
These gluten-free graham crackers are also excellent snacks for adults. Consider using them as toppings or dippers for your parfait or smoothie bowl. For a tasty snack, add cheese and chopped dry fruit. You may also combine it into frozen yogurt. You may also add some protein to your graham crackers by spreading some nut or seed butter on them and topping them with some sliced banana or another fruit.
How long These Gluten-Free Graham Crackers Can Be Stored?
These gluten-free crackers can be stored at room temperature for up to five days if kept in an airtight glass container.
You can freeze them for up to two months if you want to store them for a longer period of time.
You may also freeze the uncooked dough and bake it later.
Defrost at room temperature.
Other Gluten-Free Snacks To Try
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Graham Crackers Vegan?
Not all store-bought Graham cracker brands are vegan, some contain honey and dairy ingredients. Check labels to make sure they are vegan. They can be purchased in most supermarkets or online.
Are Graham Crackers Gluten-Free?
Graham crackers typically contain gluten. Graham flour, a coarse wheat flour, is typically used to make them and most brands do. These graham crackers are gluten-free because I made them with gluten-free flour!
Additionally, there are a few brands that are gluten-free on the market. They can be purchased in Health Food Stores or online on Amazon.
Are Graham Crackers Healthy?
In general, graham crackers are low in calories, but because they’re mostly carbs, they’re also poor in fiber, fat, and protein. Graham crackers are cholesterol-free and contain a modest amount of sodium.
Regular graham crackers because of their high added sugar content, are probably not suited for frequent snacking in large quantities. But there’s no added sugar in these gluten-free graham crackers and they are made with maple syrup. So these are good for regular snacking.
Is Graham Crackers Good For Losing Weight?
Graham crackers have few calories, but consuming too many of them increases your daily calorie intake. If you consume two or three portions of graham crackers instead of one, you will consume double or three times as many calories, which will impair your weight loss efforts.
Are Graham Crackers Junk Food?
Graham crackers can be made healthy by combining them with high-quality protein, fiber, and fat sources. Despite their high carbs, they may be better consumed in moderation due to their high sugar and low fiber content. This is especially true for those with diabetes.
What Crackers Can Replace Graham Crackers?
For a spicy flavor that pairs nicely with cheesecake or cream pies, try speculoos or crisp ginger snaps; for something milder, try vanilla wafers or animal crackers; for something dark and chocolatey, try chocolate wafers or Oreo cookies.
What Is A Good Cracker Substitute?
- Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Sweet Potato Chips
- Air-popped Popcorn
- Carrot Slices
- Cucumber Slices
- Mixed Nuts
What Cookies Are Similar To Graham Crackers?
Try digestive biscuits. They are quite similar to crackers, and this substitution is so widespread.
Why Do Hospitals Give Graham Crackers?
A recent study revealed that 97% of the world’s supply of graham crackers is found somewhere in a healthcare facility, for the explicit reason of “just in case.” Graham crackers are a way for hospital personnel to stay nourished inside of a hospital, this explains why. Interestingly, when one CEO substituted cardboard for graham crackers, no one appeared to notice the change.
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Gluten-Free Graham Crackers
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose gluten-free flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (I used non-gmo cornstarch)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Vegan Butter (I used Earth Balance)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven 325 degrees F. In a large bowl combine all-purpose gluten-free flour, cornstarch, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a bowl, mix well.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Add maple syrup, water, vanilla, and form dough into a ball.
- Roll dough out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to 1/8 of an inch thickness. (Make sure to roll it thin enough for a crisp Graham cracker.)
- Score dough using a pizza cutter for rectangular shape and prick the dough with a chopstick or fork. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until edges are turning golden brown and crackers or hardening.
- Cut the prescore lines with a knife, allow to crackers to cool for 5 minutes then carefully break along the scored lines and transfer to a cooling rack to completely cool.
I know someone who is allergic to glisten and would love this recipe. I’ll send it over asap.
I’m glad you mentioned it being high-carb – I wasn’t really aware as I haven’t had a graham cracker for the longest time… ahaha. This recipe looks easy enough…
This article was very informative. I never knew the history of graham crackers, but I learned a lot. Plus, this recipe looks really good. Thanks for sharing.
I am so enthusiastic to make these graham crackers at home! They are even gluten free!
These gluten free vegan graham crackers look tasty and fun to make!