Gingerbread houses are a classic decoration for the holiday season, but making them from scratch can be a daunting task. Luckily, there is an easy way to make gingerbread houses using graham crackers! This fun and simple recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike and will result in delightful and delicious houses that can be decorated to your heart’s desire. Read on for the complete recipe, including ingredient lists, instructions, and helpful tips.
Ingredients
- 1 box of graham crackers
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- Candy and icing for decoration
Instructions
- Start by mixing the powdered sugar, egg white, and vinegar in a bowl.
- Next, use a serrated knife to cut the graham crackers into the shapes that you want for your house. A rectangle for the base, two squares for the sides, and two triangles for the roof are standard shapes.
- Use the icing mixture to “glue” the pieces together, and hold them in place for a few seconds to let the icing set.
- Decorate your gingerbread house with candy, frosting, and any other decorations you like!
- Let your gingerbread house dry for a few hours before moving or eating.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this recipe contains approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 25g
Cooking Time
This recipe should take approximately 30 minutes to prepare, and an additional few hours for the icing to set and the gingerbread house to dry.
Equipment
- Serrated knife
- Bowl
- Spoon or piping bag for icing
- Decorations, such as candy and frosting
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread houses make for wonderful decorations and can also be eaten as a festive treat. Serve them up as a centerpiece for your holiday table, or package them up as gifts for friends and family.
Variations
Get creative with your gingerbread houses by experimenting with different shapes and sizes, or by using different types of candy and frosting for decoration. You can also try making gingerbread people or animals using the same technique!
Substitutions
If you don’t have white vinegar on hand, you can also use lemon juice. And if you’re looking to make a vegan version of this recipe, you can substitute the egg white with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas).
Storage
Store your gingerbread house in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It should keep for up to a week.
Tips
- Use a serrated knife to cut the graham crackers for a cleaner cut.
- Let the icing set for a few seconds before adding additional pieces to your gingerbread house.
- Be patient and let your gingerbread house dry completely before handling or eating it.
Notes
This recipe is a fun and easy way to make gingerbread houses without all the hassle of making gingerbread from scratch. It’s a great activity to do with kids and can be customized to your heart’s desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
No, powdered sugar is necessary for the icing to set properly.
Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the icing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before using it.
Can I use something other than candy for decoration?
Yes, you can use any type of edible decoration that you like, such as dried fruit, nuts, or sprinkles.
Final Thoughts
Making gingerbread houses from graham crackers is a fun and easy activity that the whole family can enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can make delightful and delicious holiday decorations that are sure to impress. So why not give this recipe a try and see what kind of amazing gingerbread houses you can create?