What is the name of the crust typically used in a classic American cheesecake?

A graham cracker crust is the crust typically used in a classic American cheesecake. It is made by crushing graham crackers and combining the crumbs with butter, often with sugar, then pressing the mixture into the pan before adding the filling.

The crust contributes a sweet, lightly toasted flavor and a crisp contrast to the soft cheese filling. It may be baked briefly to help it firm up, or used unbaked in recipes that set in the refrigerator. Graham cracker crusts are especially common in American cheesecakes, cream pies, and other chilled desserts.

The phrase “classic American” matters because cheesecake crusts vary widely. Some versions use pastry, sponge cake, digestive biscuits, shortbread, or no crust at all. Chicago-style cheesecake, for example, is commonly associated with a crushed shortbread crust. A graham cracker crust is therefore the conventional answer for the familiar American cheesecake, but it is not an ingredient required by every cheesecake tradition.