Creamy, light, and fluffy this root beer float pie is a fun dessert loaded with a graham cracker crumb base, root beer, instant vanilla pudding, and a topping of whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
Why this recipe works
Root beer float pie tastes just like a root beer float. We love these classic floats so much, hence our root beer float cocktail, we knew we just had to squeeze it into pie formation. You may be thinking this sounds a little odd, but I promise once you try it you’ll be hooked! It’s creamy, dreamy, and a fun twist on a regular ole pie.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
ROOT BEER – Your favorite brand of root beer will work just fine. You could also substitute for Dr. Pepper, cream soda, Coke, or any flavor of soda you prefer. You will also be adding root beer extract which you can find next to the other flavorings like vanilla extract at your local grocery store.
PIE – Be sure to grab instant vanilla pudding. If you want to experiment with other flavors, go right ahead, but be sure to use the instant version for this recipe. We’re also using heavy whipping cream in the pie which makes it super creamy, but you can substitute with half and half if preferred.
CRUST – The crust is made out of graham cracker crumbs. You can either buy graham cracker crumbs from the store or throw some graham crackers into a blender or food processor to make your own. If you’d like a substitute recommendation, try shortbread cookies, golden Oreos, or digestive biscuits (if you’re in the UK).
How to Make Root Beer Float Pie
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat the oven to 400°.
- Combine the graham crackers, butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and stir well.
- Press the graham crackers into a 9 inch pie pan. Make sure to press up the sides. Use a bottom of a glass or measuring cup and press the graham crackers evenly into the pie pan.
- Bake the crust for 5 minutes. Remove and cool completely.
- Pour root beer, heavy whipping cream, and root beer extract into a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Sprinkle the vanilla instant pudding mix over the root beer, then whisk in for 1 minute.
- Fold in the cool whip just until combined.
- When the crust has cooled completely, pour the root beer mixture into the pie pan and smooth out. Cover with saran wrap and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set.
- Remove and pipe little stars from the canned whipped cream. Top with maraschino cherries.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
To store, place in an air-tight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap or pie topper and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Absolutely! This pie tastes fantastic served frozen. You may also freeze this pie if you plan on making it ahead of time. It should keep in the freezer properly stored for a couple of months.
Serving Suggestions
Root beer float pie can be served chilled or frozen. If you’d like to go the extra mile, serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Feel free to change up the flavors and try Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, or cream soda. Top with canned cool whip, chopped nuts, extra graham cracker crumbs, and maraschino cherries.
More Pie Recipes
- French Silk Pie
- Banana Cream Pie
- Frozen Lemonade Pie
- No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- Southern Buttermilk Pie
- Grasshopper Pie
- Reeses Pie
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Root Beer Float Pie
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs about 1 ½ sleeves of graham crackers
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup root beer
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix *not the ingredients on the back, just the powder
- 1 Tbsp root beer extract
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 10 maraschino cherries for garnish
- canned whipped cream for garnish
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- If you want an even stronger root beer flavor to your pie, add an additional tablespoon of the root beer extract. Alternatively, you can cut down on the flavoring by using only 1 or 1 1/2 teaspoons of extract for a more subtle pie.
- Do not overmix the cool whip into the pie. You only want to gently fold it in until it’s combined.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Combine the graham crackers, butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and stir well.
- Press the graham crackers into the pie pan. Make sure to press up the sides. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup and press the graham crackers evenly into the pie pan.
- Bake the crust for 5 minutes. Remove and cool completely.
- Pour root beer, heavy whipping cream, and root beer extract into a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Sprinkle the vanilla instant pudding mix over the root beer, then whisk in for 1 minute.
- Fold in the cool whip just until combined.
- When the crust has cooled completely, pour the root beer mixture into the pie pan and smooth out.
- Cover with saran wrap and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set.
- Remove and pipe little stars from the canned whipped cream. Top with maraschino cherries.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
- How to Make Bruschetta - December 5, 2024
- Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread - December 2, 2024
- Homemade Turkey Gravy - November 25, 2024
Gracia Shannon says
I have made this pie twice and it won’t set