Root Beer Float Pie
This post may contain affiliate links, please read our privacy policy for details.
This root beer float pie takes everything you love about a classic root beer float and turns it into a creamy, no bake frozen dessert. Vanilla pudding gets whisked with real root beer, evaporated milk, and root beer concentrate for that true float flavor, then folded with whipped topping and frozen in a graham cracker crust.
It’s an easy make ahead pie that’s perfect for summer cookouts, birthday parties, or anytime you want that nostalgic soda fountain flavor without a spoon and a glass.
What You Need for This Root Beer Float Pie
- Instant vanilla pudding forms the creamy base of the filling.
- Cold root beer brings the classic float flavor right into the pudding mixture.
- Evaporated milk adds richness and helps the filling set with a smooth texture.
- Root beer concentrate intensifies the root beer flavor beyond what soda alone can do.
- Whipped topping, thawed and divided, folds into the filling and tops the finished pie.
- A graham cracker crust is classic and so easy with a premade.
- Maraschino cherries finish the pie with that classic root beer float garnish.
How to Make This Frozen Root Beer Pie
Add the pudding, root beer, evaporated milk, and root beer concentrate to a mixing bowl and whisk for 2 minutes until smooth. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
Reserve 1/2 cup of whipped topping and set it aside in the refrigerator. Fold the remaining whipped topping into the pudding mixture and spread it into the graham cracker crust. Cover and freeze overnight.
When ready to serve, remove the pie from the freezer and top with the reserved whipped topping and cherries. If desired, pipe the whipped topping on using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip before topping with cherries. Serve.
Serves 8.
Tips for the Best Root Beer Float Pie
This pie is good frozen or slightly thawed. I tested it both ways, and either texture works well. If you prefer it a little softer, it thaws quickly, usually within 10 to 15 minutes depending on how warm your kitchen is.
Keep it cold until serving. Since it thaws fast, especially on a hot day, it’s best to leave the pie in the freezer or fridge until right before you plan to serve it. Setting the pie pan into a larger dish filled with ice is also a good way to help it hold its texture a little longer once it’s out.
Look for naturally colored cherries. Cherries made without the bright artificial red dye are a good option if you’re trying to avoid heavily dyed ingredients, and they still give the pie that classic root beer float look on top.
More Frozen and No Bake Pie Recipes to Try
If you love a make ahead, no bake dessert like this one, you’ll want to check out our grasshopper pie recipe, a creamy frozen mint pie with an Oreo crust. Our lemonade pie is another frozen favorite with a bright, citrusy twist.
For more classic pie inspiration, browse our cherry pie filling recipes or try our southern sweet potato pie for a traditional baked option.
Root Beer Float Pie
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding (dry)
- 3/4 cup cold root beer
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 2 teaspoons root beer concentrate
- 8 oz Cool Whip whipped topping thawed, divided
- 1 10 oz graham cracker crust
- 8 maraschino cherries drained
Instructions
- Add pudding, root beer, evaporated milk, and root beer concentrate to a mixing bowl and whisk for 2 minutes until smooth. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes to allow to firm a bit.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of whipped topping and set aside in the refrigerator.
- Fold remaining whipped topping into the pudding mixture and spread into the graham cracker crust. Cover and freeze overnight.
- When ready to serve, remove pie from the freezer and top with reserved whipped topping and cherries. If desired, put whipped topping into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe onto the pie. Top with cherries and serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Make sure to follow Salty Side Dish on Pinterest and rate the recipe here and make sure to leave a comment below!
