This Pioneer Woman Root Beer Float Pie is a creamy and nostalgic recipe, which is made with root beer and instant vanilla pudding. It’s the perfect no-bake summer dessert, ready in about 30 minutes, plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Root Beer Float Pie Recipe Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 12 whole graham cracker sheets
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 6 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
For the Filling and Topping:
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup root beer, chilled
- 1/4 cup cold whole milk
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 tsp. root beer extract
- 8 maraschino cherries with stems, for garnish
How To Make Pioneer Woman Root Beer Float Pie
- Make and Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers and granulated sugar until they form fine crumbs. Pour in the melted butter and pulse until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for about 10 minutes to set the crust. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, combine the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Whip on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until firm peaks form.
- Make the Root Beer Filling: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the chilled root beer, milk, the dry instant pudding mix, and the root beer extract. Continue to whisk for about 2 minutes, until the mixture has thickened.
- Combine and Fill: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold 2 cups of the prepared whipped cream into the root beer mixture until it is almost completely blended. Pour this filling into the completely cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Top and Chill: Top the pie with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with the maraschino cherries. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours, until it is firm and well-chilled before serving.

Recipe Tips
- How to get a firm pie that slices cleanly? The two most important steps are to use instant pudding mix (not cook-and-serve) and to chill the pie for at least 2 hours. The chilling step is not optional; it’s what gives the no-bake pie its firm, sliceable texture.
- What’s the best way to get fluffy whipped cream? The secret is to use very cold heavy cream, and a chilled bowl and beaters. This helps the cream whip up to its full volume quickly and creates stable, firm peaks.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! The recipe tip notes that this is a perfect make-ahead dessert. You can assemble the pie with the filling, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the whipped cream topping separate and add it just before serving for the freshest look.
- How do I prevent a soggy crust? The quick 10-minute bake in the oven is key. It helps to set the cookie and butter crust, creating a slight barrier that prevents the creamy filling from making it soft too quickly. It’s also essential to let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.
What To Serve With Root Beer Float Pie
This is a fun, nostalgic, and complete dessert all on its own. It is the perfect sweet treat for a summer barbecue or party and needs no accompaniment other than a fork and a plate.
How To Store Root Beer Float Pie
- Refrigerate: This pie must be stored in the refrigerator because of the dairy ingredients. Cover it loosely with a pie cover or plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3 days, though the crust will soften over time.
Root Beer Float Pie Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 slice (1/8th of pie)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 45g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to use root beer extract?
Yes, it is highly recommended. The root beer extract provides a concentrated, intense root beer flavor that you can’t get from just the soda alone. You can find it in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
Why did my filling not get thick?
This usually happens if you accidentally use u0022cook-and-serveu0022 pudding mix instead of u0022instant.u0022 You must use the instant variety, which is designed to thicken with cold liquids and does not require any heat.
Can I use a different kind of crust?
Yes. While a graham cracker crust is classic, a pre-baked crust made from crushed vanilla wafers or even chocolate cookies (like Oreos) would be a delicious alternative.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Raspberry Cream Pie Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Ranch Pizza Pie Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Pioneer Woman Root Beer Float Pie Recipe
Description
A fun and nostalgic no-bake pie that tastes just like a classic root beer float, with a creamy root beer filling, a fluffy whipped cream topping, and a crisp graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Make the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until firm peaks form.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the root beer, milk, pudding mix, and root beer extract for about 2 minutes, until thick.
- Gently fold 2 cups of the whipped cream into the root beer mixture.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Top with the remaining whipped cream.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries and chill for at least 2 hours until firm before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for this pie is to chill it for at least two hours; this is not optional and is essential for the no-bake filling to set up properly.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eYou must use u003cemu003einstantu003c/emu003e vanilla pudding mix for the filling to thicken correctly with the cold liquids.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best results, use very cold heavy cream and a chilled mixer bowl to make the whipped cream.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis pie is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare the pie with the filling, and add the fresh whipped cream topping right before you serve it.u003c/liu003e
