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    Home » Recipes » No Bake Desserts » Root Beer Float Pie

    Root Beer Float Pie

    Published : June 13, 2020 Updated : June 12, 2022 by Together As Family 55 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Print Recipe

    Everyone goes crazy for this super easy Root Beer Float Pie. It's a creamy pie that tastes exactly like a root beer float with the texture of a soft frozen dessert. So refreshing and light for these hot summer days. Plus, it's a no bake dessert recipe that takes just minutes to prepare with convenient ingredients like Cool Whip and a ready-to-use graham cracker crust. 

    For more recipes that use root beer try my Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Chicken for dinner.

    Creamy, cool, light & refreshing! This Root Beer Float Pie is the perfect treat on those hot summer days. Only a few minutes of prep and then some freezer time and you have an easy, no bake pie that tastes EXACTLY like a root beer float! 

    Root Beer Float Pie Recipe

    This root beer float pie will be the hit dessert of the summer! Taste exactly like a root beer float in frozen pie form. It's so creamy, cool, and just perfect for summertime!

    Bonus is that this no bake pie can be made in minutes. Yes minutes! It uses convenient store-bought ingredients like a graham cracker crust, instant pudding, Cool Whip, root beer, and root beer concentrate for lots of that root beer flavor everyone loves. 

    Creamy, cool, light & refreshing! This Root Beer Float Pie is the perfect treat on those hot summer days. Only a few minutes of prep and then some freezer time and you have an easy, no bake pie that tastes EXACTLY like a root beer float! 

    How To Make a No Bake Root Beer Float Frozen Pie

    • Graham Cracker Crust - I use this one or a shortbread crust if I can find it at the store. You could go all out and make your won but why not make it easy?! 
    • Root Beer - It's best to not use diet soda in this recipe. We love A&W root beer!
    • Milk - The higher fat percentage the better. You want the fat and the thickness to help set the pie up. I always use whole milk or half & half milk (which is half milk and half cream). 
    • Root Beer Concentrate - Some have a hard time finding this but I never have. Look by the other extracts (by the spices and seasonings) at the grocery store. The box will specifically say 'root beer concentrate' on it. 
    • Instant Vanilla Pudding - Ignore the directions on the box and just follow the recipe below. 
    • Cool Whip - Again, when it comes to dairy I prefer the higher-fat products over the lite and sugar-free stuff. But feel free to use what you prefer here. 
    • Whipped Cream & Maraschino Cherries - It says optional in the recipe but you should really add it! The homemade whipped cream layer on top adds so much to the pie. I serve each piece with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top. It makes for a pretty presentation too. 

    Creamy, cool, light & refreshing! This Root Beer Float Pie is the perfect treat on those hot summer days. Only a few minutes of prep and then some freezer time and you have an easy, no bake pie that tastes EXACTLY like a root beer float! 

    Tips For Success

    Here are a few of my helpful tips that will make this recipe a hit in your own family as well. 

    • Root Beer : For best taste & texture I would highly recommend using real root beer (not diet). It tastes much better in this pie. 
    • Milk : You want to use a higher fat content of milk in this recipe to help the pie set and thicken nicely. I prefer half and half when I make this, but whole milk is another good option too. 
    • Garnishes : If topping the pie with whipped cream and garnishes, do that after the refrigeration time and right before serving. 
    • Instant Pudding : Make sure you are NOT using the cook n' serve pudding mix. You want the instant pudding mix. It's best to not use sugar-free pudding mix in this pie. It's a much smaller package size, and I have never personally tested this recipe with it, so I can't say for sure how it would turn out. 

    Creamy, cool, light & refreshing! This Root Beer Float Pie is the perfect treat on those hot summer days. Only a few minutes of prep and then some freezer time and you have an easy, no bake pie that tastes EXACTLY like a root beer float! 

    More No Bake Pie Recipes You'll Love

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    • triple layer lemon pudding pie
    • lemon cheesecake pie
    • pistachio cheesecake pie
    • oreo cream pie
    • no bake snickers cream pie
    • nutella pie
    • toffee cheesecake pie
    Creamy, cool, light & refreshing! This Root Beer Float Pie is the perfect treat on those hot summer days. Only a few minutes of prep and then some freezer time and you have an easy, no bake pie that tastes EXACTLY like a root beer float! 

    Root Beer Float Pie

    Jessica
    Creamy, cool, light & refreshing! This Root Beer Float Pie is the perfect treat on those hot summer days. Only a few minutes of prep and then some freezer time and you have an easy, no bake pie that tastes EXACTLY like a root beer float! 
    3.85 from 26 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Freezer Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 5 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 slices
    Calories 212 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup root beer
    • ½ cup half & half OR whole milk
    • 2 tablespoons root beer concentrate
    • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
    • 1 carton (8 oz) Cool Whip thawed
    • 1 (6 oz) ready-to-use graham cracker OR shortbread crumb crust

    Garnishes (optional but highly recommend)

    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • ¼ cup powdered sugar
    • maraschino cherries

    Instructions
     

    • In large mixing bowl combine the root beer, milk, and root beer concentrate. Sprinkle the vanilla pudding mix over it. Whisk together for 1-2 minutes and then let it sit for 5 minutes so it can thicken.
    • Fold in the thawed cool whip and mix together until it is combined together well. Pour into the prepared crumb crust and evenly spread it out. 
    • Cover with enclosed lid (the plastic lid from graham cracker crust) and place in the freezer for at least 8 hours or overnight.
    • Before serving prepare the whipped cream topping (if using). Beat together the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until thick and stiff peaks form. This will take about 5 minutes. Serve a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry over top of each piece. Or you can spread the whipped cream topping over top the pie and then cut into slices.
    • Eat & serve straight from the freezer. Store any leftovers in the freezer. 

    Notes

    Root Beer Concentrate : I get a lot of comments questioning the 2 tablespoons of root beer concentrate and others saying that they thought 2 tablespoons was too much. Once the pie has been in the freezer the flavor gets more muted and not as strong as when you just add it into the pudding mixture. I have always loved the 2 tablespoons of root beer concentrate but if you're worried about it then maybe start with 1 tablespoon the first time you make it and see what you think.
    This ingredient can be found by the other concentrates (like vanilla extract, etc) and dried spices at the grocery store. 
    Pudding Mix : Do not prepare the Instant Pudding Mix! Just sprinkle the dry powder straight from the box over the liquids as called for in the recipe. I do not recommend using sugar-free pudding mix in this recipe. It's a smaller sized box, with less powder in it, so I just don't know if it would work well. I have never personally made it using sugar-free, but others have commented and said that it works great. So experiment if you want. 
    Tip : A lot of people are having trouble finding the root beer concentrate. You will find it by the other extracts (vanilla, almond, etc) at the grocery store. It comes in a small bottle and will say 'root beer concentrate' on the front. You must use this for the pie to taste like a root beer float. So don't try to substitute it with anything else. 
    Root Beer : I do not recommend using zero sugar root beer or diet root beer in this recipe. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 212kcal
    Keyword no bake pie, root beer float pie
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @togetherasfamilyblog on Instagram

    Creamy, cool, light & refreshing! This Root Beer Float Pie is the perfect treat on those hot summer days. Only a few minutes of prep and then some freezer time and you have an easy, no bake pie that tastes EXACTLY like a root beer float! 

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    Comments

    1. Carlee

      July 30, 2015 at 9:34 am

      Oh yum! You have been killing me with all of your delicious treats lately!

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 30, 2015 at 12:45 pm

        haha 🙂 I know, I'm sorry! This one was just way too yummy to not post a.s.a.p!!

        Reply
    2. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh

      July 30, 2015 at 8:16 pm

      Yes!! This is exactly what I need at this moment. I love root beer floats and haven't had one in a very long time. And I love pie, so pair these two things together and I've got a major craving!

      Reply
    3. Tammy Comstock

      July 31, 2015 at 10:40 am

      I'm anxious to try this - love root beer floats!!

      Reply
    4. Melissa

      August 09, 2015 at 6:40 pm

      I can't find the root beer concentrate

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        August 09, 2015 at 8:40 pm

        Hi Melissa! Not every store sells it. I usually have to go to Walmart to find it. It is by the spices/extracts (like vanilla extract, etc). I had to go to 3 different stores before I finally found it. Good luck 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

        Reply
      • Brenda Kowalski

        August 11, 2020 at 7:37 am

        I was able to order the root beer concentrate online from Watkins

        Reply
    5. Denise

      April 01, 2017 at 10:58 pm

      I tried this using the 1 box of pudding the big box is only 1.5 oz so used 2 boxes thickened up real fast not good so I will try using just 1.5 oz box. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        April 02, 2017 at 12:23 pm

        It sounds like you may have used a sugar-free box of pudding?? The regular jello pudding has the 3.4 oz box. The smallest size. I've never made this pie with sugar free pudding so I am not sure if it would work out. It should work but like you mentioned, I would just do the one box of sugar-free pudding mix. I will clarify in the recipe. Thank you for your comment. I hope you enjoy this and that it works out for you.

        Reply
    6. Jamie

      April 19, 2017 at 12:41 am

      I just put mine in the freezer and it definitely wasn't the color in the picture! Ha 😉
      Do you think it will come out okay?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        April 19, 2017 at 12:30 pm

        I am sure it's fine. It's supposed to be a light tan color. The picture is probably slightly brighter/more white than it is in real life. I hope you love it!

        Reply
        • Jamie

          April 20, 2017 at 12:30 am

          Thanks for the response! It came out okay. Flavor is good but it's a little bit icy . . . I was expecting it to be a little creamier. I wonder if I didn't thicken the pudding enough? Any ideas?

          Reply
          • Together As Family

            April 20, 2017 at 4:05 pm

            You got it right. If you let it sit out for some time it will be creamier. It is supposed to be a icy type texture which is why it goes in the freezer overnight. I also always use whole milk to mix pudding. If you did use a lower % milk that could make it not as thick and creamy. Or if you used a box of sugar-free pudding that could also make it less creamy. So sorry it was not what you were expecting! 🙂

            Reply
    7. Jayme

      April 24, 2017 at 5:24 pm

      I had trouble getting my root beer, milk, extract and pudding to thicken at all - so when i finally added the cool whip in, it still felt pretty liquidy and I'm nervous about it turning out to be one big ice block. I used 2% milk bc we don't keep whole milk typically, but I didn't think it would make it so thin.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        April 26, 2017 at 10:45 pm

        2% should be fine to use. It's been several months since I made this last but I know that it will be fine once it's frozen overnight. The pudding mixture will not be super thick like traditional pudding when you add milk to it. I hope it turned out ok 🙂

        Reply
        • Stacey M.

          July 05, 2019 at 11:17 pm

          5 stars
          This pie is absolutely amazing!! Made it just as the recipe stated and it was perfect!! Huge raves at work. Making two more for people at work!! It's awesome!! Never heard of a rootbeer float pie b4!! (Some of the comments!! )Thank you huge winner in my book!!

          Reply
          • Together As Family

            July 07, 2019 at 10:19 pm

            Love it! Finally some good feedback about this pie, haha 🙂 It's one of my faves for sure!

            Reply
    8. Kristi

      May 06, 2017 at 10:23 pm

      I just made this tonight for tomorrow's Sunday dinner!!! It looked so good, I just had to try it myself!!!

      Reply
    9. Richard Hooker

      May 22, 2017 at 1:49 pm

      If you are looking for that midnite brown color that you associate with root beer, you can purchase brown coloring gel or powder at cake specialty stores. If you do a lot of baking, like me, you can use caramel coloring that is used in soda. It is what makes root beer and cola that deep brown.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        May 22, 2017 at 3:29 pm

        Thank you for the suggestion. That's a great idea. The very light color of this pie I think throws some people off sometimes.

        Reply
    10. Katie DeCosse

      August 06, 2017 at 7:42 am

      I am not a fan of root beer so I am a poor judge of flavor so I fed it to my husband! He liked it but thought that 2 T of root beer concentrate was too much. After sampling it myself I agree and am glad I did a test run before serving it to my card club! I will either use just 1 T of root beer concentrate and am wondering if you meant 2 tsp of root beer extract? Otherwise it turned out very well; nice consistency and easy to make! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        August 10, 2017 at 2:26 pm

        The 2 tablespoons is correct. You could always reduce that amount if you make this again. Not sure that the pie will actually taste like root beer with less as I've never tried that. But then again it might be just fine with less concentrate. Thank you for visiting the blog. Sorry it did not turn out...

        Reply
    11. Suzanne Marzano

      August 30, 2017 at 6:12 pm

      The pie is perfect. Especially for my picky son and grandsons who are root beer fanatics. I found that using the root beer flavoring sold at my cake decorating store gave the best flavor. I also splurged and used half and half, the second time I made it. Really gave it the ice cream float flavor.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        September 01, 2017 at 4:52 pm

        I'll have to look for that root beer flavoring. I've never seen that. And yes, the higher fat content milk you use the better 🙂 I use whole milk but half-n-half sounds amazing in this pie. I'll try that next time.

        Reply
    12. Jackie Reed

      September 17, 2017 at 6:40 pm

      I wished you said what size pie shell to get,my was the small size so i could only use half of it!

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        September 18, 2017 at 4:40 pm

        Oh I'm sorry. I have only ever seen the one size in the store. I don't have one here but it's the standard size graham cracker crust that you buy at the store. I'll have to get the size next time I am at the store.

        Reply
    13. heather nykiforuk

      October 02, 2017 at 9:37 am

      When you saw root beer concentrate do u mean extract? In Canada we gave a company called Watkins. They sell various flavors of extracts. Wondering if I would use their root beer extract? But 2 tbsp might be a bit strong? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        October 03, 2017 at 8:51 pm

        I just looked in my pantry and mine says 'root beer concentrate'. It's actually the Watkins brand that you mentioned. If you are using extract then yes it would be a lot less than 2 tablespoons.

        Reply
        • heather nykiforuk

          October 04, 2017 at 10:23 am

          Thanks for response. I checked and mine says imitation extract. So perhaps one tsp. My apologies for spelling errors in previous question! I did not proof read before sending. I look forward to trying this recipe.

          Reply
          • Together As Family

            October 05, 2017 at 1:53 pm

            You can also just taste it before you add it into the pie shell too. Add more of you can't taste the root beer flavor enough.

            Reply
    14. Nancy

      January 25, 2018 at 11:03 pm

      Where do you get root beer concentrate?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        January 29, 2018 at 5:04 pm

        You will find it by the other extracts and the spices, in the baking aisle. It comes in a small bottle just like the vanilla extract and almond extracts do.

        Reply
    15. Brian McGovern

      April 10, 2018 at 5:16 pm

      Made this the other day with a homemade graham cracker crust and whipped cream topping. Had to buy the Kool Whip but had everything else on hand. Everyone in the family loved it. Thank you.

      Reply
    16. Bob Waxon

      July 22, 2018 at 6:44 pm

      Hi: I would like to use sugar free pudding because my daughter is diebetic and trying to cut down on sugar. Did you ever try this recipe with sugar free pudding?
      Bob

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 24, 2018 at 10:36 pm

        I have never tried it but I think it would be fine. I have had readers comment (on another pie recipe that uses instant pudding mix) that they have successfully used sugar-free instant pudding with great results. I hope that helps.

        Reply
    17. Cindy Plaster

      September 29, 2018 at 9:56 am

      I made this! I love root beer, the 2 Tbsp. Of extract was way too much. Are you sure it wasn’t suppose to be 2 tsp?
      Will make again sometime but with lots less extract.
      You can get the extract at Walmart.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        October 02, 2018 at 1:31 pm

        I always use 2 tablespoons. But yes, the amount of extract can be reduced depending on preference. Some say this pie has no root beer flavor while others say it does. So use less if that's what you prefer and it will turn out just fine.

        Reply
    18. Janice Camacho

      October 08, 2018 at 2:55 pm

      3 stars
      2 Tablespoons of root beer extract is too much, I made it using the 2 tablespoons as stated in the recipe and it was inedible. I tried it again using 2 Teasoons of the extract and it was perfect!

      Reply
    19. Lisa

      April 20, 2019 at 11:00 pm

      Do you think I could make real whipped cream as opposed to Cool Whip? We are not big Cool Whip fans.
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        April 22, 2019 at 3:21 pm

        Yes, that would work fine. An 8 oz Cool Whip tub is equal to 1 cup heavy whipping cream + 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar. Beat that together until stiff peaks form.

        Reply
        • Dawn

          June 19, 2020 at 10:34 pm

          Yeah I’ve been scrolling through the comments hoping someone asked this question. We always go with real whipped cream instead of cool whip. Can’t wait to make this for Father’s Day.

          Reply
          • Together As Family

            June 29, 2020 at 10:21 pm

            Oh yes for sure! You will need about 2 1/2 cups real whipped cream which is equal to 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream plus some sweetener (I like to use about 1/4 cup powdered sugar but you can certainly use more or less depending on preference).

            Reply
      • Naomi

        June 13, 2019 at 2:22 am

        Looks like some of you are confusing root beer extract with root beer concentrate. They are very different.

        Reply
    20. Jenni

      May 23, 2020 at 1:32 pm

      4 stars
      I just made this but with on tweek. When working with cool whip or whipped cream it is important to stabilize it or you end up with cool whip/whipped cream soup. I used one 1/4 oz packet of unflavored gelatin with 1/4 cup water and let it bloom then microwaved it 15 seconds. Let it cool then added it to the whipped cream mixture. This way I can let it set in the refrigerator instead of cooler and can even take to a friends house without it becoming soup. It can also be stored in the refrigerator giving a more creamy texture rather than frozen texture.

      Reply
    21. Beverly Rabovsky

      July 04, 2020 at 6:57 pm

      2 stars
      I thought that this would be delicious, since I absolutely love root beer. However, take heed! In my opinion, the two tablespoons of root beer concentrate gave the pie an almost medicinal, sickening taste, and I had to throw the entire thing out. Upon further investigation, most recipes list two teaspoons, and to me, that would be much more reasonable. I may try it again using the lesser amount. The author does warn of this, but I think that even one tablespoon might be a little much. You might want to start with the two teaspoons and go from there. The strength of the concentrated does not mellow with freezing.

      Reply
    22. Judy

      September 05, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      5 stars
      I served this for a small dinner party this evening and it was a huge hit!. I used cream instead of milk and extra creamy Cool Whip. I used the full 2 Tablespoons of Root Beer Concentrate and thought the taste was wonderful. I tasted the filling right after making it and I do think it mellowed overnight in the freezer (but I was fine with the flavor immediately as well.). I made a pretzel crust and I think that bit of salt makes a really nice contrast to the sweet. The small dollop of whipped cream and the cherry on top was perfect. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        September 07, 2020 at 1:51 pm

        I totally agree, the taste definitely mellows as it freezes overnight. So happy to hear it was a hit because we love this pie. Thanks so much for your comment and star rating. I appreciate it.

        Reply
    23. Jlang

      May 10, 2022 at 7:38 pm

      Of all places Menards sells the root beer concentrate, Along with many other flavors of concentrate. Largest selection I've ever seen. Go figure

      Reply
    24. Linda Polaski

      June 16, 2022 at 7:28 pm

      I made with sugar free pudding and no sugar root beer. Did not like it frozen but once thawed in fridge, it was excellent. Found the extract at a country store. I will definitely make this again. Light and refreshing.

      Reply

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