Root Beer Float Pie

Root beer lovers, this pie is just for you! It has all the creamy flavor of its namesake, and it’s a great chilled treat for summer gatherings. This recipe is different from most other root beer pie recipes you’ll find online, which use instant pudding in the filling. This version is fully scratch-made, and it’s not too difficult to put together!

The pie crust is simple, especially if you use ready-made graham cracker crumbs. A little butter mixed in holds the crumbs together and makes everything taste just right!

Pat the buttered crumbs into a 9-inch pie dish. You’ll bake the crust for just a short time, which helps firm it.

A full bottle of root beer goes into the filling, and is cooked with a mixture of milk, egg yolks, sugar and corn starch.  White chocolate and a little more butter is stirred into the cooked mixture.

At this stage, root beer concentrate is added to the filling. This really brings forth the fizzy flavor of the soda. Most well-stocked grocery stores carry root beer concentrate. You can find it in the aisle with the spices and extracts. If you can’t find it locally, you can find it for purchase online.

The filling is poured into the buttery graham crust and then chilled until firm.

Homemade whipped cream is a must – as well as the all-important cherry on top!

I added chocolate sprinkles and a light dusting of graham cracker crumbs on top of the whipped cream for a little eye appeal. This is optional but it makes the pie look like it came from a fancy bakery.

Everyone who tasted this pie was amazed at its flavor and likeness to an actual root beer float! The filling’s texture is between custard and pudding, and the buttery graham crust is a nice contrast to all the creamy goodness. I can’t wait to serve this at our next summer gathering. It’s a little unexpected and so refreshing!

This blog post is brought to you by Go Bold With Butter! Be sure to check out all their excellent recipes made with real butter and dairy!

Root Beer Float Pie

Heather Baird
Root beer float pie is a refreshing summer treat that has all the cool, creamy flavor of its predecessor.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
2 hours chill time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 27 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • 9 inch pie plate

Ingredients
 
 

Pie crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups 130g graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Pie filling:

  • 1/3 cup 70g plus 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup 30g cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup 240ml whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups 12 ounces root beer
  • 1 cup 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon root beer concentrate*
  • 1 cup 240ml heavy whipping cream
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • Chocolate sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • To make the crust, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl; whisk to combine. Pour in melted butter and stir until mixture resembles wet sand. Press into a 9-inch pie dish. Refrigerate until firm, about 10 minutes. Bake 12 minutes and allow the crust to cool completely.
  • To make the filling, whisk together 1/3 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the egg yolks, milk, and root beer. Place the pan over medium-high heat and whisk constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Cook the mixture 2-3 minutes more, or until the mixture is thickened and has a pudding-like consistency. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in white chocolate. When chocolate is melted, add butter and whisk until butter is melted. Stir in root beer concentrate. Pour filling into cooled crust and transfer to the refrigerator. Chill until well-set, about 2 hours.
  • Combine heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment. Beat on high speed until the cream is thick and stiff peaks form. When the pie is set, pipe or spoon whipped cream on top of the pie. Place the maraschino cherry in the center of the pie and top whipped cream with chocolate sprinkles.

Notes

*Root beer concentrate can be found at well-stocked grocery stores in the spices and extracts aisle.
Keyword graham cracker crust, maraschino cherry, root beer concentrate
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Kisha@design intervention diary
Kisha@design intervention diary
5 years ago

This looks like a winner! I'm going to make this and cross my fingers that it comes out looking as cute as yours (dream big!). 🙂

Natalie
Natalie
5 years ago

This pie is beautiful! Such a great idea for the summer!

Sara Snyder
Sara Snyder
5 years ago

Can you use root beer extract or does it have to be root beer concentrate?

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
5 years ago
Reply to  Sara Snyder

Hi Sara!
You can add rootbeer extract to taste. I'd start with 1/2 teaspoon.

Diego Lopes
Diego Lopes
5 years ago

I don't think I ever tried a pie like this one, I'm really curious. It looks delicious!

Dalila G.
Dalila G.
5 years ago

What a wonderful pie recipe for a summer dessert!
Or dessert anytime……LOL!!
Have a nice day Heather!

Sara Snyder
Sara Snyder
5 years ago

I made this and it was easy to do! The root beer flavor is subtle and delicious. I probably kept it on the heat too long, bc I second guessed my pudding consistency, but it didn't show in the final product. I'm making it again this weekend for a family visit!

Lisa
Lisa
2 years ago

Where have you found root beer concentrate or root beer extract? I was just looking at the Kroger app and the Meijer app and neither had it.

Lisa D.
Lisa D.
2 years ago
Reply to  Heather Baird

Thanks! I’ll look in person at my Kroger and Walmart.