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Pioneer Woman Root Beer Float Pie

Pioneer Woman Root Beer Float Pie - recipe card
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A nostalgic no-bake dessert that captures the fizzy, creamy essence of a root beer float in pie form. The buttery graham cracker crust cradles a silky, airy root beer-infused cream filling, topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a cherry for a playful finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons root beer (use a good quality root beer, not diet)
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon unflavored powdered gelatin (from one 0.25 oz packet)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup root beer (use a good quality root beer, not diet)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for topping)
  • 4 maraschino cherries with stems, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Stir together the graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and the 2 tablespoons of root beer, and mix with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened and clump together when pressed.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate, using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it evenly. Place the crust in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
  3. Pour the 1/4 cup cold water into a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom – it will become thick and rubbery. Set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk about 1/4 cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks to temper them, then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
  5. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon and reaches 170°F (77°C) – about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil or the eggs will scramble.
  6. Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately whisk in the bloomed gelatin, the 1/2 cup root beer, and the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
  7. While the custard cools, make the whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the 1 cup heavy whipping cream with the 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep cold.
  8. Once the custard is cool, gently fold the whipped cream into the custard in three additions using a rubber spatula. Fold just until no white streaks remain, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
  9. Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the filling into the crust. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set – the pie should be firm to the touch and no longer jiggle in the center.
  10. For the topping, whip the remaining 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream with the 1 tablespoon powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the cream over the chilled pie just before serving.
  11. Garnish each slice with a maraschino cherry, if desired. Serve cold directly from the refrigerator.

Notes

Storage: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freezing: Freeze the un-sliced pie (without whipped topping) for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Add the whipped cream topping after thawing. Reheating: Not required – serve cold. For best texture, do not let the pie sit at room temperature for more than 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: root beer float pie, no bake pie, root beer dessert, cream pie, graham cracker crust, summer dessert, vintage dessert, kid-friendly dessert, easy pie, root beer recipe, no bake dessert, pie without oven

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-root-beer-float-pie/