Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated in the butter.
Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. You can use the back of a spoon to pack it down tightly, creating an even layer.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Root Beer Float Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened vanilla ice cream with an electric mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy. This will help to create a soft, spreadable consistency for the pie filling.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. You can use an electric mixer or a hand whisk for this step. Be careful not to overwhip.
Once the whipped cream is ready, gently fold it into the softened vanilla ice cream. Stir in the root beer and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is smooth and well combined. The root beer will give the filling its signature flavor and a slight fizz.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Once the crust has cooled completely, spoon the root beer float filling into the graham cracker crust. Smooth it out into an even layer using a spatula. The filling should be thick and creamy.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the pie is firm and set. You can also freeze it overnight for the best results.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Once the pie is fully frozen and set, remove it from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will make slicing easier and give the filling a slightly softer texture.
Top the pie with a generous amount of whipped cream. If you want to add a fun root beer float vibe, garnish with maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of extra root beer syrup for added flavor.
Slice, serve, and enjoy your cozy Grandma’s Root Beer Float Pie!
Serving Suggestions
This pie is perfect for all sorts of occasions:
- Summer barbecues and picnics
- Birthday parties
- Family gatherings or reunions
- Just a sweet treat for yourself on a warm afternoon!
Pair it with an ice-cold root beer or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Tips for the Best Root Beer Float Pie
- Make sure the ice cream is softened: This helps to ensure that the filling is smooth and easy to mix. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before using.
- Choose a good quality root beer: A craft or premium root beer will give the pie a more authentic and rich flavor. Avoid root beers that are overly sweet or artificially flavored.
- Customize the crust: You can make the crust even more special by adding a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the graham cracker crumbs for a twist of flavor.
- Let it set overnight: For the best texture, freeze the pie overnight. This will ensure it’s firm and sliceable, with the perfect balance of creamy filling and crunchy crust.
- Try other flavors: If you love experimenting, try mixing different soda flavors into the filling—root beer is great, but vanilla cream soda or even cherry cola could work well too!
Conclusion
Cozy Grandma’s Root Beer Float Pie brings together the nostalgic flavors of a root beer float with the richness of a pie. It’s a fun, easy, and no-bake dessert that will be the star of any gathering. With a graham cracker crust, a root beer-infused ice cream filling, and all the indulgent toppings you love, this pie is perfect for warm weather, summer celebrations, or just when you’re craving something sweet and refreshing. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delightful pie, and enjoy the sweet memories it brings!