If you love a fizzy glass of cream soda and adore creamy pies, then this easy no bake cream soda float pie will blow your taste buds away. With all the nostalgic flavors of a classic soda shop float, transformed into a sliceable, refreshingly chilled dessert, it’s a dreamy summer treat you can whip up with zero oven time. Let’s dive into why this no bake cream soda float pie is quickly becoming a favorite in my Brooklyn kitchen, and how you can make it yourself!
The Story & Connection
Memory and Meaning
Growing up, I always looked forward to neighborhood block parties where tubs of ice-cold cream soda bottles waited alongside cheery scoops of vanilla ice cream. Sipping that frothy combo instantly felt like summer. When I first created this no bake cream soda float pie, those golden childhood afternoons came rushing back, but in pie form. The blend of creamy, bubbly, and cool sensations is like a love letter to my favorite soda shop float, no straw required.
Kitchen Context and Emotion
Bringing nostalgia into the kitchen is my favorite way to connect recipes with real life. This no bake cream soda float pie is all about joy and ease, perfect for sweltering days when turning on the oven is out of the question. Making this pie is quick enough for a weekday treat, but special enough for celebrations, which is part of what makes no bake desserts such a lifesaver. It’s become a tradition to serve it on family movie nights, and guests always ask for seconds.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to craft this delectable no bake cream soda float pie:
| Graham-cracker crumbs | 1 ½ cups |
| Melted unsalted butter | 6 Tbsp |
| (Optional) Granulated sugar | 2 Tbsp |
| Cold cream soda | ¾ cup |
| Cold whole milk | ⅓ cup |
| Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz) | 1 package |
| Vanilla extract or cream-soda extract | 1 tsp or 1 Tbsp |
| Whipped topping, thawed | 8 oz tub |
| Extra whipped topping & maraschino cherries | For serving |
Unique or Sensory Ingredients
What truly sets no bake cream soda float pie apart is using real cream soda for the filling. That bit of fizz and soda flavor channels soda fountains of the past. A few drops of cream-soda extract, though optional, add extra punch and nostalgia. Swapping in soft whipped topping adds unbeatable lightness, and maraschino cherries make every slice feel festive. If you love retro vibes, these sensory touches make this no bake cream soda float pie a joyful experience from the first bite to the last crumb.
Smart Substitutions + Health
It’s easy to adapt your no bake cream soda float pie for different tastes or dietary needs. Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free crust. Swap whole milk for plant milk (like oat or coconut) if you prefer dairy-free. For a lower-sugar option, choose sugar-free soda and pudding mix. Subbing light or non-dairy whipped topping works beautifully too. Exploring ingredient swaps is part of the fun, and you can check labels to keep things safe and allergy-friendly by visiting FDA’s food labeling guide for the latest guidance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Detailed Steps with Tips
This easy no bake cream soda float pie is truly effortless! Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and (if using) sugar in a bowl until everything is evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a 9-inch pie plate, making sure it presses up the sides for a solid crust. Pop this crust into the freezer for at least 15 minutes to set, which makes slicing easier later.
In a separate bowl, whisk together your cold cream soda, cold milk, dry pudding mix, and vanilla or cream-soda extract for about two minutes. The mixture will thicken and become silky. Once it starts to set, gently fold in your thawed whipped topping until the mixture looks fluffy and no streaks remain. Take care not to deflate the filling for the lightest, airiest texture.
Pour this dreamy filling into the chilled graham crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover the pie tightly with wrap or foil. Freeze for at least 8 hours, or even better, overnight. Before serving, let your pie stand at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for easy slicing. Each piece is scrumptious topped with a generous swirl of whipped topping and a classic maraschino cherry.
Mistakes to Avoid For Best No bake cream soda float pie
While this no bake cream soda float pie is easy, a few common hiccups can be avoided for perfect results. Don’t skip chilling or freezing the crust, otherwise slices will crumble. Be sure to use cold cream soda and cold milk, as warm liquids won’t help the pudding set. Avoid over-mixing your whipped topping into the filling, or it may lose its fluffy volume. Lastly, don’t skimp on chill time: the pie needs a long freeze to firm up fully. Want more super-forgiving treats? You’ll love my easy no bake cheesecake mini desserts, which are similarly fool-proof!
Serving, Storing, and Variations
Creative Serving Suggestions
The magic of this no bake cream soda float pie truly comes alive when you serve it with a little flair. Add a mountain of extra whipped topping and a cherry (or even sprinkles!) for a soda fountain effect. For a fun twist, drizzle with white chocolate, or scatter crushed wafer cookies for crunch. Feeling bold? Top with rainbow sherbet for a party-ready version that’s sure to have guests talking. This pie pairs beautifully with summer grill nights, but it also feels celebratory enough for birthdays or retro diner-themed gatherings.
Storage Tips and Dietary Versions
For best results, store your no bake cream soda float pie tightly wrapped in the freezer. It will keep for up to 1 week, and you can store sliced leftovers the same way. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving again. If you need to scale for a crowd or accommodate allergies, make mini versions in jars or muffin tins! For those monitoring nutritional choices, check out more information from Harvard’s healthy eating tips and swap in sugar-free or light ingredients as you wish. And if you love experimenting, you may enjoy my easy no bake lemon bars recipe (no eggs) for a zesty twist on no bake goodness.
FAQs
Is an ice cream soda the same as an ice cream float?
Although they’re similar, an ice cream soda uses soda water with flavored syrup and scoops of ice cream, while an ice cream float typically combines a soda (like root beer or cream soda) directly with ice cream. Both bring those irresistible fizzy bubbles and creamy goodness!
What are the ingredients in root beer float pie?
Root beer float pie usually contains a crunchy pie crust (often made from graham crackers), instant vanilla pudding mix, cold root beer instead of cream soda, whipped topping, and sometimes vanilla extract. The recipe is quite similar to this no bake cream soda float pie, just swap the sodas!
What’s it called when you put ice cream on pie?
When you serve a slice of pie topped with a scoop of ice cream, it’s called pie à la mode. The creamy, cold ice cream with warm or chilled pie is a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert combination.
What is the name of the apple pie with vanilla ice cream?
That delicious combo goes by apple pie à la mode. Vanilla ice cream’s cool sweetness pairs perfectly with spiced apple pie, making it a beloved American classic for generations.
Conclusion
This easy no bake cream soda float pie brings together the creamy, frothy flavors of your favorite classic soda shop treat, no oven required! Its light-as-air filling and nostalgic taste is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any event, from backyard barbecues to birthday parties. Remember to let the crust chill, fold the filling gently, and give the pie plenty of time to set before slicing into your masterpiece. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and create some wonderful memories of your own
If you’re loving summery, fuss-free desserts, don’t miss my personal favorites like these homemade no bake Twix bars and the ever-refreshing best no bake lemon cream cheese bars. You may also get inspired by my easy no bake strawberry cheesecake bars for a fruity twist. Drop a comment below if you try this pie, or share your favorite no bake recipes. Happy (no) baking, friends!
Print
Easy No Bake Cream Soda Float Pie – Delicious And Frothy
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This no bake cream soda float pie brings pure joy to every bite, bubbly vanilla cream soda flavor, silky whipped filling, and that irresistible buttery graham crust. It’s light, nostalgic, and so simple to make, you’ll want it all summer long. Just chill, slice, and enjoy a slice of happiness without turning on the oven
Ingredients
Graham-cracker crumbs : 1 ½ cups
Melted unsalted butter : 6 Tbsp
(Optional) Granulated sugar : 2 Tbsp
Cold cream soda : ¾ cup
Cold whole milk : ⅓ cup
Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz pkg) : 1
Vanilla extract or cream-soda extract : 1 tsp / 1 Tbsp
Whipped topping, thawed : 8 oz tub
Extra whipped topping & maraschino cherries for serving
Instructions
1. Stir the graham-cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture feels like damp sand.
2. Press crumbs across the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate; freeze 15 minutes.
3. Whisk cream soda, milk, pudding mix, and extract for about 2 minutes until slightly thick.
4. Fold in whipped topping gently until no streaks remain.
5. Pour filling into chilled crust and smooth the top.
6. Cover and freeze at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
7. Let the pie stand 10–15 minutes before slicing; top each wedge with whipped topping and a cherry.
Notes
For a bolder soda flavor, use cream-soda extract.
Freeze the pie on a level shelf so the filling sets evenly.
The crust also works wonderfully in mini tart pans for individual treats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 286 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 16.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg