Classic Diner Coke Float Pie

Featured in: Sweet Tooth Fix

Enjoy a sweet slice of nostalgia with this classic diner Coke float pie. It features a graham cracker crust filled with a creamy, fizzy custard that gets its unique flavor from real Coca-Cola. Whipped cream is gently folded into the filling for extra lightness, and the pie is finished with a cloud of whipped topping and maraschino cherries. The preparation is simple, requiring basic pie equipment and a little patience while it chills to perfection. Pair with coffee or cold milk for the ultimate soda fountain-inspired dessert experience.

Updated on Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:59:00 GMT
Creamy Classic Diner Coke Float Pie topped with fluffy whipped cream and cherries.  Save
Creamy Classic Diner Coke Float Pie topped with fluffy whipped cream and cherries. | tastyeffect.com

A nostalgic, creamy pie inspired by the classic soda fountain Coke float, featuring a fizzy cola-infused filling and a fluffy whipped topping.

I remember sampling a slice of this pie on a summer evening, and the fizzy cola flavor instantly transported me to old-fashioned diners. It quickly became one of my go-to desserts for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

  • Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • Coke Float Filling: 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, pinch of salt, 1/2 cup whole milk, 4 large egg yolks, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Topping: 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

Make the Crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
Prepare Coke Float Filling:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together Coca-Cola, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk milk and egg yolks. Heat cola mixture over medium, stirring often, until simmering. Slowly whisk some hot cola into milk and egg yolks to temper, then pour back into the saucepan. Cook, stirring, until thickened (3–4 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla until smooth. Whip 1/2 cup heavy cream to soft peaks and fold into cooled cola custard. Pour into cooled crust and chill for at least 4 hours until set.
Add Whipped Topping & Serve:
Whip remaining 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar to stiff peaks. Spread over pie and garnish with maraschino cherries. Slice and serve chilled.
Indulge in this nostalgic Classic Diner Coke Float Pie with a crunchy graham crust.  Save
Indulge in this nostalgic Classic Diner Coke Float Pie with a crunchy graham crust. | tastyeffect.com

Making this pie is a new tradition in my house. Kids especially enjoy helping garnish with whipped cream and cherries, making every slice special.

Required Tools

9-inch pie plate, mixing bowls, saucepan, whisk, electric mixer or hand whisk, rubber spatula

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 375, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 4 g

Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Pair each slice with light-bodied coffee or a glass of cold milk for a true soda fountain treat.

Chilled Classic Diner Coke Float Pie with fizzy cola filling and sweet cherry garnish. Save
Chilled Classic Diner Coke Float Pie with fizzy cola filling and sweet cherry garnish. | tastyeffect.com

This Coke float pie is a nostalgic crowd-pleaser. Serve chilled and enjoy every bubbly bite.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use diet soda for the filling?

Regular Coca-Cola is recommended for best flavor and texture. Diet sodas may affect the taste and setting.

Is a store-bought crust suitable?

Yes, a premade graham cracker or chocolate crust can be used for convenience.

How long does the pie need to chill?

Chill for at least 4 hours until the filling is fully set and firm.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Try substituting plant-based milk and cream alternatives, but note the texture may change.

What makes the filling fizzy?

Coca-Cola provides a subtle fizzy flavor and lightness to the custard once cooked and mixed with cream.

Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Freezing may alter the texture of the whipped topping and filling, so refrigeration is preferred.

Classic Diner Coke Float Pie

Nostalgic diner pie with fizzy cola custard and fluffy whipped cream topping for a sweet chilled treat.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Laura Bennett


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Crust

01 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Coke Float Filling

01 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet)
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1/4 cup cornstarch
04 Pinch of salt
05 1/2 cup whole milk
06 4 large egg yolks
07 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 1/2 cup heavy cream

Topping

01 1 cup heavy cream
02 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
03 Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow to come to temperature.

Phase 02

Prepare Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Firmly press the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate, forming an even layer across the bottom and up the sides.

Phase 03

Bake Crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and cool completely.

Phase 04

Create Cola Base: In a saucepan, whisk together Coca-Cola, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until no lumps remain.

Phase 05

Mix Milk and Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk whole milk and egg yolks until combined.

Phase 06

Cook Cola Mixture: Bring the cola mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Phase 07

Temper Egg Yolks: Gradually add a portion of the hot cola mixture into the milk and egg yolk blend, whisking constantly to temper. Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan.

Phase 08

Finish Custard: Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Phase 09

Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until fully integrated and smooth.

Phase 10

Fold in Cream: Whip 1/2 cup heavy cream to soft peaks. Once the custard has cooled, gently fold the whipped cream in to lighten the filling.

Phase 11

Fill and Chill: Transfer the cola custard into the cooled crust, smoothing the surface. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.

Phase 12

Prepare Whipped Topping: Whip the remaining 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Phase 13

Decorate Pie: Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie. Top with maraschino cherries for garnish.

Phase 14

Serve: Slice and serve chilled.

Necessary tools

  • 9-inch pie plate
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Rubber spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains milk, eggs, and wheat. Check graham cracker labels for potential nut or soy traces.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 375
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 4 g