How To Store A Pumpkin Pie: Tips For Keeping It Long Lasting

If you’re used to baking fruit pies, learning how to store a pumpkin pie or other custard-based pies can open up new insights. You might wonder if, unlike apple pie, pumpkin pie can be safely left out at room temperature or if it requires refrigeration. Additionally, it’s helpful to know how long pumpkin pie stays fresh in the fridge and whether freezing is a good option. With TeeNavi, keep reading to answer these questions and more.

1. Why’re you need to storing pumpkin pie in the fridge?

If you’re wondering how to store a pumpkin pie overnight, remember that pumpkin pies, classified as ‘egg-rich pies’, must be refrigerated. This recommendation comes directly from the USDA, which mandates refrigeration for all such pies post-baking and cooling. This category includes not just pumpkin pies, but also custard, pecan, and meringue pies.

This rule is crucial irrespective of the pie’s origin. Whether you’ve made the pumpkin pie at home or purchased it from a store, it must be stored in the refrigerator. Storing these pies on the kitchen counter, regardless of whether they are homemade or store-bought, is not advised.

When considering how do you store a pumpkin pie, it’s important to know that, according to the FDA, your pumpkin pie can remain at room temperature on the counter for up to two hours. Beyond this period, there’s a risk of bacterial growth. The USDA advises that pumpkin pie can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days while maintaining its safety. While the longevity of store-bought pumpkin pies might vary due to preservatives, this storage guideline generally applies to both homemade pies and those freshly baked at a bakery or store.

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2. How to store a pumpkin pie without cracking it?

We share tips for preserving pumpkin pie so you can enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers for as long as possible.

2.1 Store-bought

In the fall, you’ll find an abundance of pumpkin pies at your local supermarket, often displayed on tables rather than in refrigerated or frozen sections. This placement is due to the preservatives in store-bought pumpkin pies. When considering how to store a pumpkin pie that has been sitting out, it’s safe to keep it on your kitchen counter until its sell-by date, and usually, it remains good for a few days beyond that.

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2.2 Homemade

When you’ve just baked a homemade pumpkin pie, understanding how to store a pumpkin pie properly is essential for keeping it fresh. After taking your pie out of the oven, let it cool at room temperature. If you’re not going to consume it within two hours, refrigeration is key. Here’s how to do it:

• Allow the pie to cool. After baking, place your pumpkin pie on a wire rack, letting it cool for a maximum of two hours.
• Wrap the cooled pie. Once your pie has cooled down completely, or is at least cool to the touch, securely wrap it in either plastic wrap or aluminum foil that’s safe for food.
• Refrigerate the pie. Put the wrapped pie in your fridge, ensuring it stays covered. It can be stored like this for up to four days.

Remember, if you cover or wrap the pumpkin pie while it’s still warm, you risk creating condensation, which can lead to a soggy crust. To prevent this, first place the pie in the refrigerator without a cover, and then wrap it once it’s cooled.

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3. How long can your pie last in the fridge?

To ensure your homemade pumpkin pie stays fresh, it’s crucial to know the ingredients. When stored correctly in the fridge, it can last for three to four days, making it ideal for savoring alongside your Thanksgiving leftovers like stuffing and turkey. On the other hand, store-bought pumpkin pies, thanks to their preservatives, have a longer shelf life. To determine how long these pies last, refer to the sell-by or best-by date indicated on their packaging.

Additional Tip: For further details on the shelf life of pumpkin pie, seek more comprehensive information.

4. Can you freeze your pie and how to defrost it?

Certainly, freezing a baked pumpkin pie is an effective strategy to extend its shelf life or to manage your time efficiently. This method applies to both commercially purchased and homemade pumpkin pies. When frozen, these pies maintain their quality for one to two months. Preparing your pie in advance and utilizing your freezer offers an excellent tactic to get ahead with your Thanksgiving preparations.

When considering how to store a pumpkin pie and reheat it effectively, there are a few methods you can choose from. For a quick warm-up of refrigerated pumpkin pie, the microwave is your best bet. Heating a slice for 15 to 30 seconds in the microwave will get you enjoying your delicious treat in no time.

If you’re not in a rush and prefer using an oven, preheat it to 350° F. To reheat, place the desired amount of pie on a parchment-lined sheet pan and lightly cover it with aluminum foil. After about ten minutes in the oven, your slice of pie should be perfectly warmed.

When considering how to store leftover pumpkin pie, particularly if it’s frozen, plan ahead since it requires a minimum of 12 hours to thaw properly. Transfer the frozen pie into your refrigerator to defrost gradually. It’s important to bypass the temptation of thawing it out on the kitchen counter to prevent the crust from becoming damp and losing its texture.

5. How to serve pumpkin pie after storing it

If you’re wondering how to store a pumpkin pie, especially when it comes to serving it after refrigeration or freezing, there are several delightful options to consider.

• Cold serving: Many pie enthusiasts relish pumpkin pie straight from the fridge. Simply transfer it to your serving table and top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
• Room temperature serving: For those who prefer their pie at room temperature, remove it from the fridge a bit ahead of serving time to let it lose its chill. Remember, it should not be left out for more than two hours.
• Warming it up: Craving a warm slice of pumpkin pie? You can reheat it by wrapping the pie or slices loosely in foil and heating them in an oven set to 350°F. The time needed to warm the pie varies, but start checking after about 10 to 15 minutes. Insert a knife in the center; if it feels warm, your pie is evenly heated. It’s important to note that once a pumpkin pie has been reheated, it should not be put back in the fridge or freezer for storage.

As we conclude this guide on how to store a pumpkin pie, brought to you by TeeNavi. We trust that these tips will help you enjoy your delicious dessert at its best, whether it’s chilled, room temperature, or warmed. Remember, the key to savoring that perfect slice of pumpkin pie lies in how well you store it. Thanks for reading, and may your pumpkin pie be just as delightful on the second day as it was on the first!

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