How long does pumpkin pie last in the fridge? Here are some tips about storing pumpkin pie in the refrigerator, as well as its freezing and thawing recommendations.
A pumpkin pie will last 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator. Because it is made with eggs and dairy it is more prone to bacteria growth, which means it should not be left on the counter or at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
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These are tips you can use for your pumpkin pies during Thanksgiving or any time you are interested in a tasty pumpkin pie desert! They are too good not to make them last a little longer.
A homemade pumpkin pie is a favorite dessert in our home.
While it is typically reserved for November baking, there are occasions we will crave a slice other times in the year. Keeping it fresh and delicious means storing it in the refrigerator, no matter the time of year.
Let's get to the best tips to ensure your pumpkin pie is safe AND delicious! Get the most out of your pumpkin pie.
Let Pumpkin Pie Cool at Room Temperature
Once you bake your pumpkin pie in the oven, let is cool in the pie pan on the counter or on a cooling rack for approximately 1 ½ hours.
Because a pumpkin pie is made with eggs and dairy, there is more of a chance of bacteria growth if left out for longer than two hours.
So, once it has cooled, clear off a shelf in the refrigerator and store it there!
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How to Store a Pumpkin Pie in the Refrigerator
Before putting your pumpkin pie in the refrigerator, you will need to follow a couple simple steps to ensure the best quality of your yummy pie.
Cover your cooled pie with a good quality plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make certain the pumpkin pie has sufficiently cooled first or you risk trapping in moisture, causing soggy crust.
Also note, if moisture is trapped under a layer of plastic wrap, there is a greater chance of mold growth. Obviously, you will want to avoid this.
The key is loosely wrapping your pie with plastic wrap or a layer of foil so the pie is protected from absorbing smells from the fridge, negatively impacting the taste of your pie.
When you put the pumpkin pie in the fridge, you can store it in the pie pan or alternatively, you could also transfer it to a food container.
The free space you have (or don't have) in your fridge might dictate this. But either works just fine!
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How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last in the Fridge?
Pumpkin pie will last 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator. This is according to the USDA and food experts chef Ingrid Hoffmann and FDA’s Howard Seltzer during a Thanksgiving Q&A Discussion.
But at my home, it typically doesn't last that long...a couple of days max! That gives us plenty of time to enjoy while still following the FDA guidelines.
Once again, it should only be left on the kitchen counter for no more than 2 hours.
How Long Until Pumpkin Pie Goes Bad?
For homemade pumpkin pies, they should be consumed within 3 days of baking, following proper storage in the refrigerator.
But, their shelf life increases to about one month if you are able to freeze your pumpkin pie!
More on freezing tips in just a bit.
How Do You Know if Pumpkin Pie is Bad?
If you see mold growth on your pumpkin pie or notice a foul smell coming from the pie, it is officially bad.
If this is the case, discard it.
While we all hate to see a beautiful pie go to waste, it is not worth risking food poisoning for our families or ourselves.
Sometimes, it is not always so obvious. But, if you follow the proper storage recommendations from the FDA you will likely be able to rest easy and know you pumpkin pie is good for 2-3 days after baking.
How Long Can Pumpkin Pie Last if Bought in a Store?
In short, it depends.
If you purchase a refrigerated pumpkin pie, you should follow the guidelines of any other homemade pumpkin pie. This means it should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days and should not be left on the counter for more than 2 hours.
However, if the pumpkin pie you purchase was NOT refrigerated and stored on a shelf in the store bakery, this likely means it has preservatives that will make it more shelf-stable.
But, you will still need to follow the "best by" dates to ensure good freshness and quality. Also be sure to read the label for any specific recommendations they may have for that specific pie.
If you purchase a frozen pumpkin pie, read the label for instructions on storage.
Tips to Freeze Pumpkin Pie
While chances are good you will eat all of the pumpkin pie before it has a chance to go bad, there might be that occasional time when you need to consider freezing.
This is especially an issue when there might be lots of yummy leftovers after Thanksgiving. Custard pies, such as pumpkin pie, freeze nicely!
To freeze a pumpkin pie, ensure it has sufficiently cooled after baking. You will get best results if freezing in a disposable aluminum pie pan.
After the pie is cool, wrap it in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap, followed by an additional layer of foil.
At this point it is ready for the freezer!
Just be sure you sit it level on a freezer shelf until it is fully frozen.
It is also possible to freeze only a slice of pie! Don't let it go to waste.
Wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, just like you would for an entire pie. Then freeze!
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How to Thaw Pumpkin Pie
Thawing pumpkin pie is quite easy.
To thaw frozen pumpkin pie, remove it from the freezer, take off all of the wrapped layers of plastic wrap and foil except for the layer closest to the pie, and place in the refrigerator. Let it thaw for 12 hours and it is ready to eat!
The texture might look slightly different than when baked fresh. As mentioned earlier, you will have the best luck if freezing in a disposable pie pan.
If any moisture forms on the top of the pie, gently blot away with a paper towel.
Use whipped cream and pecans to your heart's delight! This also helps cover any cracks or imperfections on the surface of the pie.
How Long Does Pumpkin Puree Last in the Fridge?
If you have some leftover pumpkin puree left in an opened can, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
Place it in an airtight container and check for mold or foul smell should you get near the end of the week prior to using.
If you don't think you'll have time to use the pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling within the week, you can freeze it! To freeze, place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag and it should keep for several months.
I just love fall, don't you? All the delicious smells, the chill in the air, hot chocolate, firepits, you name it.
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