The complete guide for how to store pies. From pumpkin pie to apple pie, we'll share our best tips for keeping pies fresh!
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We all love a slice of pie for dessert, but it's rare that you can finish one in a whole serving!
Whether you want to bake a pie in advance for the holiday celebrations or you want to store leftover pie for later, here are some tips on how to store different types of homemade pie properly.
How to Store Pies After Baking for the Longest Life
If you want to keep your pies fresh for long, the best thing to do is keep them in the refrigerator. While not all pies have to be refrigerated, it is the best way to preserve freshness.
The best way to store pie is to wrap it in plastic wrap, then cover in foil. If you can put the pie in an airtight container as well, that's even better.
The plastic wrap and foil will prevent the pie from drying out, but the airtight container will further keep it fresh and prevent it from taking on any flavors/scent from the fridge.
The Advantages of Storing Pie
- Holiday baking - When it comes to holiday cooking and baking, you will surely have your hands full. Baking your pie in advance and storing it will help save you time and stress.
- Leftover pies - Don’t let leftover pies go to waste. You can conveniently save them to be eaten in the next few days.
- To keep it fresh - You can keep your pies tasting fresh when you store them properly.
- It’s convenient - It’s just convenient to store pies, and can save you trouble when guests unexpectedly arrive.
How to Store Pies with Fruit
Room Temp: Fruit pies can be left on the counter at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with plastic wrap or foil
Refrigerator: Fruit pies can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezer: Fruit pies also freeze well for up to four months. To store it properly, freeze the pie uncovered first, wrap it in foil wrap and store it in the freezer.
To defrost, thaw in for about 30 minutes on the counter and then reheat it at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Should fruit pies be refrigerated?
Fruit pies don't need to be refrigerated, but it will make them last longer. When stored at room temp, fruit pies will only last about 2 days, but can keep for almost a week in the refrigerator.
How to Store a Pie with Egg in the Filling
Refrigerator: Pies with egg in the filling such as pumpkin and pecan pies should be kept refrigerated, covered with a plastic wrap, and can be warmed up upon serving. They can last up to four days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: When frozen, pies like this can last up to two months, however, the texture of the crust often becomes soggy and the eggs in the filling tend to separate.
How to Store a Pie in the Fridge: Custard and Cream Pies
Custard and cream pies often also contain egg, therefore, they must be refrigerated at all times until they are ready for serving.
Cream/custard pies should be eaten fresh and should not be frozen, especially pies with whipped cream on top. Make sure to consume these pies within 3-4 days of being stored in the fridge.
How to Store Unbaked Pie
Wrap the pie tightly in an airtight container and place in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure not to cut slits on the top crust of the pie. Only cut the slits when you take the pie out of the freezer.
There’s no need to thaw unbaked pie. You can bake them directly in the oven at 425°F for 15 minutes.
How to Store Baked Pie Crust Overnight
You can freeze both baked and unbaked pie crusts.
Baked pie crusts: can last up to four months in the freezer
Unbaked pie crusts can last for two months in the freezer. Make sure to wrap the pie crusts, keeping the air out, before freezing them.
Thaw the baked pie crust at room temperature for 30 minutes and reheat them in the oven for five minutes at 350°F. For unbaked pie crusts, you can bake them directly in the oven after taking them out of the freezer.
How to Thaw Frozen Pie
For pies stored in the freezer, you can choose to either place them in the fridge overnight to thaw or leave them on the counter for 3-5 hours before heating them in the oven or eating them directly, if the pies can be served cold.
Make sure to remove the plastic wrap upon thawing.
FAQ for How to Keep Pies Fresh
If you want to refrigerate your pie right after baking, make sure to let it cool fully first before you do. Wait for at least 30 minutes before properly covering the pie and refrigerate at a temperature of at least 41°F or colder.
Some store bought pies need to be refrigerated. Check if the ingredients contain egg. Any pies that have egg must not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Otherwise, you can keep them at room temperature. Store-bought pies usually contain preservatives that keep the pies safe and fresh for longer.
Some pies need to be refrigerated. If a pie has eggs or cream in the filling, it needs to go in the refrigerator. If a pie is fruit based, it can usually be stored at room temperature.
Yes, egg custard pie needs to be refrigerated. Pies with eggs in them can not stay out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours.
Common Pie Storage
How to Store Pumpkin Pie
The best way to store pumpkin pie is to cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. You can press the saran wrap gently against the pumpkin filling to prevent the filling from drying out.
Pumpkin Pie usually does not freeze well. The filling texture can become very soggy when frozen/defrosted.
How to Store Apple Pie
You can store apple pies at room temperature for up to two days and up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Cover the top with a plastic wrap or foil to maintain its freshness and avoid absorbing any scent from the refrigerator.
How to Store Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is must be stored in the refrigerator because of the eggs in the filling. Cover in saran wrap & foil and it will stay in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap in saran wrap, then foil. It will last for 3 month sin the freezer
How to Store Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon Meringue Pie must be stored in the refrigerator. It can't be stored at room temperature. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze lemon meringue pie. It will ruin the texture and taste.
How to Store Cherry Pie
You can store cherry pie at room temperature for up to two days and up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Cover the top with a plastic wrap or foil to maintain its freshness and avoid absorbing any scent from the refrigerator.
How to Store Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet Potato Pie is best stored in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Sweet Potato Pie usually does not freeze well. The filling texture can become very soggy when frozen/defrosted.
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