If you’re getting ahead of the game and baking pies in advance of when you want to serve them (or, should you find yourself with the exciting and rare predicament of having leftover pie), you may be wondering: What is the best way to store pie? How long can it sit out on the counter, and when does it need to be refrigerated?
How to store pies: Quick tips
Not all pies are created equal. Here’s a quick rundown of the ideal pie-storage times and methods:
- Custard and cream pies, and any pies containing eggs and dairy. Cover with plastic wrap as soon as they’re cool and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Fruit-filled pies. Storable at room temp for up to 2 days, then refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Which pies can you freeze?
You can freeze:
- fruit pie ✅
- pumpkin pie ✅
- pecan pie ✅
It’s best not to freeze:
- mousse pies ❌
- custard pies ❌
- meringue pies ❌
When you freeze pies, make sure you wrap the pie in plastic and *then* foil to protect your prize pies from freezer burn.
Well, that depends. We cut through the crust of the dos and don’ts of pie storage.
The pie experts at Pillsbury suggest covering custard and cream pies with plastic wrap before refrigerating for up to 4 days.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture backs this up. They also recommend throwing away all perishable foods after they’ve been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, since bacteria grow rapidly between 40ºF (4ºC) and 140ºF (60ºC).
But the folks at Betty Crocker argue it’s OK to keep fruit-filled pies at room temperature, as long as it’s for 2 days or less. After that, the pies should head into the fridge.
But if you’re in a place that’s a little warmer, Betty Crocker recommends you should always store fruit pies in the refrigerator. So, check the weather forecast before leaving your pies out.
Our advice?
- Be sure to refrigerate cream, custard, pumpkin, mousse, chiffon, or any other pies containing eggs or dairy as soon as they’ve cooled. They’ll keep for up to 2 days.(This includes savory pies like quiche.)
- Fruit pies can stand at room temperature for 2 days. If you need to store them longer, wrap them in plastic and put ’em in the fridge for up to another 2 days. (But we hardly think they’ll be around that long.)
You can successfully freeze many kinds of pies, including fruit pies, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie, but more delicate mousse and custard pies will not fare well. Neither will meringue.
When freezing pie, we advise wrapping it well in a layer of plastic, then a layer of foil, to be sure it’s protected from freezer burn. It should last for a few months.
Check out our favorite Thanksgiving pies and recipes that light up other holidays and festivals.
You don’t have to scarf down your pies the moment they leave the oven. Storing them is absolutely fine — and you can even store some (like fruit pies) at room temperature for a couple of days before slinging them in your refrigerator.
Pies that make use of eggs and dairy (like pumpkin, mousse, and custard pies) should go straight into the fridge after cooling. They’ll stay good for 2 days.
You’re also fine to freeze some pies like pecan, pumpkin, and fruit pies (as long as they’re well wrapped to protect them from freezer burn).
As a seasoned culinary expert with a deep understanding of baking and food preservation, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of pie storage, drawing on my extensive knowledge and practical experience in the field.
Firstly, let's address the question of how to store pies, considering various types and ingredients. Notably, not all pies are created equal, and their storage requirements differ based on their composition.
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Custard and Cream Pies, and Pies with Eggs and Dairy:
- These pies, which include pumpkin, mousse, custard, and similar varieties, should be covered with plastic wrap immediately upon cooling and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
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Fruit-Filled Pies:
- Fruit-filled pies have a different storage recommendation. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. After this period, it's advised to refrigerate them for an additional 2 days. However, environmental factors, such as warmer temperatures, might prompt immediate refrigeration to prevent spoilage.
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Freezing Pies:
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Freezing is a viable option for certain pies, such as fruit pies, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie. On the contrary, more delicate pies like mousse and custard, as well as those with meringue, are not suitable for freezing.
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When freezing pies, it's crucial to wrap them in plastic and then foil to provide optimal protection against freezer burn. This meticulous wrapping ensures that the pies maintain their quality during storage and can last for a few months in the freezer.
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Storage Duration:
- The duration for which pies remain good in the refrigerator depends on their composition. The recommendation for custard and cream pies, supported by Pillsbury and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is up to 4 days. Fruit-filled pies, according to Betty Crocker, can be kept at room temperature for 2 days, and afterward, refrigerated.
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Room Temperature Storage:
- It's essential to note that storing pies at room temperature is acceptable for a limited time, especially for fruit pies. However, factors like the ambient temperature should be considered, and if in doubt, it's advisable to err on the side of caution and refrigerate the pies earlier.
In summary, the key takeaway is that pie storage is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The type of pie and its ingredients dictate the optimal storage method. Whether you're savoring a custard creation or indulging in a fruit-filled delight, understanding these nuanced storage guidelines ensures that your pies remain delectable and safe for consumption.
