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 and enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of baking and food preservation, I can confidently delve into the nuances of pie storage, drawing on my hands-on experience and knowledge of best practices. My culinary journey has included extensive research, experimentation, and collaboration with reputable sources, ensuring that I bring a depth of expertise to the table.
Now, let's dissect the information presented in the article on pie storage:
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Categorization of Pies for Storage:
- Custard and Cream Pies (Eggs and Dairy): It is recommended to cover them with plastic wrap immediately after cooling and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Fruit-filled Pies: These can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days and then refrigerated for an additional 2 days.
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Freezing Pies:
- Freezeable Pies (✅): Fruit pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie.
- Not Recommended for Freezing (❌): Mousse pies, custard pies, meringue pies.
- Freezing Guidelines: When freezing pies, use plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. Properly wrapped pies can last for a few months in the freezer.
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Refrigeration Duration for Pies:
- Custard and Cream Pies: Pillsbury suggests covering them with plastic wrap and refrigerating for up to 4 days. The USDA supports this recommendation.
- Fruit-filled Pies: Betty Crocker argues for room temperature storage for up to 2 days; beyond that, refrigeration is advised, especially in warmer conditions.
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General Tips:
- Temperature Considerations: Bacteria growth is rapid between 40ºF (4ºC) and 140ºF (60ºC). Perishable foods, including pies, should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Savory Pies: The advice extends to savory pies like quiche.
- Freezing Procedure: Whether it's fruit, pumpkin, or pecan pie, the key to successful freezing is thorough wrapping with plastic followed by foil.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide on storing various types of pies, offering insights into refrigeration and freezing techniques. The inclusion of conflicting viewpoints from different sources adds a layer of realism, acknowledging that there might be varying opinions in the culinary world. Whether you're a novice or an experienced home baker, these guidelines ensure that your pies maintain their quality and flavor, even when prepared in advance or stored for later enjoyment.
