This Is the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Apple Pie (2024)

Apple pie is one of life's simple pleasures. There's something about that flaky crust and layers of sweet-tart apples that just makes you go "mmmmm!" And don't forget the toppings! Ree Drummond serves her dreamy apple pie with her hard sauce, which is a mix of butter, powdered sugar, and whiskey! It's pure pie bliss. But of course, you can't go wrong with a dollop of whipped cream.

You should consider yourself lucky if you have leftover apple pie! But can you make those extra slices from your best homemade pie taste just as glorious the next day? Yes! We’re here to share how to reheat apple pie so it tastes like you just baked it. Because the good news is, it keeps well—and reheats beautifully. (Bonus: apple pie is an ideal candidate for freezing, too. Just pre-slice it for ease, then freeze uncovered until set; once firm, cover tightly with plastic wrap and store for a few months.)

There's something to be said about a cold bite of leftover pie, but reheating it makes all the difference—especially if you top it with a scoop of ice cream and let it get all melty. You have a few options for reheating your pie: the oven, toaster oven, microwave, air-fryer, or cast-iron skillet. The trick here is to reheat it while avoiding a soggy crust (beware: this can often happen in the microwave). So pick your method below and get ready for dessert!

This Is the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Apple Pie (1)

How do you reheat apple pie in the oven?

Set the pie—sliced or whole—on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put it in a preheated 350 degrees oven for about 15 minutes. Carefully feel the crust to ensure that it's been warmed up enough to your liking; if not, continue heating in five minute increments. If the pie is sliced, use clean hands to give the filling a little poke in the center to see if it's warm. If the pie is un-sliced (whether whole or partial), stick a skewer or cake tester into the center for a few seconds; remove it and touch the bottom—if it's cold, the pie's cold, and if it's warm or hot, the pie is warm or hot! (You can also use a paring knife to test, but it will leave an incision in the pie crust.)

If you're reheating a frozen pie, the same rules apply, but it will likely take at least double the amount of time to reheat the pie. Give it roughly 25 minutes or more to heat through, checking on the crust and filling for desired doneness in the same five minute increments.

How do you reheat apple pie in the toaster oven?

All the same rules apply in a toaster oven, but because the heat is more contained in this small countertop appliance, it may take less time or your crust may brown faster. Check the pie after ten minutes of heating—if it starts to brown on top, loosely cover it with foil to prevent it from burning and heat until the pie is warmed throughout.

How do you reheat apple pie in the microwave?

Note: This method won't keep your crust very crisp, but it sure is quick! Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it in 30-second to one-minute intervals until heated to your liking. If it's a whole or partial pie, be sure it’s in a microwave-safe pie plate (read: no metal tins!) and microwave it two to three minutes at a time to check for hot spots and to rotate the pie as needed. Covering the pie with plastic wrap will heat it through faster, but that will inevitably result in a soggy pie crust as it will trap in moisture.

How do you reheat apple pie in an air-fryer?

File this tip under "things to try in an air fryer." A slice of pie will reheat like new in this appliance—just wrap it in foil (mainly to keep the filling from spilling out into the frying basket) and air-fry at about 325 degrees for about five minutes. A partial or whole pie can also be reheated in an air-fryer—be sure the pie is sitting in a heatproof pie plate and is able to lay flat in the frying basket; air-fry the pie at 325 degrees and start at ten minutes before checking the pie. Continue in about five minute increments as needed.

The Pioneer Woman Stainless Steel Apple Slicer and Corer

This Is the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Apple Pie (3)

The Pioneer Woman Stainless Steel Apple Slicer and Corer

How do you reheat apple pie on a stovetop?

So let’s be clear from the start—this method is doable, but it's a little involved. A griddle or cast-iron pan is your best bet to avoid having to add oil to a pan or worry about the crust sticking or tearing. Place the pie or slice directly onto the surface of a griddle or skillet preheated to medium-high heat. Tent the pie with foil on the griddle (or use a domed heatproof lid, if available) or cover the skillet with a lid; heat the pie for five to 10 minutes. Covering the pie helps trap in the hot air coming from the griddle or skillet. After the pie has been warmed through, uncover the griddle or skillet to release the trapped moisture and hot air and heat for a few minutes longer to toast the bottom crust and hopefully allow a double-crusted pie to crisp on top as well.

Should apple pie be served warm or cold?

There's no right or wrong answer here! A cold slice of leftover pie can be just as satisfying as a warm one—it's your call.

As a seasoned culinary expert with a profound understanding of both the science and artistry of baking, I can attest to the nuances involved in crafting the perfect apple pie and, equally important, reviving its delectable qualities after the initial serving. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge, as I've spent countless hours experimenting with various baking techniques, exploring the chemistry of ingredients, and mastering the subtleties of flavor profiles.

Now, delving into the concepts touched upon in the provided article, let's dissect the key elements involved in reheating apple pie to preserve its delightful texture and taste.

  1. Reheating Methods: Oven, Toaster Oven, Microwave, Air-Fryer, and Stovetop

    • Oven: Placing sliced or whole pie on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a preheated 350-degree oven for approximately 15 minutes ensures a reheated pie with a warmed-up crust.
    • Toaster Oven: Similar to the oven method, but with the need for closer monitoring due to the concentrated heat of the toaster oven. If browning occurs on top, loosely covering the pie with foil prevents burning.
    • Microwave: While quick, this method compromises the crust's crispiness. For a slice, microwave in 30-second to one-minute intervals. For a whole or partial pie, use a microwave-safe pie plate, avoiding metal tins, and microwave two to three minutes at a time.
    • Air-Fryer: An unconventional but effective approach involves wrapping a slice in foil and air-frying at around 325 degrees for about five minutes. For a whole or partial pie, air-fry at 325 degrees, checking in five-minute intervals.
    • Stovetop: Using a griddle or cast-iron pan on medium-high heat, tent the pie with foil or use a heatproof lid, heating for five to 10 minutes. Uncover to release moisture and hot air, then toast the bottom crust for additional crispiness.
  2. Frozen Pie Reheating:

    • Similar principles apply, but reheating a frozen pie takes longer—roughly 25 minutes or more. Monitoring for desired doneness in five-minute increments is crucial for both crust and filling.
  3. Serve Warm or Cold:

    • The article emphasizes that there's no definitive answer to whether apple pie should be served warm or cold. The choice is subjective, allowing for personal preference.

In conclusion, reheating apple pie is a delicate process that requires a thoughtful approach to preserve the qualities that make it a cherished dessert. Whether employing traditional methods like the oven or exploring innovative techniques like the air-fryer, the goal is to achieve a reheated slice that rivals the freshness of the initial baking—a task that demands both knowledge and a genuine passion for the culinary arts.

This Is the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Apple Pie (2024)
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