How to Store Pie

We all love a slice of pie to end any celebration with a full and satisfied stomach. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a normal day, pies are some of the best desserts, snacks, and can even be eaten for breakfast.

So 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.

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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 Fruit Pies

Fruit pies can be left on the counter at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with plastic wrap or foil and stored in the fridge for 1-2 more days after that. 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.

How to Store Pies with Egg in the Filling

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.

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 Custard and Cream Pies

Pies like this often also contain egg, therefore, they must be refrigerated at all times until they are ready for serving. Pies like this 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 Pie Crusts

You can freeze both baked and unbaked pie crusts. Baked pie crusts can last up to four months in the freezer, while unbaked pie crusts can last for two months. 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 in 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.

Common Questions About Storing Pie

How long should I cool the pie before refrigerating?

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.

How can I store apple pie?

You can store apple pies at room temperature for up to two days and an additional 2-3 days once transferred in the refrigerator. Cover the top with a plastic wrap or foil to maintain its freshness and avoid absorbing any scent from the refrigerator.

Does store-bought pie 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.