Pumpkin pie is a holiday classic and one of the most popular desserts during the Thanksgiving celebration. But how should it be stored? Does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated? The answer may surprise you! Turns out, pumpkin pie doesn't actually need to be refrigerated as long as it's eaten within two days of baking. In this article, we take a closer look at the realities of pumpkin pie storage and other common questions about its shelf life and safety. You'll learn why refrigeration isn't always necessary, and lots of tips on how to store your pumpkin pies for maximum freshness.
What is pumpkin pie?
Pumpkin pie is a dessert made with pumpkin puree and signature spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. It is often served with whipped cream or ice cream. Pumpkin pie can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.
The filling is usually made with condensed or condensed milk and eggs, combined with pumpkin puree, spices, and other ingredients like brown sugar and molasses. The cake is then baked in a batter crust.
Does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated?
Pumpkin pie tastes best cold, straight from the fridge. That's because the filling is eggs, which can spoil if left at room temperature for too long. Plus, pumpkin pie tastes even better if the flavors have been allowed to meld together overnight in the fridge. So if you don't plan on serving your pumpkin pie within a few hours of making it, make sure you chill it in the fridge until ready to serve.
No, pumpkin pie does not need to be refrigerated
Pumpkin pie is a dessert typically prepared during the fall and winter months. It is made with a pumpkin puree, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, spices, and often a pie crust. Pumpkin pie is usually served at holiday meals and celebrations.
Pumpkin pie doesn't need to be refrigerated, but can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. If you plan on storing the pumpkin pie for more than two days, it should be refrigerated. Pumpkin pie can also be frozen for up to two months.
Pumpkin pies made with fresh pumpkins don't need to be refrigerated
Pumpkin pies made with fresh pumpkins generally don't need to be refrigerated. Because the pumpkin puree contains a high proportion of natural sugar, which acts as a preservative. Also, the pumpkin puree is cooked before using it in the pie, which also helps prevent spoilage. However, if you're using canned pumpkin puree in your pies, it's important to store them in the fridge because canned pumpkin puree doesn't contain any preservatives.
Why pumpkin pies need to be refrigerated
Pumpkin pies need to be refrigerated for two reasons. First, pumpkin pies are made with milk and eggs, both of which are perishable goods. If you leave a pumpkin pie at room temperature, the milk and eggs will begin to spoil and the pie will no longer be safe to eat.
Second, pumpkin pies are made with a custard filling, which means they need to be chilled to set properly. If you leave a custard pie at room temperature it will never set and will end up runny and gross. So make sure you put your pumpkin pie in the fridge before serving!
How long does pumpkin pie last in the fridge?
Pumpkin pie is usually made from fresh pumpkin puree, which can be refrigerated for up to three days. However, once the cake is ready, it should be refrigerated. Pumpkin pie will keep in the fridge for three to four days.
If you're looking for longer-term storage, pumpkin pie can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze the cake, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before storing in the freezer. To serve, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight and enjoy.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Pie?
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple, but can it be frozen? The answer is yes! Pumpkin pie can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
To freeze the pumpkin pie, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cake on a baking sheet and freeze until set. Once frozen, place the cake in a freezer safe container or bag.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen pumpkin pie, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Allow the cake to warm to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!
Save pumpkin pie
Pumpkin pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to two months. If you're storing the cake in the fridge, be sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. If you are going to freeze the cake, wrap it in heavy-duty foil first, then place in a resealable freezer bag.
When you're ready to eat the cake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and serve. If you frozen your cake, you may want to pre-bake it for about 10 minutes before serving. This will ensure the crust is crispy and the filling is warm and creamy.
Recipes for pumpkin pie
When it comes to pumpkin pie, there are some ways of thinking about whether or not it needs to be refrigerated. Some people believe that pumpkin pie is best served at room temperature, while others believe it tastes best when chilled. There are also those who believe that pumpkin pie tastes best when it has just been baked and is still warm from the oven.
So what's the verdict? Does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated?
The answer depends on a few factors. First, let's look at the ingredients of the pumpkin pie. Most recipes call for canned pumpkins that are already cooked. The filling also usually contains eggs, milk, sugar, and spices. All of these ingredients are shelf stable and do not need to be refrigerated.
However, there are a few reasons you might want to keep your pumpkin pie in the fridge. If you make your own pies with fresh pumpkins, these pies need to be refrigerated. If you're also adding whipped cream or other toppings that need to be refrigerated, your entire cake will need to go in the fridge. Finally, if you know you won't be serving your pumpkin pie right away, it's best to play it safe and refrigerate until ready to serve.
If you decide to refrigerate your pumpkin pie, allow it to sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will bring the cake up to room temperature and allow the flavors to develop fully.
Now that you know whether or not your pumpkin pie needs refrigeration, it's time to bake! Here are some of our favorite pumpkin pie recipes:
Classic Pumpkin Pie: This classic recipe is made with canned pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. It's easy to make and always a crowd pleaser.
Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie: This decadent take on pumpkin pie adds a touch of sweetness with maple syrup and crunchy pecans. It's sure to be a hit with all your guests!
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pie: Chocolate chips take this classic pumpkin pie up a notch! The chocolate chips add just enough sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin's flavor.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie: When you don't feel like turning on the oven, try this no-bake version of pumpkin pie! It is sweetened with honey and flavored with vanilla extract.
Conclusion
Pumpkin pie is a delicious and traditional holiday dessert. It is widely used for its creamy texture, sweet yet savory taste, and beautiful presentation. While it can be served either warm or cold, the answer to the question whether pumpkin pie needs to be refrigerated is yes. If you plan on keeping your pumpkin pie for longer than two hours, it should always be kept in the fridge to keep it fresh and delicious. Enjoy your pumpkin pie!
FAQs
Does pumpkin pie from Costco need to be refrigerated? ›
The USDA recommends that all “egg-rich” pies like pumpkin, pecan, lemon meringue and custard be refrigerated. While some bakeries use preservatives that may give these pies a shelf life at room temperature, Costco pumpkin pies are preservative-free and need to stay chilled.
Why do grocery stores not refrigerate pumpkin pie? ›Why are store-bought pumpkin pies not refrigerated? This is the exception to the rule. Commercially-produced pumpkin pies are typically made with preservatives that allow them to remain shelf-stable for longer at room temperature.
How long can pumpkin pie be left out of the refrigerator? ›Pumpkin Pie at Room Temperature
According to the FDA, homemade pumpkin pie can be left at room temperature for two hours, after which it is in danger of growing harmful bacteria.
Storing Pumpkin Pie
You should refrigerate homemade pies that contain fillings with eggs, such as pumpkin, custard or cream pies. That's because they pose a higher risk of microbial contamination due to their higher moisture and protein content.
Because bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 F and 140 F, homemade pumpkin pie is only good for two hours sitting out at room temperature. 1 After that, refrigerate your pie. If you left your pie out longer than a few hours, look for any "off" smell or appearance before serving.
What pies do not need refrigeration? ›What pies don't have to be refrigerated? Fruit pies like homemade apple pie, cherry pie, and strawberry pie can be left out at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, stick them in the fridge where they'll stay fresh for about a week.
Can you leave store bought pumpkin pie out overnight? ›Many store-bought pumpkin pies are made with preservatives that make them shelf-stable. You'll find this is often the case with pies purchased at large supermarkets or big-box stores. These pies can be left on the counter and are best eaten within a few days (or by the date marked on the package).
Can pumpkin pie sit out all day? ›Your pumpkin pie can safely sit out on the kitchen counter for up to 2 hours, says the FDA. After that, you run the risk of bacterial growth.
Does Walmart pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated? ›Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated? On most occasions, yes, pumpkin pie needs to be refrigerated.
How long can Costco pumpkin pie sit out? ›According to this FDA Food Storage Chart, pumpkin pie can safely sit out for two hours unrefrigerated (or on the kitchen counter).
How do you store Costco pumpkin pie? ›
I recommend freezing it the day you buy it. I also really suggest slicing up the pie before you freeze it but don't take the slices out of the Costco pie container, just pop the whole container in your freezer.
Are Costco pies supposed to be refrigerated? ›You Don't Want It To Go Bad
One aspect of Costco pumpkin pies that may be a highlight for some shoppers is that the desserts are completely preservative-free, as People magazine notes. However, this means they won't last as long as other treats — and you definitely need to refrigerate them.
The delicious Kirkland pumpkin pies at Costco are often labeled with a best-before date three to four days after the date that it was packed. If you've bought one too far ahead, it's best to slice and freeze it as soon as you get home.