If you're a fan of pumpkin desserts, you know that pumpkin pie is a traditional must for your Thanksgiving menu. And as you're drafting a Thanksgiving shopping list, you might have a few pumpkin pie-related questions: Can you bake pumpkin pie ahead of time and let it sit on the counter? Or do you need to refrigerate pumpkin pie? Come to think of it, what's the best way to store pumpkin pie?
The quick answer to this holiday conundrum is yes, your pie should be refrigerated. If you're making it from scratch, just allow it to cool completely before wrapping it up (more on that in a moment!) and stashing it in the fridge. If you're purchasing a store-bought pie that you found in the refrigerated section or at a bakery, pop it in your fridge as soon as you get home.
The benefit of having to refrigerate your pumpkin pie? It's one of those holiday pie recipes that's great for making in advance. Not only will this free up space in your oven for the rest of your Thanksgiving meal, but it'll also take the stress out of holiday planning. You might also find the information on how long pumpkin pie lasts helpful, too, so you can plan ahead and know what to do with leftovers.
Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, you should refrigerate pumpkin pie and it's important to know why: Whether you use canned pumpkin filling or homemade pumpkin puree and a buttery pie crust, remember that this is a custard pie you're baking. And since it's made with milk and eggs, it's best to refrigerate your pumpkin pie after it's had a chance to cool completely, just like you do with quiches and other egg dishes. Without refrigeration, it is susceptible to bacteria.
How Long Can Pumpkin Pie Be Left at Room Temperature?
With all this talk about refrigeration, you might be worried about not having enough space in the fridge or prefer to serve it at room temperature. Don't worry, you can leave your pumpkin pie out on the table while you linger over dessert. The FDA's official stance is that homemade pumpkin pie can sit out for up to two hours.
How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last?
Everyone loves Thanksgiving leftovers, including a few extra slices of pumpkin pie. When stored correctly (in plastic wrap or an airtight container) in the refrigerator, your pumpkin pie can last up to four days. No space in the fridge? Take that extra slice of pumpkin pie and store it in the freezer.
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. Most store-bought pies will include a sell-by date, which gives you an idea of how long they will remain safe to eat—even stored at room temperature. Pumpkin pies purchased at a bakery are a little trickier: If they're made with only fresh ingredients, similar to a homemade pie, you'll want to refrigerate them. If preservatives are used, treat them like grocery store pies. For your own safety and that of your guests, ask to be sure.
How to Store Pumpkin Pie
If you decided to make your homemade pumpkin pie ahead of time, congrats! You're one step closer to an easy Thanksgiving dinner. Just be sure to cool it completely first on a cooling rack, which will take about two hours. Then loosely wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it until it's time to serve. If you wrap it before it is entirely cool, it will develop condensation and make the pie soggy.
For store-bought pie, if it is already wrapped, all you have to do is pop it in the fridge. If it isn't, you can wrap it like a homemade pie as soon as you get home before refrigerating. And if you're a pie lover, you can also invest in a reusable pie storage container for either homemade or store-bought pie.
