Quick Answer: How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last?
Pumpkin pie will usually store for between 3-4 days (as is usual for most foods) and should be kept in the refrigerator covered in plastic wrap. You can also freeze a whole pie or just the filling if you need to.
Pumpkin pies fall into the category of desserts that everyone loves at the right time of year. You can’t go a single Halloween or Thanksgiving without coming face to face with one of these – or making one yourself!
Whether you’ve been gifted or made it yourself, you’re probably wondering: how long does pumpkin pie last and should you refrigerate it?
If you want to know the answer to those questions (and much more), just stick around. We’ll be covering everything you need to know in this article.
How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last?
Like most perishable foods, you should really eat your pumpkin pie within 3-4 days. It might be okay for another day or two beyond that, but it’s always a risk.
Should You Refrigerate Your Pumpkin Pie?
Yes! Pumpkin pie should definitely be refrigerated once it’s cooled down and covered in plastic wrap. What’s great about doing this is that you don’t need to worry about reheating it afterwards – it tastes amazing when cold!
If you know you’re going to need more time to finish your pie, you can easily freeze it, too. We’ll cover how to do that in the section below.
Back to refrigeration, though! Pumpkin pies are a type of custard pie. That means that refrigeration is essential.
Once you have allowed the pie to reach room temperature (give it a maximum of two hours to do this), wrap it and transfer it.
If you have a pre-made or store bought pumpkin pie, it should be put in the refrigerator as soon as you get it home. This rule also applies to pumpkin purée, which is a pumpkin pie’s main ingredient!
Ensure that it’s in a sealed bag or container before refrigerating it to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Can You Freeze Your Pumpkin Pie?
As you may have gathered – yes! Freezing your pumpkin pie, or your pumpkin purée, is a great way to make it last. These pies freeze really well, so you won’t lose anything by doing it.
You can freeze your pumpkin pie by:
- If you are baking a pumpkin pie and know that you will be freezing it for later, bake it in a disposable aluminum pie pan. Using one of these will allow the pie to freeze faster, which will also prevent ice crystals. It also makes it a lot easier to cut when you take it out, and you don’t need to worry about a dish breaking!
- Allow it to cool down completely. Give the pie a maximum of two hours on the counter to do this.
- Wrap the pie up in plastic wrap. If you do this too soon, the pie will “sweat” from the steam. This will make the crust soggy!
- Once cooled and wrapped, place the pie on a level space in the freezer. It will keep for up to a month before the quality deteriorates. Feel free to write on the plastic wrap or directly onto the plastic, so you know the use by date and what it is.
If you want to freeze your pumpkin purée, you just need to wait for it to cool before transferring it to a sealable container or plastic bag.
Try to get rid of as much excess air as possible, label it, and freeze it! It will be great for up to two weeks before the quality deteriorates.
Proper Pumpkin Pie Storage
Pumpkin pie should always be refrigerated (or frozen), and not left out on the counter. Ensure that you have a good cover for the pie to prevent it from absorbing smells and flavors around it.
You don’t want a pumpkin pie that smells (and tastes) of pickles!
There are three good ways to store pumpkin pies:
- Keep it in a cake carrier – this is the worst of the three, but worth mentioning. A food container will keep it fresh for a shorter period of time, and takes up a lot of space wherever you put it.
- Keep it in a food container – food containers are often a go-to, and for good reason. Make sure it’s airtight and large enough, though!
- Cover it with plastic wrap (or aluminum foil) – just cover the pie with either option once it’s cool and refrigerate it. This takes up the least space, but try to make sure it is as airtight as possible.
If you don’t eat your pie within 3-4 days, freeze it by following the steps we previously mentioned.
How To Tell If Your Pumpkin Pie Had Gone Bad
There are some simple things to look out for if you’re worried about your pumpkin pie going bad.
Look for the following signs of spoilage:
- Mold or dark spots – food that has gone off will either have fuzzy mold on it, or there will be some kind of discoloration. This should be relatively easy to notice.
- Bad smell – a pumpkin pie usually smells sweet and delightful. When it goes off, it will smell funky.
- Tastes wrong – let’s hope it doesn’t get this far. The pie will probably taste sour and generally gross.
- Consider the storage length – if you know the pie has been sitting there for a week, throw it out. It will no longer be safe to eat.
A Summary
Pumpkin pie will typically last between 3-4 days, and should always be stored in an airtight container (or something similar) in the fridge.
You can easily freeze whole pies or the pie filling if you need to, but they should be consumed within a month for the best results.
Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.
I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!
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