Does Pumpkin Pie Need to be Refrigerated?

Should You Refrigerate Pumpkin Pie?

Yes, you should refrigerate leftover pumpkin pie. The USDA states that all egg-rich and egg-based pies, such as pumpkin, pecan, lemon meringue, and custard pies, should be cooled and refrigerated after baking. These pies will generally last for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly without sacrificing any of the tastes or flavor. (Learn more about how long is pumpkin pie good for!)

Refrigerating pumpkin pie is necessary for food safety and avoiding the growth of bacteria as well as giving you the best taste and texture to the filling and the pie crust. (So you get to enjoy all of that delicious pumpkin pie spice flavor!)

A good rule to follow is to refrigerate ALL pumpkin pies. However, many store-bought pies may have preservatives and shelf-stable ingredients that make them safe to be left unrefrigerated for longer periods of time. Take caution, however, and be sure to check the sell-by date on the package- no one wants food poisoning during the holiday season!

These same rules apply when asking “does pecan pie need to be refrigerated“, too.

What pies do not need to be refrigerated?

Dairy-free pies, such as fruit pies can last on the counter for up to 2-3 days and do not need to be refrigerated. Dairy-filled and egg-based pies can only last up to two hours at room temperature and need to be refrigerated between servings.

How to Store Pumpkin Pie?

After the pumpkin pie has been baked in the oven, allow it cool completely to room temperature on the kitchen counter.

Once cooled, loosely wrap the entire pie or the rest of the pie that wasn’t eaten in a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Pay attention that it’s not wrapped too tightly as extra moisture can accumulate while being stored in the refrigerator.

Pumpkin pie can be safely stored in an airtight container the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Remove the pie from the fridge before serving and let the dessert sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

This same process applies to pecan pie without corn syrup, sweet potato pie, vegan pumpkin pie, and chocolate chip pecan pie!

How long can a pumpkin pie stay unrefrigerated?

Pumpkin pies can safely sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours, according to the FDA. After this time, the pie is at risk of harmful bacterial growth which can lead to food borne illnesses and should be safely stored in the refrigerator.

How to Freeze Pumpkin Pie?

After it has been baked, bring the pumpkin pie to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

Once it’s chilled, cut the store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie into individual pieces. Tightly wrap each slice in a piece of wax paper in order to avoid freezer burn on the pumpkin pie filling and pie crust. Place the slices in a large gallon-sized ziplock bag. Lastly, put the bag in the freezer and freeze for up to 3-4 months.

Avoid freezing pumpkin pie with toppings, like whipped cream.

(Learn more about can you freeze pumpkin pie.)

How to Thaw Frozen Pumpkin Pie?

When you’re ready to eat that frozen slice of pie, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, set the pieces on the counter at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.

Don’t want to wait that long after freezing? You can unwrap the slice, add it to a microwave-safe plate, and warm up at 30% power for a couple of minutes, checking every 30 seconds until it’s thawed.

FAQs

More Pumpkin Recipes

Have some extra pumpkin puree and need to use it up? Check out these easy pumpkin recipes to try out next:

If you’re craving pumpkin for breakfast, opt for these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins or Pumpkin Banana Bread. Pumpkin Overnight Oats is a super easy recipe, as well.

And don’t forget to make up some delicious Pumpkin Butter Recipe.

This savory and Creamy Pumpkin Soup is worth a try, too.