How Do You Reheat a Homemade Apple Pie? The Ultimate Guide to Keep It Fresh!

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Is there anything better than a slice of warm apple pie to finish off a great meal? As much as we love this classic fall dessert, though, there’s bound to be leftovers — especially if, say, you’ve already filled up on plenty of tasty dishes at your big Thanksgiving dinner. And while you can always polish off a slice thats cold, everyone knows that the best pie recipes are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. So we asked the cooking pros in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen to share their top tips for how to reheat apple pie the proper way — including how to reheat it in the oven, microwave and air fryer.

Hey there, pie lovers! If you’ve ever baked a homemade apple pie—or snagged one from grandma’s kitchen—you know that first warm, flaky bite is pure magic. That sweet-tart apple filling, the buttery crust, the cozy fall vibes… it’s everything! But what about them leftovers? Ain’t nothing sadder than a cold, soggy slice when you’re craving that just-baked goodness. So, how do you reheat a homemade apple pie to make it taste like it just came outta the oven? Stick with me, y’all. I’ve got the ultimate tips and tricks to bring that pie back to life, and we’re gonna dive deep into every method so you can pick what works for ya.

At our lil’ kitchen table, we believe leftovers deserve love too. Reheating ain’t just about warming it up—it’s about keeping that crust crisp, the filling melty, and the flavors poppin’. Whether you’ve got a whole pie or just a sneaky slice, I’m gonna walk ya through the best ways to reheat your homemade apple pie. We’ll start with the top-dog method (spoiler: it’s the oven), then hit up some quicker options, and even tackle frozen pies or second-time reheats. Grab a fork, let’s get to it!

Why Bother Reheating Your Apple Pie?

Before we get into the how, let’s chat about the why. A cold slice of apple pie straight from the fridge ain’t the worst thing in the world—I’ve been guilty of sneaking one at midnight myself. But there’s something special about a warm piece of pie. It brings out the cinnamon, softens the apples just right, and if you toss a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top? Man, it melts into pure heaven. Plus, reheating done right keeps that crust from turning into a sad, chewy mess. It’s all about respecting the hard work you put into baking that beauty—or the love someone else baked into it for ya.

The Best Way to Reheat Homemade Apple Pie: The Oven Method

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. If you want your homemade apple pie to taste like it just got pulled from the oven, the big ol’ oven itself is your best buddy. This method gives ya that crispy, flaky crust and evenly warmed filling every dang time. Here’s how we do it at our house:

  • Preheat that oven to 350°F. Get it nice and toasty before ya even think about putting the pie in. Cold oven equals uneven heat, and we ain’t about that life.
  • Prep your pie. Whether it’s a whole pie or just a few slices, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps cleanup easy and stops any drippy filling from messing up your oven.
  • Cover it up (optional). If you’re worried about the top getting too brown, loosely drape some foil over it. I usually skip this unless my crust is already lookin’ golden.
  • Heat it for 15-20 minutes. For a whole 9-inch pie, this is the sweet spot. If it’s just slices, check after 10 minutes. You wanna make sure the filling is warm all the way through.
  • Check if it’s ready. Stick a metal skewer or a lil’ knife into the center of the pie, pull it out, and touch it real quick (don’t burn yourself, now!). If it’s warm or hot, you’re good to go. If it’s still chilly, pop it back in for 5-minute bursts ‘til it’s perfect.
  • Serve and enjoy! Slice it up, maybe add a dollop of whipped cream, and dig in while it’s steamin’.

This oven method is the gold standard ‘cause it mimics how the pie was baked in the first place It takes a bit longer than other ways, but trust me, the results are worth it Your crust will thank ya for not turning into a soggy disaster.

Other Ways to Reheat Your Apple Pie

Now, I get it—not everyone’s got time to fire up the oven for a single slice, or maybe you’re just curious about them fancy gadgets in your kitchen. Let’s run through some other methods to reheat your homemade apple pie. Each got its perks and pitfalls, so pick what fits your vibe.

Air Fryer: The Trendy Quick Fix

If you’ve jumped on the air fryer bandwagon like I did last Christmas, you’re in for a treat. This lil’ machine is awesome for reheating a slice or two of apple pie without losing that crisp crust. Here’s the deal:

  • Set it to 325-350°F. Somewhere in that range works best to heat without burning.
  • Wrap your slice in foil. This ain’t just for neatness—it keeps the filling from oozing all over the basket. Trust me, cleaning that ain’t fun.
  • Air fry for 5-7 minutes. Start with 5, then check if the filling’s warm. If you’ve got a bigger piece or a partial pie, you might need 10 minutes or so. Just keep an eye on it.
  • Unwrap and munch. Peel off the foil, let it cool a sec, and enjoy that crispy goodness.

I love this method for when I’m just reheating a piece for myself. It’s fast, the crust stays nice and crunchy, and it don’t heat up the whole kitchen like an oven does. If you’re doing a whole pie, make sure it fits flat in the basket and sits in a heatproof dish. Might take a bit longer, so check every 5 minutes.

Microwave: Speedy But Kinda Meh

Alright, let’s talk microwave. It’s the fastest way to reheat your apple pie, but I gotta be real with ya—it’s not my fave. It often leaves the crust all soft and soggy, which is a crime against pie-kind. Still, if you’re in a rush or don’t got other options, here’s how to do it:

  • Use a microwave-safe plate. If your pie’s in a metal tin, take it out first. No sparks in my kitchen, please!
  • Heat in short bursts. Pop a slice in for 30 seconds to 1 minute at medium power. For a whole pie, try 2-3 minutes at a time, rotating it if your microwave don’t spin.
  • Check and repeat. Keep going ‘til it’s warm enough for ya. Don’t cover it with plastic wrap unless you wanna steam the crust into mush.
  • Eat quick. It won’t stay pretty for long, so scarf it down while it’s warm.

I only use this when I’m desperate—like “I need pie NOW” desperate. It gets the job done but don’t expect that fresh-baked feel. If crust texture matters to ya, skip this one.

Toaster Oven: The Mini Oven Magic

Got a toaster oven sittin’ on your counter? It’s like a baby version of the big oven perfect for a slice or two when you don’t wanna heat up the whole dang kitchen. Here’s how we roll with it

  • Preheat to 350°F. Same as the big oven—consistency is key.
  • Place on a tray. Line it with parchment or foil if you’re lazy about cleaning like I am.
  • Heat for about 10 minutes. Since it’s smaller, it heats faster. Check after 10, and if the crust starts browning too quick, cover it with foil to keep it from burning.
  • Test the warmth. Poke the filling or use a skewer to see if it’s hot enough. Add 3-5 minutes if needed.

This is my go-to when I’m just warming up a piece for me and my sweetie. It’s quicker than the full oven and still keeps the crust nice and flaky. Just watch it close—them lil’ ovens can get intense!

Special Cases: Frozen Pies and Reheating Twice

Now, let’s get into some trickier situations. Maybe you froze your homemade apple pie to save for later (smart move!), or you’ve already reheated it once and got leftovers again. We’ve got ya covered.

Reheating a Frozen Apple Pie

If you’ve stashed your pie in the freezer, you can still bring it back to glorious life. It just takes a bit more patience. Stick with the oven for the best results:

  • Preheat to 350°F. Same ol’ temp, no surprises here.
  • Place on a baking sheet. No need to thaw—just pop it straight from freezer to oven. Line the sheet with parchment to catch any drips.
  • Heat for 25-30 minutes. It’s gonna take longer than a refrigerated pie ‘cause it’s solid as a rock. Check the crust and filling after 25 minutes using the skewer trick. If it ain’t warm yet, keep going in 5-minute chunks.
  • Let it rest a bit. Give it a few minutes to settle before slicing. Them apples will be hot!

You can use the air fryer too, but it’s better for slices than a whole frozen pie. Same deal—wrap in foil, 325°F, start at 7-10 minutes and check. I’ve revived many a frozen pie this way, and it’s like a lil’ fall miracle every time.

Can Ya Reheat Apple Pie Twice?

Yup, you sure can! Say you warmed up a whole pie, didn’t finish it, and now it’s back in the fridge. No worries, but ya gotta be careful to keep it safe and tasty. Here’s the scoop:

  • Cool it down proper. After the first reheat, let the pie cool all the way before wrapping it up tight and sticking it in the fridge. Don’t let it sit out too long—bacteria ain’t invited to this party.
  • Reheat with any method. Use the oven, air fryer, or whatever ya used before. Times and temps stay the same. Just know the crust might not be as crisp the second time around.
  • Eat and enjoy. It’s still safe to munch on, even if the texture’s a tad off. I’ve done this plenty when we’ve got pie for days after a holiday feast.

Just a heads-up—each time you reheat, the quality dips a lil’. It won’t taste as fresh as day one, but it’ll still hit that sweet spot if you’re craving pie.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Reheated Pie Extra Yummy

Alright, now that we’ve covered the main ways to reheat your homemade apple pie, let me toss in some extra goodies to level up your game. These are the lil’ tricks I’ve picked up over years of pie obsession.

  • Add a topping. After reheating, throw on a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It melts into the warm pie and makes it next-level. I’m partial to vanilla, but caramel sauce ain’t bad either!
  • Store it right. If you ain’t eating it all, wrap leftovers tight in plastic wrap or foil and keep ‘em in the fridge. Stops it from drying out or picking up weird fridge smells.
  • Freeze smart. Got too much pie? Slice it up, freeze the pieces on a tray ‘til they’re solid, then wrap each one tight. Makes reheating a breeze later on.
  • Don’t overheat. Whether it’s oven or air fryer, don’t crank the heat too high thinking it’ll go faster. You’ll end up with a burnt crust and cold filling—trust me, I’ve learned the hard way.
  • Test with touch. If you ain’t got a skewer, just gently poke the filling with a clean finger (be careful!). You’ll know if it’s warm enough to eat.

Here’s a quick table to compare the methods we’ve chatted about, so you can pick what’s best for your sitch:

Method Best For Time Crust Texture My Take
Oven Whole pie or slices 15-20 mins Crispy & flaky The champ, worth the wait
Air Fryer 1-2 slices 5-7 mins Crispy Fast and modern, love it
Microwave Quick fix 30 sec – 3 mins Often soggy Eh, only if I’m starvin’
Toaster Oven 1-2 slices ~10 mins Crispy Handy for small batches

A Lil’ Pie Story From My Kitchen

Lemme tell ya ‘bout the time I botched a pie reheat so bad, I nearly cried. It was Thanksgiving a few years back, and I had this gorgeous homemade apple pie my auntie made. I was in a hurry, so I chucked a slice in the microwave without thinking. Full power, 2 minutes, no cover—big mistake. Came out like a soggy sponge, crust all rubbery, filling uneven. I ate it anyway ‘cause I ain’t wasting pie, but man, it broke my heart. That’s when I swore to master reheating. Now, I stick to the oven or air fryer, and every slice gets the respect it deserves. Learn from my mess, y’all—take the extra few minutes for quality!

Wrapping Up: Savor Every Bite of That Apple Pie

So, how do you reheat a homemade apple pie? It’s all about what ya got in your kitchen and how much time ya wanna spend. If you’re after that fresh-baked magic, go with the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes—can’t beat it for a crispy crust and warm, gooey filling. Got an air fryer? Pop a slice in at 325-350°F for 5-7 minutes for a quick win. Toaster oven works too, just watch it close. And if you’re in a pinch, the microwave will do, though it might not be pretty. Frozen pies or second reheats? No prob, just follow the same steps with a bit more time and care.

At the end of the day, pie is more than food—it’s memories, it’s family, it’s them chilly fall nights with a warm dessert in hand. I hope these tips help ya bring back that homemade love with every leftover slice. Got a fave method or a pie story of your own? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you keep your apple pie game strong. Now, go heat up that slice and treat yourself. You’ve earned it!

how do you reheat a homemade apple pie

How to reheat apple pie in the oven:

Unsurprisingly, the best way to reheat apple pie is in the oven, as this will ensure a crisp pie crust and an evenly warmed filling (the two must-haves for a great apple pie, of course!). To reheat a whole apple pie, heat your oven to 350°F, then place the pie on a baking sheet and cover with foil. For a standard 9-inch pie, heat for 15-20 minutes. To check to see if the pie is hot, just stick a metal skewer or knife through the center, remove and (carefully) touch it to see if the pie filling is warm enough. If it is, your perfectly reheated apple pie is ready to serve and enjoy!

  • How to reheat a frozen apple pie in the oven: If youre reheating an apple pie that youve previously frozen for a rainy day, simply follow the same directions as above, but heat for 25-3o minutes instead.
  • How to reheat a slice of apple pie in the oven: To reheat a single slice of apple pie, do so in a 350ºF oven and check on your pie every 3-5 minutes until its warmed to your liking. Of course, its not always practical to heat up the whole oven for one slice, so you can also opt to heat it in your toaster oven at 350ºF. Just remember to check on it frequently, as the heat is more concentrated in a smaller oven.

How to reheat apple pie in the microwave:

While the oven is ultimately the best way to reheat a pie, sometimes you just want to gobble up your tasty (and warm) treat ASAP. Thats where the microwave comes in — its the quickest method of reheating an apple pie, although you might have to sacrifice quality for time (read: youll run the risk of a soggy crust). To reheat your apple pie in the microwave, be sure to remove the pie if its in a metal pin and transfer it to a microwave-safe plate. Then, microwave it on medium power in 30-second to 1-minute intervals until hot.

Erin’s Tips for Reheating Pie | Happy Baking with Erin Jeanne McDowell

FAQ

How to warm up already cooked apple pie?

To reheat apple pie, preheat an oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 15-25 minutes, loosely covering with foil if the crust browns too quickly, until the pie is warmed through. For a single slice, an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes can also work.

How do you reheat a pie without drying it out?

Remove the pies from their dishes and heat upside down in a microwave (800 watts) for 4 minutes. Return to their dishes, place on a baking tray and into pre-heated oven at 200ºC / 400ºF / Gas Mark 6 and bake for 10 minutes, ensuring all the pies are piping hot. Allow the pie to stand for 2-3 minutes before serving.

What temperature and time to reheat pie in the oven?

If you have a flaky crust pie that has been in the fridge, we recommend reheating it for 10-20 minutes in a 325 degree oven before serving.

Should apple pie be served warm or room temperature?

You can serve your apple pie cold or warm. I recommend popping it in the oven at 300 for about 15 minutes before serving if you want a warm slice. Topping it with ice cream not only adds some extra indulgence, but it also helps to balance out the tartness of the apples. It’s an absolute must for me.

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