Pumpkin pie hits all the right marks—not too sweet, not too rich, just right. Which is why come Thanksgiving, we look forward to tucking into this seasonal dessert after the big meal…and then again for breakfast the following day. If you’re lucky enough to get sent home with pumpkin pie leftovers, you might be wondering what to do with them. This festive treat is undeniably yummy when served warm or at room temperature with a heaping dollop of cold whipped cream—but can you let that tasty slice of pie rest on the countertop, or does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated? Read on, friends—we’re serving up knowledge.
We recommend storing Pumpkin and Pecan pies at room temperature for same-day use. For overnight storage, refrigerate pies in the box they came in. Reheat in 300 degree oven for 15 minutes. Let rest for 30 minutes before serving.
How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last Outside of the Fridge?
Let us answer that question with another question: Is your pie homemade or store-bought? According to the FDA, a homemade pumpkin pie should not stay out at room temperature any longer than two hours after it has thoroughly cooled (a prerequisite for safe refrigerator storage). A ready-made, store-bought pie—provided it did not come from the refrigerated or frozen section but was purchased at room temperature—can hang out and continue to tempt you on the countertop until the sell-by date and then survive an additional two to four days once transferred to the fridge. (Preservatives, how we hate to love you.)
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie?
Excellent news for anyone who hosted a feast but was unsuccessful at foisting dessert leftovers on the guests: You can freeze pumpkin pie to great effect, and even get up to two months out of this prized pastry by doing so. Just be sure to check out this pumpkin pie freezing tutorial before you put your dessert in a deep freeze for some expert tips.
How to reheat Thanksgiving Pie
FAQ
Does pumpkin pie taste good warmed up?
Can I Recook pumpkin pie?
How do you reheat a fully cooked pie?
How long does pumpkin pie last in the fridge?