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Pecan pie is one of Ree Drummonds favorite Thanksgiving desserts—no questions asked. In fact, she says its at the “very top of my all-time favorite pies on this earth!” So, whether or not its for Thanksgiving, you might be wondering just how to make the perfect pecan pie. Which pie crust recipe should you use? (Rees perfect pie crust is a classic.) Should you add chocolate chips? (Sure, why not?) And does your pecan pie need to be refrigerated? If you plan to add pecan pie to your list of make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes, read on for everything you need to know about whether or not it should kept on the countertop or in the fridge.
When youre thinking about food storage, think about what ingredients youve used. Pecan pie is made with a decadent mixture of sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, butter, eggs, and of course lots of pecans! According to the USDA, any pie that is egg-rich (such as pecan, pumpkin, lemon meringue, and any custard pie) must be kept in the fridge after baking and cooling. The exception here is some store-bought pies, which may contain preservatives that will allow the pies to be left unrefrigerated. However, before you leave a store-bought pecan pie out on the counter, be sure to check with the bakery or store (or check the label for storage instructions) to make sure it is safe.
Refrigerating pecan pie is important for food safety, but its also the key to getting that perfect slice. After baking, youll want to let your pie cool completely, then stick it in the fridge to allow the filling to set completely (same rule goes for pumpkin filling, if youre wondering whether pumpkin pie needs to be refrigerated). Just be sure to take the pie out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you intend to serve it so the filling can soften up a little.
To store: Pecan Tart lasts well at room temperature for two days. Or refrigerate wrapped well in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. The filling and tart base can also be made as individual components ahead of time. To freeze: Let the pecan tart cool completely.
Is it okay to leave pecan pie out overnight?
The general answer here is no. Because it is rich in eggs, pecan pie should be refrigerated according to food safety rules (unless you know for sure that your pie contains preservatives that allow it to be left out). Keeping it out at room temperature could leave it at risk for spoiling too soon.
How long does pecan pie last unrefrigerated?
You can leave a pecan pie out of the fridge for up to four hours—just be sure to refrigerate it after that. If youve just baked your pie, be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating—this is also an important step for food safety, as you dont want to put a piping hot pie in the fridge. If you have leftover pie after the big feast, store it in the fridge.
Should you refrigerate pecan pie?
FAQ
How do you store pecan tarts?
Can pecan pie be left unrefrigerated?
Do apple and pecan pies need to be refrigerated?
Does Marie Callender’s pecan pie need to be refrigerated?
Do you need to refrigerate pecan pie tarts?
Allow tarts to cool completely then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before popping out of the muffin tin. Add filling. Finish baking. Pro Tip: If using pie crust there is no need to partially bake the crust before adding the pie filling. How to store pecan pie tarts? Once these have set up, place in an air tight container.
Is there a substitute for Pecan?
Cashews may be the closest tree nut substitute for pecans in terms of their sweetness, texture, and use in cooking. They are also nutritionally similar. They are closely matched in calories, fats, vitamins and minerals and although pecans have more fiber and less protein, these are essentially minor differences. Both pecans and cashews are healthy foods to add to the diet. Consuming a variety of nuts and seeds regularly is brilliant. Raw or dry roasted nuts or seeds are usually the healthiest choice to avoid added salt, sugar, and unnecessary oils.
Can you freeze pecan tarts?
Or you can fully bake the tarts, let them cool, and store in the refrigerator. You can also freeze pecan tarts for up to three months. Once they cool, wrap them individually in storage wrap, and store in an airtight container or freezer-safe resealable bag. Do you need to blind bake the crust for pecan tarts?
How long does a pecan tart last?
To store: Pecan Tart lasts well at room temperature for two days. Or refrigerate wrapped well in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. The filling and tart base can also be made as individual components ahead of time. To freeze: Let the pecan tart cool completely. Wrap well in plastic wrap and store in a freezer safe ziplock bag or freezer safe container.