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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.
Once your pie gets spoiled, it will have an unpleasant odor and undesirable taste. In most cases, you can even detect a spoilt pie from its appearance. You can notice mold on its surface, and it will a bit soggier than before. If you notice these things, it’s time to throw it.
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.
How to know when your pie is done baking
FAQ
How can you tell if pecan pie is bad?
Can I eat 2 week old pecan pie?
Is a pecan pie good after a week in the fridge?
Can I eat pecan pie that was left out overnight?
How do you know if a pecan pie is baked?
There are two ways to find out whether your pecan pie is perfectly baked or not: 1. Shake the pie pan 2. Insert the knife Take out the pie out of the oven and give the pan or tart tray a little shake. Shake the pie gently and, it should give a little jiggle in the center. The center should jiggle a little, but it should have some stability.
Can one have an allergic reaction to pecans?
Allergies to nuts, such as walnuts, are common and often serious. These types of allergies usually develop around age 2, and the number of nuts a person is allergic to can increase with age.
What happens if you turn off a pecan pie too early?
If you turn off the oven too soon, you will have a runny pecan pie. On the other hand, turning it off a little too late means getting a hardened filling and crust. Either way, you will not be able to enjoy the crunchy pecans on top and the sweet gooey filling underneath. When the pie crust becomes puffy, it is time to check your pecan pie.
Why does my pecan pie taste Rancid?
If you’ve ever taken a bite of pecan pie and noticed that it had a rancid flavor, this was likely caused by nuts that were too old to use for baking. Since these nuts have a high fat content, they tend to have a very short storage life.