Learn the best methods for storing your pumpkin pie to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible.

If you're more accustomed to baking fruit pies, you might be unsure about how to properly store pumpkin pie. Since pumpkin pie is custard-based, it requires special care compared to fruit pies like apple. Wondering how long pumpkin pie lasts in the fridge? Can it be frozen? Should it be kept on the counter? Keep reading to find out all the answers.

How Long Can Pumpkin Pie Be Stored?

When stored properly, homemade pumpkin pie can last in the fridge for three to four days. It's the perfect way to enjoy your pie alongside leftover stuffing and turkey in the days following Thanksgiving. Store-bought pumpkin pie, thanks to its preservatives, will last longer. Be sure to check the sell-by or best-by date on the packaging for guidance.

If you're unsure about the condition of your pumpkin pie, use your senses to check it. If it smells strange, throw it out. If the pie is moldy or the filling is separating, discard it. If the filling turns gummy or jelly-like, it's time to toss it. Additionally, if you know how long the pie has been left out, that will help you decide whether it's still safe to eat.

Storing Pumpkin Pie in the Fridge

If you haven't eaten it yet, homemade pumpkin pie should be stored in the fridge. The USDA recommends refrigerating egg-rich pies (like pumpkin) after they cool down. Fortunately, pumpkin pie tastes just as delicious when served chilled straight from the fridge.

Some store-bought pies may come with specific storage instructions due to their preservatives. However, the same general rule applies to both homemade and store-bought pumpkin pies: always refrigerate leftovers after they cool to avoid spoilage and potential foodborne illness (or just the disappointment of bad pie!).

Pumpkin Pie and Room Temperature Storage

You might assume that since pureed pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling come in shelf-stable cans, pumpkin pie itself can be left out on the counter. But don’t be misled by the long shelf life of the canned filling. It's the other ingredients added to the pie that require it to be refrigerated.

Pumpkin pie can only be kept at room temperature for about two hours. Because it’s a custard made with eggs and milk, you should treat it more like a quiche than a fruit pie when it comes to storage. Would you leave cooked eggs out overnight? Probably not—and it's definitely not a good idea with pumpkin pie either.

Proper Storage of Pumpkin Pie

By storing your pumpkin pie the right way, you can ensure it lasts for several days. However, there are different storage rules for store-bought versus homemade pies.

Store-Bought

During the fall, your local grocery store likely has an abundance of pumpkin pies displayed on tables, instead of being placed in the fridge or freezer sections. This is because pre-made pumpkin pies contain preservatives. If you purchase one that's already been on the counter, you can leave it there until the sell-by date, and usually, for a few days beyond that.

Homemade

After baking your pumpkin pie at home, allow it to cool to room temperature. If you're not planning to consume it within two hours, it's best to refrigerate it. Storing your homemade pie in the fridge is simple, and it's the most effective method. Just follow these steps:

1. Cool the pie. Place the freshly baked pumpkin pie on a cooling rack and let it sit for up to two hours.
2. Wrap the pie. Once the pie has cooled completely (or at least to the touch), wrap it in food-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Store in the fridge. Place your wrapped pie in the fridge, keeping it covered for up to four days.

Can Pumpkin Pie Be Frozen?

You can freeze pumpkin pie to extend its shelf life or save time. Both homemade and store-bought pies can be frozen. Frozen pies stay good for one to two months. Preparing your pie in advance and storing it in the freezer is a great way to prepare for Thanksgiving early.

If you plan to freeze your pumpkin pie, opt for a disposable aluminum pan rather than a regular reusable pie pan. The aluminum's thinness will make the pie freeze more efficiently. Let the pie cool completely before freezing, then wrap it securely in three layers of food-safe plastic wrap followed by one layer of aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn.

How to Reheat or Defrost Pumpkin Pie

To reheat a pumpkin pie that has been refrigerated, you can use either the oven or microwave. The quickest method is microwaving individual slices for 15 to 30 seconds, so you can quickly enjoy your pie.

If you have extra time or prefer using the oven, place the desired amount of pie on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and cover it lightly with aluminum foil. Heat at 350° F for about 10 minutes to achieve a perfectly warm slice of pie.

For frozen pumpkin pies, defrosting takes at least 12 hours. Place the pie in the refrigerator and let it thaw. Avoid thawing it at room temperature as this can cause the crust to become soggy.