How to Store Pumpkin Pie: Shelf Life and Tips for Your Thanksgiving Favorite

For countless families, Thanksgiving dinner feels incomplete without a slice of pumpkin pie. While you might plan to bake it early and leave it out while preparing the turkey and sides, it's crucial to know how long it can safely sit at room temperature.

When baking your pie in advance, prioritize food safety for your guests. Once served, ensure all pies are wrapped and chilled. Discover the best practices for storing homemade pumpkin pie, how to spot spoilage, and why store-bought pies follow different guidelines.

How Long Can Homemade Pumpkin Pie Stay Out on the Counter?

Whether your pumpkin pie filling comes from a can or fresh pumpkins, the storage rules remain consistent. Homemade pumpkin pie, like pecan pie, is custard-based. Unlike fruit pies, it can't sit out for more than 2 hours without risking spoilage.

Bacteria thrive in temperatures ranging from 40 to 140 degrees F, a range the USDA calls the "Danger Zone." The eggs and dairy in homemade pumpkin pie make it prone to spoilage if left unrefrigerated for over 2 hours.

Has It Gone Bad?

If a pie has been left out for more than 2 hours, it’s best to discard it, even if it’s disappointing. If you’re unsure how long it’s been out, watch for unusual odors, separation, or a soggy appearance. Mold is a clear sign to throw it away.

How Long Can Homemade Pumpkin Pie Stay Fresh in the Fridge?

When stored correctly—loosely covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap—a freshly baked pumpkin pie can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It’s perfectly enjoyable cold, so feel free to serve it straight from the fridge (topped with homemade whipped cream, if desired). For those who prefer it at room temperature, remove it from the fridge no more than a couple of hours before serving to ensure it stays safe to eat.

How Long Can Homemade Pumpkin Pie Stay Fresh in the Freezer?

Whether it’s a whole pie or just a few slices, homemade pumpkin pie stays in its best condition for up to 1 month in the freezer. While it can remain frozen longer, its flavor and texture may begin to decline after this period.

Freezing and Thawing Homemade Pumpkin Pie

To prepare your pumpkin pie up to a month before your holiday feast, follow these steps for baking, wrapping, and freezing it to ensure it tastes as fresh as the day it was made.

1. Use a disposable aluminum pie pan for baking to prevent ice crystals from forming.
2. Allow the pie to cool entirely to maintain the crust's texture.
3. Wrap the pie tightly with several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil for added security.
4. Label the wrapped pie, especially if freezing multiple types of pies.
5. Place the pie on a flat shelf in the freezer for up to one month.
6. One day before serving, take the pie out of the freezer and remove the wrapping.
7. Let the pie thaw in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
8. Serve chilled or let it sit at room temperature for an hour before serving, depending on preference.

Freezing and Thawing Homemade Pumpkin Pie Filling

If you prefer planning ahead, consider preparing pumpkin pie filling in advance and baking the pie later. Alternatively, if you have leftover filling, freezing it is a practical solution.

Freezing the filling for up to 5 days is a great option. For smaller amounts, like 1 cup, try using it in a molasses-spiced pumpkin bread recipe.

Here’s how to properly freeze and thaw your pumpkin pie filling:

1. Transfer the filling into a zip-top freezer bag, remove excess air, and label it clearly.
2. Place the bag on a baking sheet and flatten it to prevent the filling from freezing into a bulky shape. A flat bag saves freezer space and speeds up thawing.
3. Freeze the filling on the tray until solid (a few hours), then remove the tray and store the bag in the freezer for up to 5 days.
4. To thaw, move the bag to the refrigerator a few hours before use. Place it on a baking tray in the fridge to catch any potential leaks.

Storing Store-Bought Pumpkin Pies

Store-bought pumpkin pies have different storage requirements compared to homemade ones. Thanks to added preservatives, they are more shelf-stable. However, pies from bakeries may lack preservatives and should be treated like homemade pies—always check to be sure.

Here are general storage tips for store-bought pumpkin pies:

• If the pie was stored at room temperature in the store, it can remain on your counter until its sell-by date, after which it should be refrigerated.
• For pies purchased from a refrigerated section, follow the same 2-hour room temperature rule as homemade pies before refrigerating.
• Store-bought pies can be kept in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days beyond their printed date.
• In the freezer, they remain fresh for 6 to 9 months.

Our Top Pumpkin Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a pumpkin pie that will wow your holiday guests, try our delightful maple pumpkin pie recipe. This Mytour-approved recipe is simple to make and packed with autumn flavors like maple, cinnamon, ginger, and more.