Pumpkin pie is a favorite of all, especially around Christmas and Thanksgiving, but does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated? If you made it a few days in advance, you need to know how to store it to make it last longer.
Plus, you don’t want to waste any leftovers after the big feast. So it’s important to know what to do with them. Don’t throw them away! Because there is always a way to preserve them and be able to enjoy them in the following days. You may be surprised how long pumpkin pies can last if you store them properly. And here we will tell you.
Does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated overnight?
The preparation of this pie is very different from those that only need fruit. Since it contains eggs and milk and therefore requires extra care. Yes, this pie needs to be refrigerated overnight; otherwise, the more fragile ingredients like the egg and milk will spoil the pie.
However, we do not recommend that you freeze it; just keep it at a constant temperature and in a place in the refrigerator where it is not exposed to other liquids or foods that can alter its flavor. If you freeze it, once you thaw it, it will lose consistency and taste, so don’t do that under any circumstances.
Likewise, it is ideal that you prepare your pumpkin pie the day before eating, snacking, or serving it. So you can let it sit in the fridge overnight and get a better consistency, so it’s easier to chop later. So, does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated overnight? Yes, in all the cases.
How long does pumpkin pie last if left at room temperature?
Thanks to its ingredients and preparation, this is a fragile pie that is easy to deteriorate. So the maximum time it can be at room temperature after removing it from the oven is two hours.
If it continues out of the refrigerator after this time, bacterial growth will begin and shorten the shelf life of the pie. If it could last up to five days, it will have a maximum duration of two to three days.
Advantages of storing pumpkin pie in the fridge
Remember that refrigeration does wonders for our desserts, as it gives them consistency, keeps them fresh, and prevents the premature growth of bacteria. So every time you think if pumpkin pie should be refrigerated, think about these advantages.
- It improves the consistency of pumpkin pie because it brings all the ingredients together completely.
- It prevents ingredients like eggs or milk from shearing and separating from the mix. This prevents the formation of lumps or the secretion of liquid that damages the cookie of the pie.
- It prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi and increases the duration of the pie.
- It makes the pie biscuit remain crunchy, with a good flavor and without strange smells.
- Allow your pumpkin pie to last up to five days, and prevent it from losing its flavor or consistency over time.
How to Store Pumpkin Pie in the Fridge to Last Longer
Although the refrigerator is our best ally to preserve these pumpkin pies, we must consider the other foods inside it that can affect the flavor of the pie.
It is crucial to keep it away from meat, fish, or sausages because they have a high probability of transmitting their odors and bacteria. This would cause unpleasant alterations in the flavor of the pie.
On the other hand, using a suitable container will also ensure the protection of the pie, prevent excess moisture, and protect it from temperatures that are too low. A glass container will be perfect for the task, and it doesn’t need to be airtight.
Make sure the container is the right size to fit the pumpkin pie inside. Do not close it with a regular lid; cover it with a layer of transparent paper, and make small holes around it so that it can breathe inside the fridge.
What happens if the pie is left at room temperature for too long?
Once you remove the pumpkin pie from the oven, the countdown begins for its degradation process to begin. It must first be allowed to cool completely to room temperature within a maximum period of two hours; then, it must be refrigerated immediately.
Otherwise, if the pumpkin pie isn’t refrigerated and left out at room temperature longer or overnight, you’ll find the pie full of bacteria the following day. And if it was in a scorching environment, chances are it has developed mold.
At this point, the pumpkin pie will already be spoiled and will need to be discarded immediately.
Why don’t store-bought pumpkin pies refrigerate?
Does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated when bought from the store? No, they don’t need it. You may wonder why store-bought pumpkin pies last so long without refrigerating. These are the exception to all the rules because they do not need to be refrigerated to last a long time.
This happens because the pumpkin pies in the stores have preservatives and chemicals that lengthen their shelf life. And do not make them dependent on the refrigerator. This means that if you buy a pie at your nearest store, you can have it at room temperature until the expiration date arrives.
However, if you prefer to have it stored in the refrigerator, you can also do it, but it will not be necessary to prevent it from deteriorating. However, make sure you buy a pumpkin pie that is not expired.