Love it or hate it, there is no dessert that screams "holiday season" louder than pumpkin pie. Once fall hits, it's pretty much the only dessert people have on their minds, but can you blame them? It's luscious and smooth with a bit of complexity from the spices, and it completely embodies the sense of coziness that comes from eating way too much food with your friends and family.
Whether you're making your pumpkin pie in advance or trying to make leftovers last a bit longer, follow these tips so you can freeze and thaw your pumpkin pie.
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie?
Absolutely. Thanks to its high-fat crust and creamy filling, pumpkin pie freezes well. As long as your pumpkin pie is at the right temperature and is properly wrapped, freezing won't affect its integrity or taste. Keep reading to find out how to properly prepare pumpkin pie before it's wrapped.
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How to Freeze Pumpkin Pie
You can freeze homemade pumpkin pies, store-bought pumpkin pies, entire pies, or even just slices of pumpkin pie, as long as you stick to the basic rules of freezing:
- If you're baking a pumpkin pie, use a disposable aluminum pie pan. Using a thinner pan allows the pie to freeze more quickly and helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Let your pie cool completely before wrapping or placing it in the freezer. The heat from the pie will create steam, and if steam gets trapped in the plastic wrap, you're going to end up with a soggy crust. Patience makes perfect here.
- Wrap your pie tightly with plastic wrap several times until it's sealed. Then wrap it in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and make sure your pie doesn't absorb any strange freezer smells.
- Store your pie on a level freezer shelf for up to a month. If you're making several kinds of pie, it is always a good idea to identify what's beneath the wrappings. Painter's tape and a Sharpie will do.
How to Thaw Frozen Pumpkin Pie
Remove the pie from the freezer, take off the aluminum foil and plastic wrap, and let it thaw in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
Whatever you do, do not thaw your pie at room temperature or you'll end up with a soggy crust.
How to Freeze Pumpkin Pie Filling
If you've got extra pumpkin pie filling or just want to make it ahead of time, the freezer is a viable option. Place the filling into zip-top freezer storage bags, push out excess air, and label your bags before you put them in the freezer. Pumpkin pie filling will last up to five days in the freezer.
To thaw pumpkin pie filling, transfer it to the refrigerator a few hours before you plan on using it.
How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last in the Freezer?
Pumpkin pie will last up to one month in the freezer. If it stays in the freezer longer than a month, it won't necessarily go bad, but the taste and texture will start to suffer.
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