Does Pie Need To Be Refrigerated? Here's How To Tell

During the holidays, refrigerator space is as valuable as Nashville real estate. This means if you're baking your holiday pies in advance, there might not be enough room to store them next to all your other groceries. Luckily, not all pies have to be refrigerated. In fact, some varieties will taste better if you store them at room temperature. So, how do you know the difference?

You went through a great deal of trouble to bake those fabulous pies, and you want to make sure you're presenting them at their very best. Don't worry: There are some basic rules of thumb to follow when it comes to storing pies. To find out which pies do and don't need to be refrigerated, we went to Teresa Stephens, owner/baker, and Ashlee Wickenden, baker, of Cast Iron Grill in Lubbock, Texas, where the pie sells out so fast you have to order it at breakfast to guarantee yourself a slice.

Do Refrigerate Pies With Egg and Dairy

Pies with dairy and egg that fall in the cream pie category, such as our Coconut Cream Pie or a chocolate mousse pie, should always be refrigerated, according to Stephens and Wickenden. If they're freshly baked, the pair also says you should make sure you give them a chance to set in the refrigerator for at least three to four hours before slicing.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate-Peanut Butter Icebox Pie

Do Not Refrigerate Fruit Pies

According to Stephens and Wickenden, a counter pie is any form of fruit pie like apple, cherry, or peach. The pair say these types of pies can be stored in the refrigerator if you want them to last a day or two longer, but that there's a tradeoff. They explain that if you put them in the refrigerator, they can lose their flavor. They often taste better at room temperature.

Do You Need to Refrigerate Pumpkin Pie?

Whether or not you should refrigerate pumpkin pie is a little controversial. According to the Food and Drug Administration, homemade pies containing eggs should be refrigerated. However, you've probably noticed that a lot of grocery stores and restaurants serve and store them at room temperature. This is because, quite simply, they taste better that way. So, if you're not going to serve your pumpkin pie for a day or two, your best bet is to store it in the refrigerator. Then place it on the counter so it warms to room temperature before serving.

Do Refrigerate Anything Topped With Cream

You should refrigerate any kind of pie with whipped toppings. "If it's not refrigerated, it will begin to wilt, sweat, and spoil," explained Stephens and Wickenden. For the best results, you should wait and top fruit and pecan pies right before serving. This will allow you to store them at room temperature so they'll taste their very best.

Do Savory Pies Need Refrigerating?

The same rules apply to savory pies as those with sweet fillings. If a savory pie has dairy, eggs, or meat, it must be refrigerated. So wrap up that chicken pot pie or egg-based Zucchini Pie to store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to two to three months. Always check the recipe for storage guidelines. Some pies, like our Heirloom Tomato Pie, should be refrigerated but cannot be frozen—the ingredients can’t hold up to the process.

Which Pies Can Be Frozen?

If you've got leftovers after your holiday meal or you're baking your pies in advance, you may be wondering which pies can be frozen. In general, custard and cream pies do not freeze well. They tend to get soggy and unappealing when you defrost them. On the other hand, Stephens and Wickenden say fruit pies freeze quite beautifully.

First, let the pie cool to room temperature. Next, wrap it in two or three layers of plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Be sure to enjoy it within about four months.

How Long Does Pie Last Unrefrigerated?

According to the University of Illinois Extension, pies with eggs and dairy will only last about two hours without refrigeration, and up to four days in the refrigerator. Pies with eggs and dairy products should always be stored in the refrigerator until served. Pies without eggs or dairy, according to the FDA, can last for up to two days without refrigeration.

Our Favorite Pie Recipes

• Southern Pumpkin Pie
• South Carolina Coconut Cream Pie
• Banana Cream Pie
• Strawberry Cream Pie
• Pecan Pie
• Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie
• Ultimate Apple Pie
• Heavenly Key Lime Pie
• Peach Crumble Pie
• Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
• Macaroni Pie