Does Pecan Pie Need to be Refrigerated?

Whether you’ve just baked a homemade pecan pie or purchased one from a bakery, it’s important to know how to store it. You might be wondering, “Does pecan pie need to be refrigerated?” “Can you freeze pecan pie?” And “how long does it last?” We have the answers to all things pecan pie storage.

Are you planning to make a homemade pie or pick one up from your favorite bakery? Along with Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie, Pecan is one of the most popular American holiday desserts. 

When it comes to big dinner parties, you can simplify by making as much ahead of time as possible. Pecan pie is a great recipe to make a day in advance, but there are some important tips to keep in mind when storing it. 

Keep reading for the ultimate guide for all the tips to know if pecan pie needs to be refrigerated, if it can be frozen, and how to store it to ensure it tastes just as good as the day it was baked. 

HOW TO COOL & STORE PECAN PIE

One of the great things about pecan pie is that tastes delicious for several days if stored properly. However, as a dish that includes eggs, it’s important to store it safely. Storing pumpkin pie in a safe and delicious way is very similar to Pumpkin Pie. 

If you’ve baked a fresh pecan pie it’s important to let it cool properly. Rather than putting a hot pie into the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature on a cooling rack on your kitchen counter for an hour.

According to the FDA, dangerous foodborne bacteria can start to grow after two hours at room temperature, so it’s best to pop it in the fridge at this point.

In a hurry? It’s a myth that warm foods should never be put in the refrigerator. It’s ok to put your still-warm pie in the fridge.

To store in the refrigerator, cover your cooled pie with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, or read on for freezing tips.

DOES PECAN PIE NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED? 

Yes, pecan pie must be stored in the refrigerator. Pecan pie is a dessert pie typically made from corn syrup, molasses, sugar, eggs, butter, and pecans.  According to the USDA, egg-rich pies such as pumpkin and pecan need to be refrigerated. This is in contrast to many fruit pies that are safe to sit on the counter for a couple of days. 

The longevity of your pie also depends on its ingredients. A grocery-store pie may have preservatives that make it last longer.

Vegan pecan pies may also last longer, as they are of course not egg-rich. If you’re concerned about food-borne bacteria due to eggs, you might like our Vegan Pumpkin Recipes. 

Don’t worry about the taste, this type of pie tastes best cold or at room temperature, and refrigeration actually helps the filling to set properly. But can you freeze pecan pie? 

CAN YOU FREEZE PECAN PIE?

Whether you have leftover pie or want to make it in advance, freezing pies is a great option to increase longevity. 

Pecan pies can be safely frozen for up to three months. However, I don’t recommend freezing for longer than one month or flavor may be affected. 

There’s no need to consume or throw out your pecan pie after the first day. Freeze leftovers and enjoy for a month! 

HOW TO STORE PECAN PIE IN THE FREEZER

You can freeze whole pecan pies or individual slices. You can even cut your pie into bars and freeze squares. Pecan pie can be frozen in the pie dish or out. 

The trick to freezing baked goods so that they still taste fresh is to seal out as much air as possible. 

To freeze a whole pecan pie, wrap your pie in plastic wrap to seal in freshness and prevent freezer burn. Be sure to wrap in plastic after the pie is completely cool to prevent condensation. Place this in a freezer bag or cover with aluminum foil. The double layer will help keep your pecan pie tasting fresh.

To freeze individual slices or bars, I recommend freezing twice to prevent pieces from sticking together too much. This is just like freezing avocado or peach slices. First, place pie slices on a cookie sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to an hour, or until they are no longer sticky. Then wrap in plastic and foil or place in a freezer bag. 

THAWING OUT YOUR PECAN PIE

No one wants a rock-hard pecan pie, so it’s important to thaw it properly. Make sure to pull your pie out of the freezer the day before you’ll be serving it.

The best way to thaw a pecan pie is to store it in the refrigerator overnight so that it slowly defrosts. At this point it will still be quite chilled, so you’ll want to let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, with the plastic and foil removed. Next, bake uncovered for 10 minutes in a 350° oven. This will help freshen up the pie and return the crust to its just-baked flakiness. 

IS PECAN PIE SERVED HOT OR COLD? 

Cream and custard pies such as lemon meringue and pumpkin are served chilled, while fruit pies are often served warm. But how is pecan pie served?

Pecan pie filling needs time to set up after baking, so don’t plan on eating it right away. It’s best to serve pecan pie at room temperature, though it’s tasty right out of the refrigerator too.

When serving pecan pie as a holiday dessert, I recommend taking it out of the refrigerator an hour before serving. If it’s gotten soggy in the fridge or freezer you can refresh it by baking it in the oven for a few minutes at 350 degrees F.  Don’t forget the freshly whipped cream. 

HOW LONG DOES PECAN PIE LAST

To recap, traditional homemade pecan pie will up to 2 hours at room temperature, three to four days in the refrigerator, and up to a month in the freezer. Due to variations in ingredients, some pecan pies may last longer.

Vegan pies don’t contain eggs or dairy and may last a few days longer. In addition, some store-bought pies may contain preservatives that make them last longer. Ask your bakery if you’re unsure. 

When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and consume or freeze any leftovers within a few days of baking. 

Enjoy your delicious pecan pie! And now you can rest assured knowing that you’ve stored it properly.