The good news? You totally can freeze pumpkin pie! Here’s the right way to do it—plus tips for thawing pumpkin pie to perfection.
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie?
Yes, you can freeze pumpkin pie. In fact, a fully baked pie crust and creamy filling freeze incredibly well. According to FoodSafety.gov, pies made with eggs, like pumpkin and pecan pie, can be frozen after baking. You don’t need to use a special recipe to make a pumpkin pie that can be frozen—your go-to recipe will work. You can also freeze a pumpkin pie you’ve purchased from a bakery or store. Whether you bake or buy your pumpkin pie, keep in mind that there is a right way to store it in the freezer so it retains optimal taste.
Pumpkin Pie Freezer Tips
If baking, use a disposable aluminum pie pan as this will freeze faster and won’t develop ice crystals that can ruin the texture or the taste of the pie. If you want to freeze an entire pumpkin pie right after baking, let it cool completely for several hours at room temperature, then wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap. Next, wrap the entire thing in aluminum foil or stash the pie in a freezer bag for extra protection against freezer burn. Finally, place the pumpkin pie in your freezer on a shelf by itself (nothing on top of it!), so it fully freezes.
How Long Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie?
You can store food in the freezer indefinitely, so long as your freezer is set to 0°F or below. But just because you can keep that pumpkin pie in your freezer forever doesn’t mean it’ll still taste amazing many months from now. Food safety experts recommend storing pumpkin pie in the freezer for one to two months, tops, after baking. After that, the pie may start to lose flavor and therefore not taste as good. So, if you want to prep for Thanksgiving now or enjoy holiday leftovers in December, you’re golden—but if you have a hankering for pumpkin pie in June, know that the slice you stashed in your freezer may not taste as yummy as it once did.
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie From Costco?
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie is cheap and delicious—so no wonder it’s such a fan favorite year after year. And just like you can with any other pumpkin pie, you can freeze Costco’s version, too. If you’re thinking of freezing a Costco pumpkin pie, you should do it rather quickly after buying. As the experts at FoodSafety.org note, pumpkin pie is only good in the fridge for three to four days after baking. If you’re buying a pumpkin pie from Costco ahead of the holidays, then you should freeze it the day you buy it. You may also want to consider slicing it up before putting it in the freezer so it’s ready to eat once you thaw it.
How Long Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie From Costco?
As with any other pumpkin pie, a Costco pumpkin pie should last you one to two months in the freezer. Any longer than that and it may start to lose its flavor and change texture. Yuck!
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie Filling?
So, now you know you can freeze a whole pumpkin pie—but what if you just want to freeze the filling? You’re in luck: You can, indeed, freeze pumpkin pie filling on its own! The experts at Libby’s say you can make the pumpkin pie filling and crust ahead of time and freeze them separately for up to a month. Store the filling in an airtight container and consider labeling the container with the amount and date on it. When it’s time to bake, defrost the filling, pour it into the frozen crust, and bake as you usually would. (If you’re using a glass pie plate, you should defrost the crust as well.)
How to Thaw Frozen Pumpkin Pie
You’ve done all the work ahead of time—now it’s time to sit back and enjoy that frozen pumpkin pie. Just note: Slow is the name of the game when it comes to thawing frozen pumpkin pie. You’ll want to remove the aluminum and plastic wrap and allow your pumpkin pie to thaw for eight to 12 hours on a flat surface in your fridge—this will ensure it defrosts evenly. And yes, you really do want to let it thaw in your refrigerator and not on your counter. If you leave that frozen pumpkin pie out on the counter at room temperature, the crust could become soggy. Once you’re done thawing, you’re good to go! While pumpkin pie is truly delish when cold or at room temp, if you prefer a slightly warmer pie, you can place your thawed pie in the microwave for a short time (only if it’s not in an aluminum tin). Check the pie every 15 seconds to test the temperature. You could also pop it into the oven at a low temperature (300°F-350°F) for a few minutes to warm it up before serving. And there you have it: Pumpkin goodness straight from the freezer. Next: 50 Pumpkin Puree Recipes That Are Perfect for Fall Desserts
