Whether you made too much (is there such a thing?) or you’re just planning ahead, you might be wondering how to freeze pumpkin pie.
In short: yes, you totally can!
In order to preserve the wonderful texture of pumpkin pie, you just need to follow a few simple steps.
Then, if done correctly, the crust will stay flaky, and the filling will be perfectly creamy.
That way, you’ll be able to enjoy a slice of delicious pie like it was just baked this morning.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to freeze pumpkin pie.
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie?
When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, pumpkin pie takes the cake. So it’s no wonder you’d want to preserve all of the fall feelings that go with it.
Pumpkin pie freezes well, provided it’s cooled completely first. You’ll need to leave it to cool, then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Then, when you want to eat the pie, you’ll remove the wrappings and thaw it in the fridge overnight.
How to Freeze Pumpkin Pie
You can freeze any kind of pie. But from store-bought to homemade and even just a slice, you’ll need to follow these steps for the best results:
- Bake the pie in an aluminum dish.
Believe it or not, the freezing process starts before you even bake anything.
A pie in an aluminum dish will freeze quicker, resulting in fewer ice crystals on your pie.
Of course, if you’re only freezing a slice or two, it does not need to be aluminum.
- Let the pie cool entirely before freezing.
If you’re freezing leftovers, chances are the pie is already cool – and possibly even in the fridge.
If you’re making the pie in advance, though, you’ll need to leave it to cool entirely once it’s out of the oven.
If it’s frozen too soon, you’ll end up with a soggy crust and ice crystals from the added moisture.
That said, if you choose a store-bought pie, steps 1 and 2 are already done!
- Wrap the pie in plastic wrap.
After it’s cooled, wrap the entire pie in plastic wrap.
You’ll want to ensure it’s sealed to prevent any air from getting in. So, it’s okay if you need to use multiple layers.
For partial pies or slices, make sure the plastic wrap is smooth against all of the surfaces. The goal is to have as little air touching the pie as possible.
- Wrap the pie in foil.
To prevent freezer burn, cover the wrapped pie in aluminum foil.
It’s an extra layer of protection that will allow the pie to keep for longer. With this extra layer, you can make your holiday pies as many as three months ahead!
- Leave the pie to freeze on a level surface.
Place the pie on a level shelf in the freezer and label it if needed.
It needs to be level to keep the pie from freezing on an angle. If that happens, it might crack.
Labeling will be helpful if you need to remember the date or if you’re making multiple pies for the freezer. I use masking or painter’s tape and a marker.
How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last in the Freezer?
Pumpkin pie will stay delicious and creamy for at least 2 weeks. In that short time frame, it will still be as delightful as it was the day you made it.
After the 2 week mark, some people have said the pie texture begins to change slightly.
While I haven’t experienced this, every pie and every freezer is different. So…
Pumpkin pie will last at least a month in the freezer.
While it’s best after two weeks, if it has been double wrapped in plastic and foil, it will still taste fresh after a month (possibly two).
The longer it’s frozen, the more likely it is to lose all that lovely creaminess.
How to Thaw Frozen Pumpkin Pie
Like most foods, the best place to thaw a frozen pumpkin pie is in the refrigerator.
Keeping it cool and defrosting it slowly will prevent extra condensation and sogginess.
Here’s the steps:
- Take the pie out of the freezer at least 12 hours before serving.
- Remove the foil and plastic wrap and place it on a shelf in the fridge to thaw.
- Once it’s completely thawed, put it on the counter to let it come up to room temperature.
If you see any beads of water forming on top, don’t sweat it. Just blot with a paper towel, or better yet, top it off with a fluffy layer of whipped cream!
If you want to warm up the pie in the microwave, just make sure it’s on a microwave-safe plate.
You can also reheat a pie in the oven, but you’ll want to cover the crust with aluminum, so it doesn’t burn.
Don’t worry too much about the reheating process. Pumpkin pie is often served at room temperature and is perfectly delicious.
Pumpkin Pie Recipes You’ll Love
McCormick Pumpkin Pie
Eagle Brand Pumpkin Pie
Libby’s Pumpkin Pie
Paula Deen Pumpkin Pie
Impossible Pumpkin Pie
How to Freeze Pumpkin Pie
Whether you made too much (is there such a thing?) or you’re just planning ahead, you might be wondering how to freeze pumpkin pie. In short: yes, you can!
Ingredients
Pumpkin Pie
Plastic Wrap
Foil
Instructions
- Cook or place the pie in an aluminum container.
- Let the pie cool completely.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Cover the wrapped pie in aluminum foil. Label if needed.
- Place the pie in the freezer on a level shelf.
- To thaw:
- Remove the pie from the freezer and remove the foil and plastic.
- Place the pie into the refrigerator on a level shelf.
- Once the pie is thawed, remove it from the fridge to bring it to room temperature.
- Enjoy!
