Does Pumpkin Pie Need To Be Refrigerated? Can You Leave Pie Overnight
Pumpkin pies are a staple at Thanksgiving dinner. And if you have your hands full, you can always make one ahead of time.
But since this recipe is made from highly perishable ingredients such as eggs and milk, there’s only a certain amount of time it can be kept in the ref. that, it will spoil and not fit for consumption anymore. Additionally. If you have leftovers from the holidays, you can still enjoy this dessert the next day. You just have to know how to properly store it so that it will not get contaminated with bacteria.
This article will discuss why there’s a need to put your pumpkin pie in the refrigerator. We’ll also discuss how to store the pie properly.
Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated
Any pie that has a custard base should be refrigerated. That means anything that was made from eggs and milk. Those food items are highly perishable. So even if they have been cooked, they will still have a shorter shelf life.
After baking, you can allow the pie to cool a bit. Then you must keep it in the fridge asap. Otherwise, you will risk spoiling a good piece of pumpkin pie.
Eggs and milk have high protein content. Thus, they also have a big moisture level. And when left at room temperature, it’s a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. So how long can you keep the pie out of the fridge and still be safe to eat? Head on to the next section.
How Long Can Pumpkin Pie Be Left Out of the Refrigerator
A homemade pumpkin pie can only be kept at room temperature for two hours. It doesn’t matter if you made the filling from canned pumpkin puree or scratch. As long as it’s baked at home, it will be safe to eat if it’s been sitting on the kitchen counter for a max of 2 hours only.
But what about store-bought ones? Keep reading.
Why Are Store-bought Pumpkin Pies Not Refrigerated
Grocery store-bought pumpkin pie can sit in your pantry unopened as long as the before selling date has not lapsed yet. And when kept in the fridge, it can even be consumed 4 days after the best before date has passed. Why may you ask?
The answer is very simple. It’s because a store-bought pumpkin pie contains preservatives and shelf-stable ingredients. This eliminates the need to toss it in the ref.
Can I Leave Pie Overnight
No, you can’t. That’ll be past the 2-hour time frame already. One of the basics of food safety is to never allow any food, especially highly perishable ones, to sit at room temperature for longer than two hours. And pumpkin pies with eggs and milk are highly perishable.
If you, however, want to enjoy leftovers the next day, you can store them in the fridge. Or if you want to make a pumpkin pie ahead of Thanksgiving dinner, you can also store it in the refrigerator.
Pumpkin pie that has been properly stored in the ref can last for 2 days. While if you toss it in the freezer, it can last indefinitely. Though it’s best to consume frozen pumpkin pies in 2 months. Otherwise, you’ll be eating a tasteless and soggy piece of the pie. Freezing it for longer can deteriorate its texture, taste, and overall quality.
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How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Pie in the Fridge
- You can keep the pumpkin pie in its original tin foil container and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Or you can alternatingly, divide the pumpkin pie into slices and stone separately in a plastic container with a lid. Or wrap each slice in aluminum foil. This will seal in all the wonderful nutty and cinnamon flavors of the pumpkin pie.
Homemade vs Store Brought Pumpkin Pies
Which is better? While a pumpkin pie that is bought at the store has a longer shelf life. It also has chemicals and preservatives in it. Though it doesn’t necessarily alter the taste, it can have an impact on your health in the long run.
Besides, there’s nothing better than a homemade pumpkin pie! Your kitchen will also smell divine after baking one. This makes up for a great dessert and a nice scent of spiced pumpkin for your kitchen.
Conclusion
Compared to apple pies, pumpkin pies are more perishable. Hence the need to follow the food safety guideline in storing foods made from highly perishable items. And consume them before the recommended date. This will eliminate any risk of getting food-borne illnesses or food poisoning.
