Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated? (2024)

FAQs

Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated? ›

The short and easy answer: Yes, pumpkin pie needs to be stored in the refrigerator. The USDA advises that all "egg-rich pies" must be kept refrigerated after baking and cooling. Pumpkin pie falls into this category, along with custard, pecan, and meringue pies.

If your homemade pumpkin pie has been refrigerated, it can safely sit at room temperature for up to two hours before serving. So, if fridge space is limited on the big day, or you simply prefer the taste of room-temperature pie, you can leave it out for a bit before you slice and serve.

Why Are Store-Bought Pies Not Refrigerated? So that brings many of us to the question: Why are the pumpkin pies at the grocery store sitting out? Store-bought pumpkin pies include shelf-stable ingredients such as preservatives which allow them to last longer, even at room temp.

The Costco pumpkin pie, for example, does not contain any preservatives. Though these pies may last longer, experts recommend that you refrigerate them when you bring them home. “Store-bought pies may have preservatives and other ingredients to make them shelf stable and prevent bacteria growth,” says Susie.

Of course, the shelf life of pumpkin puree will also depend on how you store it and we'll discuss the best practices for both homemade and storebought canned pumpkin puree so it can stay fresh for as long as possible. Regardless of the type, don't leave your pumpkin puree at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

If a pie contains eggs or dairy products, it should be stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Pies that do not contain dairy products, such as fruit pies can be stored, loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days.

If you keep uncarved pumpkins out of the hot sun or freezing weather, you can expect them to last two to three months–plenty of time to make it through autumn. As to carved pumpkins, they can last as little as a few days, so keep that in mind if you want to display your carved masterpiece on Halloween night.

Because pumpkin pies are typically made with a custard filling, which contains milk and eggs, the USDA recommends keeping them refrigerated.

Homemade egg-rich pies such as pecan, pumpkin, lemon meringue and custard must be kept refrigerated after cooking and cooling. Cream and chiffon pies must be stored in the refrigerator. These pies can be kept three to four days.

For food safety and quality cook before eating to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Store leftover baked pie loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Why is Costco pumpkin pie so cheap? ›

How Costco Keeps Its Pumpkin Pie So Cheap. In their book, David and Susan disclose that Costco's pumpkin pies are only semi-homemade, which helps cut down on costs.

Pumpkin pie can be kept at room temperature for 2 hours, refrigerated for 5 days, and frozen for 3 months. Store-bought pie will keep until the expiration date.

Once opened, a can of pumpkin lasts five to seven days in the fridge. It is best to move the leftover purée from the can to an airtight container with a date and label.

First, pumpkin pie should be kept at room temperature when removed from the oven. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before putting it in the fridge. You can also keep pumpkin pie at room temperature for up to two hours, according to the FDA.

Commercially-produced pumpkin pies are typically made with preservatives that allow them to remain shelf-stable for longer at room temperature. Most store-bought pies will include a sell-by date, which gives you an idea of how long they will remain safe to eat—even stored at room temperature.

Is It Spoiled? If you know a pie has been left out longer than 2 hours, however painful, you should throw it out. If you're unsure of how long it's been out, be cautious of any pie with an "off" smell or appearance, like excessive separation or weeping. Of course, if mold appears, toss that pie.

Actually the FDA says two hours is th max for a custard pie like pumpkin. It's absolutely not two days! The main concern is bacteria growth which happens after two hours. Costco pies are sold refrigerated--these are not the pies you get in the grocery store that sit out at room temperature.

After baking, pie should be left at room temperature to cool for 2 to 4 hours. Within 4 hours, the pie should then be placed in the refrigerator and covered loosely with plastic wrap. Pie may be refrigerated for 2 to 3 days.

David advises, “Baked pumpkin pie or other pies containing eggs and/or dairy such as pecan, custard, or chiffon pie should be stored refrigerated; they'll keep in the fridge for three to four days.

Pumpkin pie can be kept at room temperature for 2 hours, refrigerated for 5 days, and frozen for 3 months. Store-bought pie will keep until the expiration date.