Pumpkin pie is a classic fall and winter dessert in many households. Its rich, spiced flavor is perfect for the colder months. However, pumpkin pie only lasts for so long before it goes bad. Knowing how long pumpkin pie stays fresh and safe to eat can help you avoid food waste and foodborne illness.
How Long Does Uncooked Pumpkin Pie Filling Last?
The shelf life of homemade uncooked pumpkin pie filling depends on how it is stored:
- Refrigerator: 5 to 7 days
- Freezer: 2 to 3 months
The pumpkin puree is the limiting factor for how long uncooked pumpkin pie filling will last. Pureed pumpkin tends to go bad more quickly than other ingredients like condensed milk and eggs.
Properly storing the pie filling is important. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to use clean utensils and dishes when preparing it. Contamination can shorten the shelf life. Freezing the filling extends its lifespan for a few months.
How Long Does a Baked Pumpkin Pie Last?
Once baked, a whole pumpkin pie will keep for:
- Room temperature: 2 to 3 days
- Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
- Freezer: 2 to 3 months
After baking, the eggs, dairy, and pumpkin in the filling make it more perishable. Leaving the pie out at room temperature allows bacteria to multiply faster. Refrigerating it is best for preserving freshness.
Cut pieces of pumpkin pie should not sit out for more than 2 hours. It’s best to refrigerate any leftovers within 1 to 2 hours. Covered tightly in the fridge, leftover pie will last 3 to 4 days.
How to Tell if Pumpkin Pie Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that your pumpkin pie has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat:
- Mold growth – you see fuzzy spots or patches on the pie filling or crust
- Smells sour or unpleasant
- Liquid separating from the filling
- Crust is soggy
- Discoloration of the filling
If your pie has been sitting out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, it is best to throw it out. Bacteria can multiply quickly in that environment. Refrigeration can slow it down, but after 3 to 4 days, it is safer to toss refrigerated pie as well.
A pumpkin pie stored continuously in the freezer can keep for 2 to 3 months before quality declines. But if you notice ice crystals, a dry or cracked filling, or any mold on a frozen pie, it should be discarded.
How to Store Pumpkin Pie
To get the maximum freshness out of your pumpkin pie, follow these storage tips:
- Cool the freshly baked pie on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours before refrigerating.
- Cover the pie loosely at first while cooling so moisture doesn’t build up.
- Once completely cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
- For longer storage, double wrap pie in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for 2 to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen pie overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Avoid leaving pie sitting out for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigerate all leftover pie within 1 to 2 hours.
Proper refrigeration at 40°F or below is important for keeping pumpkin pie safe to eat. Take the pie out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving so it can soften.
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie?
Pumpkin pie can be frozen for long-term storage. Freezing prevents bacteria growth that causes pies to spoil quickly at fridge temperatures. Here are some tips for freezing pumpkin pie:
- Let the pie cool completely first, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Double wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Avoid freezing a pie with whipped cream topping. The cream will separate and water out.
- Label the pie with the date before freezing.
- Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.
- Thaw the frozen pie in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Expect some change in texture after freezing. The filling may become a bit dry.
Slicing the pie into individual portions makes it easier to remove pieces from the freezer as needed. Wrap each slice well in plastic wrap or place in airtight containers.
How Long Does Commercial, Store-Bought Pie Last?
What about pumpkin pies purchased from the grocery store bakery? These pies tend to have preservatives added to maintain freshness. Here are the general guidelines for store-bought pumpkin pie:
- Unopened at room temperature – Check packaging, but up to 1 week
- Refrigerated – 3 to 5 days
- Frozen – Follow date on packaging, up to 8 weeks
A frozen grocery store pie may last a bit longer than a homemade one. But once thawed and opened, it should be eaten within 3 to 5 days. Be sure to check the expiration or use by date on the packaging for storing an unopened pie. Follow the recommended timeline for consumption once you break the original seal.
Can You Refrigerate Pumpkin Pie Twice?
It’s best not to re-refrigerate pumpkin pie after it has reached room temperature. Bringing the pie in and out of the fridge allows condensation to develop, which can lead to soggy crust. It also creates temperature changes that can speed up spoilage.
If you need to refrigerate leftover pie again after serving, do so quickly. Don’t leave pie sitting out more than 2 hours before returning it to the fridge. Even refrigerated once, the pie will only keep for another 1 to 2 days before quality declines.
Can You Freeze and Re-Freeze Pumpkin Pie?
Avoid freezing pumpkin pie more than one time. The multiple freeze-thaw cycles tend to dry out the filling. The crust also gets mushy and oxygen exposure can accelerate spoilage.
For best quality, thaw the frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Refreeze any uneaten portions within 1 to 2 days. Don’t refreeze pie that has sat for more than 2 days in the fridge after initially thawing.
How to Revive Stale Pumpkin Pie
Over time in the fridge, baked pumpkin pie can start to lose moisture and become stale. Here are some tips to revive leftover pie that is a little past its prime:
- Heat pie pieces at 300°F for about 5 minutes to refresh the crust and filling.
- Whip some cream and top individual portions of warm pie to moisten it.
- Mix pumpkin pie spice into Greek yogurt for a quick topping.
- Place a slice in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften and warm it up before serving.
Don’t try to revive pie with obvious mold growth though. At that point, it’s best to toss the pie to avoid foodborne illness.
Signs Your Pumpkin Pie Has Gone Bad
Discard pumpkin pie if you notice these signs it has spoiled:
- Mold on the filling or crust
- Watery liquid leaking from the pie
- Sour, unpleasant smell
- Crust is completely soggy underneath
- Off-colors like gray, green, or black
Soft or cracking fillings are normal with frozen thaw. But fuzziness, sliminess, or dark discoloring indicate microbial growth as the pie spoils. When in doubt, throw it out to be safe.
Safety Tips When Storing Pumpkin Pie
Keep these food safety guidelines in mind for storing pumpkin pie:
- Refrigerate pie within 2 hours of baking
- Don’t leave pie at room temperature more than 2 hours
- Use clean utensils and containers
- Discard pie after 3 to 4 days in the fridge
- Freeze pie no longer than 2 to 3 months
- Avoid freezing pie more than once
- Reheat refrigerated pie thoroughly to 165°F
Proper refrigeration is key for keeping pumpkin pie safe to eat. The filling provides a good environment for bacteria to grow. Storing pie correctly reduces your risk of food poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if pumpkin pie is bad?
Signs of spoiled pumpkin pie include mold, watery liquid leaking from filling, foul odors, soggy crust, and unnatural colors. Discard pie immediately if you notice any of these signs of spoilage.
Can you get sick from eating old pumpkin pie?
Eating spoiled pumpkin pie can make you sick. The filling provides a moist environment where bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli can grow. Stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea are common symptoms of foodborne illness.
Can I eat Thanksgiving pumpkin pie that’s been refrigerated since Thursday?
Refrigerated pumpkin pie will keep for 3 to 4 days after baking. So if refrigerated promptly on Thursday, Thanksgiving pumpkin pie should be safe to eat through Sunday. But any longer than that increases risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.
Is it OK to eat pumpkin pie left out overnight?
No, do not eat pumpkin pie that has sat out overnight at room temperature. The filling can reach the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F overnight, allowing rapid bacteria growth. Pie sitting out more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Can you freeze a pumpkin pie twice?
It is not recommended to freeze pumpkin pie twice. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles create texture changes and dryness. Freeze leftovers within 1-2 days of initial thawing. Avoid refreezing pie after it has sat thawed in the fridge more than 2 days.
Conclusion
Knowing how long pumpkin pie lasts can help prevent foodborne illness. Uncooked pumpkin pie filling keeps 5-7 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Baked pies stay fresh 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Improper storage temperatures and handling make pies more prone to bacteria growth. Signs of spoiled pie include mold, watery liquid, bad smells, and unnatural colors. Refrigerating pumpkin pie properly ensures you can safely enjoy this classic fall dessert.