Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert that many people look forward to each year. While homemade pumpkin pie made from scratch may only last a couple days in the fridge, store-bought pumpkin pies like Libby’s tend to have a longer shelf life. So how long does an unopened Libby’s pumpkin pie last in the fridge? Here is a quick overview of how long Libby’s pumpkin pie lasts refrigerated:
Quick Answer
An unopened Libby’s pumpkin pie will last for 2 to 3 days past the “best by” date printed on the box when stored in the fridge. Once opened, it will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
How Long Does an Unopened Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Last in the Fridge?
An unopened, store-bought pumpkin pie like Libby’s can safely stay in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days past the “best by” or “use by” date printed on the packaging. The exact shelf life depends on when you purchased the pie:
- If you bought a fresh Libby’s pumpkin pie and put it in the fridge as soon as you got home, it will stay good for the number of days shown on the “best by” date.
- If you bought the pie a few days before the “best by” date, it will stay good for another 2 to 3 days beyond that date, for a total of 5 to 7 days in the fridge.
For example, if you buy a pumpkin pie on Monday that has a “best by” date of Friday, that pie should keep in the fridge until Sunday at the latest, giving you 2 extra days past the printed date.
These timelines assume proper, constant refrigeration at 40°F or below. The pie should be stored in its original packaging until you are ready to serve it. Once opened, the shelf life decreases to just 3 to 4 days.
How to Tell if an Unopened Libby’s Pie is Still Good
Here are some tips for determining if an unopened Libby’s pumpkin pie is still safe to eat beyond the best by date:
- Check the package – it should be intact with no tears or openings where air could have entered.
- Look at the color – it should look typical orange-yellow and not have any graying or darkening of the filling.
- Give it a sniff – it should smell pleasantly like pumpkin pie and not smell sour or unpleasant.
- Feel the texture – it should feel firm to the touch and not have any liquid pooling around it inside the packaging.
If the pie passes these checks, it should be fine to eat or freeze for later use for 2-3 days past its date. But when in doubt, remember the old saying “When in doubt, throw it out” – don’t risk eating spoiled food.
How Long Does an Opened Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Last in the Fridge?
Once you open and cut into the Libby’s pumpkin pie, its shelf life in the fridge decreases. This is because exposure to air allows mold and bacteria to start growing more quickly. Properly stored in the refrigerator, an opened Libby’s pumpkin pie will last:
- 3 to 4 days
- 5 to 6 days if tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container
To maximize the shelf life, only cut the portions you plan to eat and cover the rest of the pie tightly with two layers of plastic wrap. Make sure the pie is stored in the fridge at a temperature of 40°F or below. Discard any pie that has been left out at room temperature for longer than two hours.
How to Tell if Opened Pie is Still Good
Check opened Libby’s pumpkin pie for the following signs of spoilage before eating:
- Mold growth – discard pie if you see any fuzzy mold.
- Dry or cracked filling – this means it has dried out and should be discarded.
- Separated filling with liquid pooling around – this is a sign of spoilage.
- Off odors – pumpkin pie should smell pleasantly sweet, not sour.
- Changing texture – the filling should be smooth like custard, not separated or slimy.
Be extra strict when checking opened pie, as consuming spoiled food can cause illness. Leftover pumpkin pie should be discarded after 4-6 days – err on the side of caution if you’re questioning how long it’s been.
How to Store an Unopened Libby’s Pumpkin Pie
To help your Libby’s pumpkin pie last as long as possible, store it properly in the fridge:
- Keep pie refrigerated at 40°F or below.
- Leave the pie in its original box until ready to serve.
- Place on a fridge shelf, not in the door where temperature fluctuates.
- Avoidareas that get warmer, like near oven vent or top shelf.
- Check “best by” date and allow 2-3 extra days past that.
An unopened pie will maintain quality longer if you don’t open the box until you’re ready to cut and serve the pie. Only refrigerate 2-3 extra days if the packaging is intact.
What Temperature Should Refrigerator be to Store Pie?
For optimum freshness, store pumpkin pie at a steady refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below. Some tips to keep your fridge at the proper temp:
- Use refrigerator thermometer to monitor temperature.
- Ideal fridge temp is 36-40°F.
- Adjust temperature controls as needed.
- Allow airflow – don’t overpack fridge.
- Keep door seals tight.
- Clean coils every 6 months.
- Replace old, failing fridges.
A refrigerator set to the right temperature will keep pumpkin pie and other foods fresh longer and prevent spoilage.
How to Store an Opened Libby’s Pumpkin Pie
Once you cut and serve slices of the Libby’s pumpkin pie, follow these tips to store and maximize the shelf life of the leftovers:
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on surface.
- Store in an airtight food storage container or bag.
- Always refrigerate within 2 hours of eating.
- Use within 3 to 4 days.
- Discard if you notice any signs of spoilage.
- Do not freeze opened pumpkin pie.
Opened, stored pumpkin pie may still look fine but harbor bacteria that can make you sick. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can You Freeze Leftover Pumpkin Pie?
You can freeze uneaten portions of unopened Libby’s pumpkin pie to extend the shelf life. But do not freeze pumpkin pie that has already been opened and cut into. Freezing and thawing will cause the texture to become grainy and wet. Refrigeration is still the best method for storing opened pie.
To freeze an unopened pie:
- Double wrap entire pie tin in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Place in freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.
The freezer will pause the countdown on your pumpkin pie freshness. But remember – do not put any slices or opened pie in the freezer.
How to Thaw Frozen Libby’s Pumpkin Pie
When ready to serve a frozen Libby’s pie, you’ll need to properly thaw it first. There are a few methods you can use:
Refrigerator Thawing
For best results, thaw your frozen pie gradually in the refrigerator:
- Take pie out of freezer bag.
- Keep wrapped in foil and plastic wrap.
- Place on a plate or pan to catch condensation.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, about 12 hours.
- Unwrap and serve.
Slow thawing prevents the filling from getting soggy. Refrigerator thawing takes more time but maintains the pie’s texture.
Countertop Thawing
You can also thaw a frozen pie at room temperature. Keep in mind this can cause some texture changes:
- Unwrap pie and place on plate or pan.
- Let sit at room temperature for 4-5 hours.
- To prevent bacterial growth, don’t thaw for longer than 6 hours.
- Check center to ensure pie is fully thawed before serving.
Countertop thawing works best for smaller individual frozen pies. Monitor the pie closely and don’t let it sit out too long.
Oven Thawing
For quick thawing, you can use your oven’s lowest heat setting:
- Preheat oven to 200°F.
- Unwrap pumpkin pie and place on oven-safe dish.
- Warm in oven about 30 minutes, until thawed.
- Check frequently to prevent overcooking edges.
Oven thawing speeds up the process, but can dry out the pie edges if not monitored closely. Only use the oven method for frozen pies, not refrigerated.
How Long Does Homemade Pumpkin Pie Last in the Fridge?
Freshly baked, homemade pumpkin pie has a shorter shelf life than a packaged pie from the store. Here is how long pumpkin pie made from scratch will last:
- Whole uncut pie: 2 to 3 days in fridge.
- Cut pie: 3 to 4 days covered in fridge.
- Frozen pie (unbaked): 2 to 3 months.
The main factors shortening homemade pie’s shelf life are lack of preservatives and higher moisture content. Store any uneaten portions wrapped in plastic in the fridge.
Tips to Extend Homemade Pie’s Shelf Life
To maximize freshness of your homemade pumpkin pie, follow these tips:
- Use a high-quality recipe from a trusted source.
- Chill pie dough before rolling for flakier crust.
- Make sure pumpkin puree is smoothly blended.
- Use pasteurized eggs for safety.
- Brush egg wash on crust before baking for golden browning.
- Check pie is set in middle before removing from oven.
- Cool pie completely before refrigerating.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking.
Implementing proper food safety and preparation methods when making your pie will give you a fresher, longer-lasting dessert.
How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last in the Freezer?
To extend its shelf life even longer, freeze leftover pumpkin pie for enjoying later. Here’s how long it lasts frozen:
| Type of Pie | Freezer Life |
|---|---|
| Unopened store-bought pie | 2 to 3 months |
| Sliced store-bought pie | Do not freeze |
| Homemade unbaked pie | 2 to 3 months |
| Homemade baked pie | 1 to 2 months |
The freezer will pause the countdown clock on your pie’s freshness. For best results, wrap whole pies tightly in plastic and foil before freezing.
Tips for Freezing Pumpkin Pie
Follow these tips for freezing pumpkin pie to maintain quality:
- Double wrap pies in plastic wrap and foil.
- Seal in an airtight freezer bag or container.
- Label package with type and date.
- Freeze whole, uncut pies only.
- Use within recommended timeframe.
- Thaw overnight in fridge before serving.
With proper freezing methods, you can enjoy frozen pumpkin pie that tastes freshly made. Store-bought or homemade, frozen pie can be a delicious fall dessert even months after Thanksgiving.
Conclusion
When stored properly in the refrigerator, an unopened Libby’s pumpkin pie typically stays fresh for 2 to 3 days past the printed “best by” date. Once cut, the shelf life decreases to just 3 to 4 days. Be sure to monitor refrigeration temperatures, check for signs of spoilage, and follow guidelines for thawing if freezing. With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy every last slice of your pumpkin pie without having to worry about wasting any of this tasty seasonal dessert.