Freeze Your Pumpkin Pie and Save Precious Time (and Oven Space) on Thanksgiving

Updated on Nov 21, 2018 at 12:40 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Andrea J. Johnson

During the holiday season, eliminate the stress of an overcrowded oven by preparing your pumpkin pie in advance. Because of the rich fat content in both the crust and the custard, a pumpkin pie can remain fresh in the freezer with very little effort. Remember, homemade pumpkin pies require more refrigerator time than a robust fruit pie such as apple since their custard base contains milk and eggs. While the FDA says you can store a fresh-baked pumpkin pie on the counter for a couple hours and in the refrigerator for two to four days, freezing the pie will ensure freshness without worry of spoilage. Follow our easy five-step guide, and discover how to store your pie in the freezer for up to 30 days!

Place the Pie in a Disposable Aluminum Pan

The thinner vessel will allow the dessert to freeze faster and reduce the buildup of ice crystals on the pie's surface, which can ruin taste and texture. A disposable pan also keeps your fancy glass or ceramic pie pans free for future use.

Let the Pie Cool For Three Hours

Cool the pie at room temperature on a wire rack. Failure to cool the dish adequately allows steam to form under the plastic wrap seal. This extra moisture can ruin the texture of your flaky crust.

Wrap the Pie in Several Layers

Wrap the pie in several layers of plastic until it is tightly sealed. Fold a second outer layer of aluminum foil or newspaper around the dessert and tape the edges for extra protection against freezer burn and refrigerator odor.

Add a Label and Store For Up to 30 Days

Label the pie with the current date and store on a level freezer shelf until solid. If properly cooled and wrapped, the pie will stay fresh for a month.

Defrost and Celebrate

The day before your celebration, remove the pie from the freezer. Discard the wrappings, and defrost in the refrigerator. Allow the item at least 12 hours to thaw. Avoid thawing at room temperature or in the microwave because these methods cause condensation on the pie. Remember, added moisture will soak into the crust and make the dessert soggy. Ensure the pie remains level in the refrigerator as it defrosts.

Once the item has thoroughly thawed, place the dessert on a decorative plate and let it reach room temperature for serving. If your pie has any dents or blemishes, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and an extra dash of cinnamon make for a delightful cover-up.