How long does pumpkin pie last and should you refrigerate it?

In this article, we talk about how long pumpkin pie (store-bought or homemade), whether or not to refrigerate it, and how to tell if it’s spoiled.

So you have leftover pumpkin pie and you’re wondering how long it lasts or the best way to store it.

Or maybe yours has been in the fridge for a few days, and you want to see if it can still be eaten.

ring a bell?

If so, this article is for you. Let’s get right in.

How long does pumpkin pie last?

Pumpkin pie lasts 3-4 days in the fridge if covered tightly. Since it tastes great cold, there’s no need to reheat it, and you can serve it straight from the fridge. If you need more time, you can also freeze the pumpkin pie.

The 3-4 day shelf life is typical for leftovers and what most recipe bloggers suggest.

If you plan to make the pumpkin pie ahead of time, you can make it 1-2 days in advance. This way, you still have at least two days of storage time.

Again, if you need more than those 3-4 days, pumpkin pie freezes well, so you don’t need to force yourself or your family to eat it all in that short amount of time.

That also means that if you want to save time or have bought a giant pumpkin, you can double the recipe and freeze the second pie for the following week. Or freeze your leftover pumpkin pie filling.

Or, if you have leftover puree, you can freeze that pumpkin puree and bake the pie at your convenience.

Does Pumpkin Pie Need Refrigeration?

Pumpkin pie is a cream pie, so it needs refrigeration. You should let the cake cool at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours maximum and then move it to the fridge. Or, if it’s store-bought, put it in the fridge once you come home with it.

In case you’re wondering, the same goes for open-faced pumpkin puree, the most important ingredient in the filling.

How to store pumpkin pie?

Pumpkin pie should be stored tightly covered and refrigerated. A good lid protects the cake from absorbing any odors from the fridge, while refrigeration keeps it safe.

There are a couple of ways to store pumpkin pie:

• In a tart pan covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• In a food container, which is a great option for storing leftovers.
• On a cake stand. The main drawback to this is that the cake racks are quite tall, so it’s a waste of space in the fridge, and leftovers could dry out a bit faster.

Once again, you should refrigerate the pumpkin pie within two hours of baking or once you get home from the bakery.

If you want to preserve the pie for the long term, it is best to freeze the pumpkin pie.

How do you know if pumpkin pie is bad?

You can tell if your pumpkin pie is bad by checking its smell and appearance. If you notice any kind of mold, which will most likely show up on the stuffing, throw it all away. The same is true if it gives off a “weird” or off aroma instead of the usual sweet, pumpkin smell.

Also, pay attention to storage time. If the cake stays in the fridge longer than, say, five days, it’s probably best to throw it away for safety. It’s better to prevent than to cure.