In short, yes, you can freeze pumpkin pie to enjoy later; just make sure to protect it from air and moisture during freezing to maintain its quality once thawed. Baking it in a disposable aluminum pie pan can help prevent the formation of ice crystals and ensure even freezing.
Pumpkin pie is a holiday favorite and once pumpkin pies start making their appearance, you know the holidays must be around the corner.
The holiday season tends to be pretty chaotic and many home kitchens turn into high-pressure environments of celebratory food production. To avoid the last-minute madness, you can actually prepare your pie well in advance.
Since making pumpkin pie from scratch can be a little time consuming, preparing it in advance and freezing it is the perfect way to avoid holiday kitchen chaos. Simply take it out of the freezer a day before needed and your feast is ready.
Here is everything you need to know about freezing pumpkin pie.
Can Pumpkin Pie Be Frozen?
Whether you want to make it in advance for the holidays or want to keep leftovers that you cannot finish before they go bad, the great news is that you can freeze pumpkin pie to enjoy later.
It is important to keep pumpkin pie safe from contact with air and moisture when freezing so that it maintains a good quality once thawed.
A great tip when planning to freeze pumpkin pie is to bake it in a disposable aluminum pie pan. Whether for mini-pies, or a large pie, these thinner pie casings ensure that the pie will freeze fast and evenly which will prevent texture-ruining ice crystals from forming.
How To Freeze a Pumpkin Pie
Step 1: Cool
After it has been baked, let the pie cool completely on a cooling rack. Freezing pumpkin pie before it has cooled completely will result in the formation of large ice crystals and freezer burn which will ruin both the texture and flavor of the pie on thawing.
Step 2: Portion and Wrap
Once completely cooled to room temperature, cover the pie tightly in double layers of plastic wrap. If you are freezing individual mini-pies, or slices, wrap each portion individually. Make sure that there are no exposed gaps where air can enter.
Step 3: Pack and Label
Place the wrapped pie in an airtight zip lock freezer bag and press out any remaining air before sealing the bag. If you don’t have a bag big enough, you can wrap the pie fully in aluminum foil instead, ensuring that no gaps are left open.
Step 4: Freeze
Label the packaging with the contents and date and place it in the freezer making sure that the pie is not going to get squashed by any surrounding items.
How To Thaw Frozen Pumpkin Pie
Remove the frozen pumpkin pie from the freezer a day before you need it and place it in the refrigerator to thaw slowly. Defrosting it at room temperature may result in a soggy crust.
Serve the pie topped with a dollop of cream or dusted with cinnamon sugar to cover up any marks created by the plastic wrap or aluminum foil during freezing.
Types of Pumpkin Pie
Despite being made largely from a vegetable, pumpkin pie refers to a sweet dessert pie. A single pastry shell is filled with a spiced, pumpkin-based custard filling and is baked without a top crust.
The pie color ranges from orange to brown and spices include cinnamon, powdered ginger, allspice, and sometimes, cardamom and vanilla are also used. A premixed spice mixture specifically for pumpkin pie can be purchased as ‘pumpkin pie spice’.
Due to its popularity, home cooks can now purchase canned pumpkin or premade pumpkin pie filling to speed up the home-bake process. Similar pies are also made with sweet potato and butternut squash fillings.
FAQs
How long does pumpkin pie last?
Homemade pumpkin pie lasts for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, whereas, commercially-made pumpkin pie may last longer due to the addition of stabilizers and preservatives.
How long can pumpkin pie be frozen?
Baked pumpkin pie is best eaten within a month of freezing to get the best quality, however, it can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Can you freeze pumpkin pie before baking it?
Yes, pumpkin pie can be frozen before baking, however, baking the pie first is recommended for the best quality. You can freeze pumpkin pie filling separately as well. Always bake the pie crust from frozen and do not thaw it first.
Can you refreeze pumpkin pie?
If the baked pie has already been frozen and thawed, do not refreeze it as the texture and flavor will deteriorate and the chances of harmful bacterial growth are heightened. However, if the pie was frozen raw and then baked, it can be frozen after baking.
Can you freeze a pumpkin pie that’s already been baked?
Yes, you can freeze a pumpkin pie that’s already been baked. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Conclusion
Now that you know you can prepare your pie for the holidays a month in advance, there is no reason not to have it ready for the celebrations this year. Remove it from the freezer a day before you need it to give it plenty of time to thaw.
Holiday catering just got a whole easier, so this year, you can sit back and enjoy the party with everyone else.
As a qualified Holistic Nutritionist, Helga has also combined her passion for good food and healthy living in wellness coaching. After years practicing in the catering and hospitality industries, Helga now focuses on sharing her knowledge and experience with others through writing about food tips, cooking advice, wellness, global food trends, and travel.
