Going Beyond Pumpkin Pie Going Beyond Pumpkin Pie (2024)

FAQs

How long should pumpkin pie cool before refrigerating? ›

Let the pumpkin pie cool at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Once the pumpkin pie is cool to the touch, loosely wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the pumpkin pie in the refrigerator and store it there for up to 4 days.

If properly wrapped—that is, loosely covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap—a freshly baked pumpkin pie keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Homemade pie that has been left out for longer than two hours should be thrown away. If you left any pumpkin pie out for too long, don't be tempted to roll the dice.

"You can tell it is done when the edges are set and the center has a little jiggle to it," explains Luck. "Remember, when you remove it from the oven it will continue cooking as it rests and cools down."

5. Not letting your pie cool completely. Cool your pumpkin pie at room temperature for at least a few hours. Any shorter and the pie won't hold its shape when sliced.

Store in the fridge.

If the pumpkin pie is still warm when wrapped or covered, condensation may occur, leading to a soggy crust. Avoid a soggy crust by placing the pumpkin pie in the refrigerator uncovered, then wrapping it.

Most pumpkin pies that are commercially produced, like those you would buy at the store, are shelf stable because they have been cooked at a higher temperature. They also typically contain preservatives and producers have carefully controlled the acidity of the pie to reduce risk of bacterial growth.

If a pie contains eggs or dairy products, it should be stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Pies that do not contain dairy products, such as fruit pies can be stored, loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days.

David advises, “Baked pumpkin pie or other pies containing eggs and/or dairy such as pecan, custard, or chiffon pie should be stored refrigerated; they'll keep in the fridge for three to four days.

If you're at all concerned about the freshness of your dessert, here's how to tell if your pumpkin pie is bad or spoiled: Look for any “off” smell or appearance. It should go without saying—if mold appears, toss that pumpkin pie.

Are Costco pumpkin pies good? ›

Costco's pumpkin pies are wildly popular and wildly delicious, and at the unbeatable price of just $5.99, it's not hard to see why they are one of the top holiday items at Costco. In their research for the book, David and Susan did a deep dive into the Costco pumpkin pie.

Allow the pie to cool for 2 hours, or until it feels around room temperature to the touch. Wrap loosely in plastic wrap or pop into a pie plate with a lid. Place the pumpkin pie into the refrigerator. Enjoy within 4 days.

Note that if your test determines an undercooked pumpkin pie, return it to the oven and bake a few minutes longer before testing it again.

Same goes for testing a pumpkin pie for doneness. Insert your knife into the edge of the filling, and, if the pie is baked through, the knife will come out moist but clean.

So just how long does a pie take to cool? For most pies, the magic number is 4 hours.

Out of the oven, cooling is another important step to ensure your pumpkin pie is done. Always cool the pie completely before slicing. Custard pies continue to cook as they cool; cutting into a warm pie may result in a small landslide of filling instead of a pristine slice.

If you notice liquid on the top of your pie while it's still in the oven or still hot, then it has been overbaked. Just as above, the proteins in the custard have toughened too much, squeezing out the liquid from the filling. If you notice that the pie is dewy when you remove it from the fridge, it's just condensation.