Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated? (2024)

FAQs

Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated? ›

The short and easy answer: Yes, pumpkin pie needs to be stored in the refrigerator. The USDA advises that all "egg-rich pies" must be kept refrigerated after baking and cooling. Pumpkin pie falls into this category, along with custard, pecan, and meringue pies.

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.

Pumpkin pie has a shelf life of about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. If you've been storing it for longer than that, the taste will definitely disappoint. Whether you're planning a Thanksgiving dinner or just want to make a few pies for your friends, we hope this guide has been helpful and you stay safe.

The Costco pumpkin pie, for example, does not contain any preservatives. Though these pies may last longer, experts recommend that you refrigerate them when you bring them home. “Store-bought pies may have preservatives and other ingredients to make them shelf stable and prevent bacteria growth,” says Susie.

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.

Actually the FDA says two hours is th max for a custard pie like pumpkin. It's absolutely not two days! The main concern is bacteria growth which happens after two hours. Costco pies are sold refrigerated--these are not the pies you get in the grocery store that sit out at room temperature.

Is It Spoiled? If you know a pie has been left out longer than 2 hours, however painful, you should throw it out. If you're unsure of how long it's been out, be cautious of any pie with an "off" smell or appearance, like excessive separation or weeping. Of course, if mold appears, toss that pie.

The USDA advises against leaving food out of refrigeration for more than two hours to avoid the “danger zone,” the temperature range (between 40°F and 140°F) where bacteria grows the fastest. If your homemade pumpkin pie has been refrigerated, it can safely sit at room temperature for up to two hours before serving.

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.

Why is Costco pumpkin pie so cheap? ›

How Costco Keeps Its Pumpkin Pie So Cheap. In their book, David and Susan disclose that Costco's pumpkin pies are only semi-homemade, which helps cut down on costs.

Because pumpkin pies are typically made with a custard filling, which contains milk and eggs, the USDA recommends keeping them refrigerated.

Homemade egg-rich pies such as pecan, pumpkin, lemon meringue and custard must be kept refrigerated after cooking and cooling. Cream and chiffon pies must be stored in the refrigerator. These pies can be kept three to four days.

After baking, pie should be left at room temperature to cool for 2 to 4 hours. Within 4 hours, the pie should then be placed in the refrigerator and covered loosely with plastic wrap. Pie may be refrigerated for 2 to 3 days.

Yes, there is a pumpkin pie temperature that will help you knw if your pie is done. You can test the doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the filling. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the internal temperature of pumpkin pie should be at least 180°F at its coolest point.

Once opened, a can of pumpkin lasts five to seven days in the fridge. It is best to move the leftover purée from the can to an airtight container with a date and label.