Find out how to store your pecan pie, whether it's freshly baked or store-bought.
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Bailey Fink is a devout home cook and assistant editor at Allrecipes. She has written over 200 stories covering everything from cooking methods and storage techniques to grocery shopping on a budget, how-to guides, product reviews, and important food-related news.
Updated on October 4, 2023
Sometimes pie can be confusing. You might be wondering if pecan pie needs to be refrigerated, especially if you've just pulled it out of the oven and you're not sure what to do with it next. Or, if you got a great deal on a store-bought pie, but you don't need it for a while and you're not sure how long it will last, we get it. What to do? No one wants to screw up a holiday meal, especially by making your guests sick from improperly storing your food. But don't worry: Read on to find out how to store pecan pie and how long it will stay fresh.
Does Pecan Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes. Because pecan pie is an "egg-rich" pie, the USDA recommends you store it in the fridge after it has cooled. Unless you plan on serving the pie within two hours of baking, it shouldn't stay out at room temperature. But be sure the pie is cool before sticking it in the fridge or else the filling can crack and ruin your presentation.
Other pies that fall into the "egg-rich pie" category include pumpkin, lemon meringue, and custard pies, which means they all need to be stored in the refrigerator as well. This is true for both homemade and store-bought pies. Even though store-bought pies can have preservatives in them, you should store all pecan pies in the fridge.
How Long Can Pecan Pie Be Left at Room Temperature?
Pecan pies can stay on the counter for up to two hours before they need to be refrigerated, according to the FDA. After two hours at room temperature, your food is at risk for harmful bacteria growth. The FDA recommends you store foods at or below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).
How Long Does Pecan Pie Last?
The USDA says that pecan pies will stay fresh for about three to four days in the refrigerator. Some store-bought pies may have preservatives that extend how long they last, so you can ask your local bakery for their recommendation. But three to four days in the fridge is a good general rule to follow.
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How to Store Pecan Pie
If you purchase a store-bought pecan pie, you can simply place it in the refrigerator when you get home — either in the box it came in or loosely wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.
To store a freshly baked pecan pie, remove it from the oven and let it cool for up to two hours. Once it's cool, loosely wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil — don't wrap it too tightly or it can ruin the shape and texture of the pie. Store the wrapped pie in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Once you're ready to eat the pecan pie, you can serve it cool from the fridge or reheated. You can reheat it in the oven at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 15 minutes.
If you won't eat your pecan pie within a few days, it doesn't have to go to waste. You can freeze the entire pie, or even individual slices, wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator and serve.
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