Does Pecan Pie Need to Be Refrigerated? (2024)

FAQs

Does Pecan Pie Need to Be Refrigerated? ›

According to the USDA, homemade egg-rich pies, including pecan pie, must be refrigerated after cooking and cooling to prevent the growth of bacteria. They recommend chilling pies promptly, and as a general rule, not leaving food at room temperature for more than two hours.

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 USDA recommends all pies rich in eggs and custard to be refrigerated after they've cooled. This includes pumpkin pie, lemon meringue pie, banana cream pie, and, yes, pecan pie.

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.

If going by the USDA rules about "egg-rich" pies, you should still refrigerate a pecan pie from Costco. Some pies contain preservatives, including the Costco pecan pies (though their pumpkin pies claim to be preservative-free.)

Information. 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.

Don't worry, you can leave your pumpkin pie out on the table while you linger over dessert. The FDA's official stance is that homemade pumpkin pie can sit out for up to two hours.

The Best Way to Store Leftover Pie

Whether you store your pie in the fridge or on the counter, keep it well wrapped with foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, cover the pie plate with an overturned bowl—a particularly handy way to protect the pie while leaving its top undisturbed.

Keep frozen until ready to use. Do not refreeze if completely thawed. Cover and refrigerate unused portion for up to 3 days if thawed. Marie's Serving Tips: To slice pie after thawing, use a knife that has been moistened with warm water.

Why are store bought pies not refrigerated? ›

Store-bought pumpkin pies include shelf-stable ingredients such as preservatives which allow them to last longer, even at room temp.

We recommend storing Pumpkin and Pecan pies at room temperature for same-day use. For overnight storage, refrigerate pies in the box they came in. Reheat in 300 degree oven for 15 minutes. Let rest for 30 minutes before serving.

Apple and other fruit pies will last at room temperature for up to two days, then in the fridge for two more. Pumpkin, custard, or other egg/dairy-based pies can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.

The pie filling will settle as it cools. Slice and serve pie warm or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or ice cream. Cover and store leftovers at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.

If the apple pie was store-bought at room temperature, then the pie can remain on the counter, covered properly until the sell-by date. "Afterwards it should be stored in the refrigerator," adds Tiner. "Likewise, if the pie was purchased refrigerated, then store the pie in the refrigerator."

If a savory pie has dairy, eggs, or meat, it must be refrigerated. So wrap up that chicken pot pie or egg-based Zucchini Pie to store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to two to three months.