Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie? (Yes, If You Do It Right)
It’s that time of year again – pumpkin season and what would pumpkin season be without the mention of pumpkin pie? Blasphemous, that’s what it’d be.
During the fall months, pumpkin pie is one of many treats we find ourselves indulging in during the holidays. You can’t go to a grocery store without having rows of gourds calling out to you. But, let’s be honest, by the mid-way point of pumpkin season, the pie gets a little, well, old.
Luckily, pumpkin pie does tend to freeze amazingly well, so when you find yourself pied-out, don’t toss it; freeze it! This post will teach you how to properly freeze pumpkin pies so they can be enjoyed all year long! Let’s dive in!
Does pumpkin pie freeze well?
Pumpkin pie is one of the few pies that does freeze well, which is great news for those of you who have a few too many slices! In general, most pies don’t freeze all that well because they are filled with runny, water-dense fruits.
Fruit pies don’t hold up very well when frozen and can get really goopy and mushy once thawed. Because pumpkin pie filling is more custardy than a traditional fruit pie, it tends to freeze well if handled and stored properly.
Can You Freeze a Whole Pumpkin Pie?
Yes! You can freeze an entire pie. You will want to bake the pie in an aluminum pie pan if you know ahead of time that it is going to go straight into the freezer. Aluminum pie pans allow for faster freezing and less chance of ice crystals forming.
Make sure to let the pie cool completely. When in doubt, leave it out! You do not want to trap in or create excess moisture by putting a warm pie into a freezer bag.
Once cool, simply wrap the pie tightly in foil (or better yet, vacuum seal it) and place it into a freezer bag – squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing up the bag. Label your frozen pumpkin pies with the date they were placed in the freezer, so you know when to use them!
can you freeze pumpkin pie filling?
Another big YES here! Pumpkin pie filling can be frozen. Whether you choose to make your pumpkin pies with pre-made store-bought filling or go the homemade route, you can freeze either option.
Is It Better To Freeze Pumpkin Pie Before or After Baking?
Our vote is after. If you have the time, it would be best to bake your pie before freezing. That way, there is no chance of accidental thawing and refreezing, which will affect both taste and texture.
If you are in a rush, then freezing before cooking might seem better but we suggest waiting until you do have the time to let it bake. If you decide to freeze it before you bake it, you will want to store the pie shell and the filling separately. We do not recommend freezing unbaked pumpkin pie filling in the crust for later baking.
How To Freeze Pumpkin Pie
The first step in properly freezing a pumpkin pie or pumpkin pie slices is wrapping it in freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn and excessive amounts of ice crystals forming. We recommend a vacuum sealer when it comes to freezing sensitive foods like pie. If you do not have a vacuum sealer, you can wrap your pie or each individual pie slice in cling or plastic wrap several times, followed by wrapping it in tin foil and place it into a reusable freezer-safe bag.
how long does pumpkin pie last in the freezer
Pumpkin pies will last up to six months if frozen properly (as described above). If you vacuum seal it, you’re looking at a 12-month freeze self-life, maybe longer depending on if you use a deep freezer. So when that urge hits in mid-May for a slice of pumpkin pie, you’ll be prepared!
How To Thaw Pumpkin Pie
To thaw pumpkin pie, simply place the pie in your refrigerator for a few hours (minimum of 6 is optimal, overnight is better!) and then serve as desired.
It tastes just like fresh pumpkin pie!
Note: It is not advisable to let frozen pumpkin pie thaw/defrost at room temperature. With the drastic temperature change, weeping occurs, which will lead to an unpleasant mushy textured crust.
how to reheat frozen pumpkin pie
While pumpkin pie is delicious straight out of the fridge, if you prefer warm, you can reheat it in the oven. You’ll want to bake it at 300 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can; you just won’t end up with the crispy crust if you go that route.
Freezing Pumkpkin Pie is Easy & Tastes Great
You can’t go wrong with a pumpkin pie. Whether you make it fresh and eat it or freeze it, the sweet, spiced flavor of our favorite Thanksgiving dessert tastes just as good when it’s frozen. Our tips on how to freeze a pumpkin pie will help you enjoy your yummy holiday treat all winter long without the hassle of making one from scratch every time.
