Seasonal & Holiday
Food Protection

How to Store Any Pie

Key Takeaways:

Let Them Cool Down: Let freshly baked pies cool completely before wrapping and storing.
Handle Cream With Care: Always keep cream pies refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Freeze or Don’t: Freezing is fine for fruit and pumpkin, but not for cream pies.
Use the Fridge: Most pies can be refrigerated to extend freshness.
Wrap Individually: Wrapping individual slices will make it easy to enjoy them later.

Whether you're celebrating the holidays, hosting a family gathering, or treating yourself to your favorite dessert, nothing satisfies a sweet tooth like a good old-fashioned pie. Different types of pies have their own storage needs to maintain freshness, flavor, and food safety. Here's how keep them looking and tasting their best.

Cream Pies
- Because they contain dairy and eggs, cream pies like banana cream, coconut cream and chocolate cream are highly perishable. It's important to refrigerate them to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness.
  
  Step 1. Cool:
  
  Allow the pie to cool down completely after baking.
  "Different types of pies have their own storage needs to maintain food safety."
- Step 2. Cover:
  
  Cover loosely with Glad® Cling’n Seal™ Wrap or Glad™ Press’n Seal® Cling Film to protect delicate whipped toppings while sealing in freshness.
  Cling’n Seal™Cling'N Seal
- Step 3: Refrigerate:
  
  Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing, which can affect texture.
Fruit Pies
- Traditional fruit-filled pies like apple and cherry can be stored at room temperature for short periods, but refrigeration helps to extend freshness.
  
  Step 1. Cool:
  
  Allow the pie to cool down completely after baking.
- Step 2. Cover:
  
  For short-term storage (1–2 days), cover loosely with Glad® Cling’n Seal™ Wrap and keep at room temperature.
  
  Step 3. Refrigerate:
  
  For longer storage times, wrap tightly with Glad® Cling’n Seal™ Wrap or Glad™ Press’n Seal® Cling Film and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Fruit pies can also be frozen for up to 4 months (wrap tightly and store in Glad™ Freezer Bags).
  Press’n Seal®Press'N Seal
Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin pies contain highly perishable eggs and milk, so it’s important to refrigerate them after baking.
  
  Step 1. Cool:
  
  Allow the pie to cool down completely after baking.
- Step 2. Cover:
  
  To help prevent moisture loss and protect from fridge odors, cover with Glad® Cling’n Seal™ Wrap or Glad™ Press’n Seal® Cling Film.
  Cling’n Seal™Cling'N Seal
- Step 3. Refrigerate:
  
  Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Pumpkin pie can also be frozen for up to 2 months (wrap tightly and store in Glad™ Freezer Bags).
How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last in the Fridge?
- When stored properly, pumpkin pie can last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Does Apple Pie Have to Be Refrigerated?
- While fruit-filled varieties like apple pie can be kept at room temperature for 1 or 2 days, they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 4 months.
How to Thaw Pie
- To safely thaw a frozen pie, place it in the refrigerator and allow it to defrost slowly overnight. This method keeps the pie at a safe temperature below 40°F (4°C), minimizing the risk of bacterial growth. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can allow harmful bacteria to multiply.
How to Reheat Pie
- While reheating a cream pie is not recommended, you can reheat most fruit pies in a conventional oven at 350°F (177°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Microwaving is also acceptable for individual slices, but be sure to check for even heating.
How to Tell If Pie Is Spoiled & How to Dispose
- A spoiled pie may show signs like mold, an off smell or a soggy, discolored crust. If the filling appears separated or has an unusual texture, dispose of the pie in a Glad Kitchen Compostable Bag and add it to your compost pile or compost bin.
  
  Now you can confidently store any pie. It's all about knowing what variety you’re dealing with. Bon ap-pie-tite!