After all, it’s a fall and winter favorite that’s far too delicious to waste. The quick and easy answer to this question is yes; you can freeze pecan pie. However, there’s more to it than just popping it in the freezer. Don’t worry, the process isn’t difficult! So before you throw out that leftover pie, take a minute. Check out this article and learn how to freeze and store it for later instead. You’ll thank me when you start craving pecan pie in February.
Can You Freeze Pecan Pie?
Pecan pie is one of the richest, most decadent holiday pies. That’s why so many people love it. However, that’s also why most people have leftovers when the holidays are over. A small piece of pecan pie is easily enough to satisfy almost anyone’s sweet tooth. And when everyone only eats a sliver, there’s often a lot left to go around. Instead of trashing it (or overeating it to keep it from going to waste), freeze it! You need some plastic wrap, a freezer-safe sticker, and a marker to date it. (Though aluminum foil and a pastry box would also be great.) The next section will detail precisely how to freeze your pecan pie for later.
How to Freeze Pecan Pie
Freezing pecan pie takes more than slipping it in a Ziploc bag and popping it in the freezer. Luckily, though, the process is almost that simple, with just a few more steps. The first crucial step is to allow the pie to cool thoroughly. You never want to put hot or warm food in the freezer. Doing so will result in a yucky pie upon reheating. It can also hurt other items in your freezer. Let the pie cool for at least 3 hours before you start the freezing process. Once it has completely cooled, use a generous amount of plastic wrap to wrap it. Don’t just give it a once-over wrapping. Instead, wrap it tightly and securely at least twice or more. This will help ensure other scents from the freezer don’t penetrate the pie and make it funky. It’ll also help guard against spills. And if something rips the first layer of plastic, there’s more underneath. Next, write the date on something and stick it to the plastic wrap. I don’t like to write directly on the plastic wrap. I’m always afraid it’ll soak through somehow. If you have a pastry box, put the pie in that and date the box instead. Finally, place the pie flat in the freezer. It doesn’t need to be at an angle and shouldn’t have anything on top of it. If you follow these steps, the pie should last for 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
How to Freeze Pecan Pie Slices
If you want to make thawing and reheating even easier, freeze slices instead of the whole pie. Freezing slices is just as simple, maybe even simpler, because the slices are easier to wrap. Cut the pie into whatever size slices you prefer. Then, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. Then, double-wrap the pieces in aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe bags. Date the containers, and freeze them upright.
Tips on Freezing Pecan Pie
Here are some tips to ensure your pie is as tasty as possible when you thaw it:
- Freeze portions in sizes you’ll likely want later. If you freeze the entire pie, you’ll have to reheat the entire pie later. And double-freezing a re-thawed pie is never a good idea. (You can try cutting slices from a frozen pie, but that’s not always an easy task.) That’s why it’s better to freeze individual slices or smaller sections of the pie. That way, you can reheat only small amounts at a time. (Freeze approximately however much you and your family will eat in one sitting.)
- Remember to let it cool. I’ve said this already, but you never want to freeze a warm pie. Instead, allow the pie to cool completely before wrapping and freezing it. If you wrap it too soon, the pie is likely to sweat. It can cause ice formation when you put it in the freezer, which can ruin the dessert’s taste and texture.
- Double- or triple-wrap it! Use several layers of plastic wrap, not just one. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil for extra protection. If, as I mentioned above, you have a pastry box, that’s even better!
- Don’t let it stay in the freezer for longer than a month. Technically, you can keep this pie in the freezer for up to 2 months. (Some chefs even say 3 or 4 months are okay.) However, to get the best taste and texture, try to eat it before a month has passed.
- Remember the date. I know it seems like you’d never forget when you froze your delicious pie. But as time passes, we forget things. Adding the date will ensure you always know when the pie first entered the freezer.
- Don’t freeze it with any toppings on. If you like whipped cream or ice cream on your pie, that’s fine. (Hey, who doesn’t?!) But don’t put those things on the pie before you freeze it. Instead, freeze the dessert by itself. When you thaw it up later, you can add your toppings then.
How to Store Pecan Pie
The best way to store pecan pie long term is in the freezer. Use the steps and tips above (or below) for the best results. However, freezing isn’t necessary if you anticipate finishing the pie in a few days. Instead, allow the pie to cool, wrap it in aluminum foil, and stick it in the fridge. If you have a refrigerator-safe, lidded pie pan, you can use that instead. Remember not to leave your pie sitting at room temperature for more than 2-3 hours. It should stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 days.
How to Thaw and Reheat
Whether you’re thawing an entire pie or slices, the process is the same. First, move the pie (or pieces) to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Before leaving it in the fridge, check the pie for moisture. If you wrapped it correctly, it’s likely fine. However, if you do notice moisture, unwrap all but a single layer of plastic wrap. If there’s a significant amount of moisture, you may have to unwrap it entirely. If so, re-wrap it in a single layer of plastic wrap before refrigerating it. The following day, remove the pie from the fridge. Allow it to sit on the counter or table for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and warm the pie on a cookie sheet. Check on it after 10 minutes. It should’ve reached the desired temperature. However, if it hasn’t, put it back into the oven and check it every 3 minutes or so. Remember to check on the pie regularly! You don’t want to leave it too long and overcook it. For individual slices, the oven time will be significantly shorter. You could also heat them in the microwave, though the crust may lose some of its crispness.
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