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How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last Before It Goes Bad?

Pumpkin pies are a delicious and popular treat, but can quickly become spoiled if not stored correctly. How long does pumpkin pie last before it goes bad?

It’s very likely you’ve baked too much pumpkin pie, so how long does it stay good so we can eat all of it without worrying too much?

In this article, we will cover all you need to know about pumpkin pies, their shelf life, how to store them, and how to tell when they are spoiling.

Enjoy the read!

How Long Can Pumpkin Pie Last

We will start with a quick table for your convenience:

Pumpkin PieRefrigeratorFreezer
Processed (bought at the store – processed)Up to 4 days to 7 days (1 week)Up to 3 months
Homemade Up to 4 days Up to 1 month
Indicative periods of how long pumpkin pie stays good until it goes bad. Always trust your senses!

Pumpkin pie can last for up to about 4 days to 7 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. It does have a shorter shelf life when compared to other types of pies, such as apple or cherry. The speed at which pumpkin pie goes bad will depend on factors such as how it was baked, temperature, and humidity levels in your storage area. The shelf life is quite low because it’s based on dairy-based products and eggs. You can compare it to the shelf life of cheesecake.

You can make your pie last longer by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Don’t let the pumpkin pie sit out on the counter for too long because this will increase its risk of spoilage. Always try to consume everything within the first 2 days after buying or baking.

We will talk more about storebought pumpkin pie and homemade pumpkin pie.

How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last Bought At The Store

Pumpkin pies bought from the store can last up to 4 days to 7 days after the sell-by date if stored properly. The key to keeping pumpkin pie fresh is to store it in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F and keep it tightly sealed in an airtight container. You can store it for up to 3 months when you freeze it.

Additionally, be sure to check for any signs of spoilage such as discoloration or an off odor before serving the pie, as these are indications that a pumpkin pie has gone bad and should not be eaten.

How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last Made At Home

Homemade pumpkin pies can last for up to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. However, the pies should be eaten within 2 days if not consumed immediately after baking and cooling. To ensure maximum freshness for homemade pumpkin pie, you can store it on a clean plate covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it refrigerated (below 40°F).

The closer you are to day 4, you should check on your pies as they might spoil due to improper storage conditions such as too much humidity or warmth. If you suspect that your homemade pumpkin pie has gone bad, discard or freeze it immediately.

Since homemade pumpkin pies won’t contain as many additives as storebought pumpkin pies, they won’t last very long because they’ll be more vulnerable. In general, homemade pumpkin pies do not last exceptionally long because of their easily perishable nature. That’s why we always say it’s best to consume them within the first 2 days after baking. The leftovers can be frozen.

The above periods are only estimates because they can be applied if the pumpkin is stored in the right way.

How To Store Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie requires some of the following ingredients, not all need to be used in the recipe but they’re just examples:

  • eggs
  • (heavy) cream
  • condensed milk
  • cornstarch
  • pumpkin
  • dairy-based products
  • frostings

Some even use canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree from the store, there are a lot of possibilities here.

The point is that your pumpkin contains ingredients that are very perishable, resulting in a short shelf life of about 4 days for your pumpkin pie.

Always store the pie in the refrigerator. That’s the best place for your pumpkin pie if you want a longer shelf life. Don’t let it sit out on the counter if it’s not needed. From the moment you can, place the whole pie on a plate covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or in multiple airtight containers.

You should keep it safely away from external threats like heat, moisture, air, bacteria, direct sunlight, and so on. The best way is to store it in an airtight container, sealed tight, and in the refrigerator.

On its own, pumpkin is a very perishable and vulnerable product because it’s dairy-based and contains eggs. Pumpkin pie can be topped off with different frostings or finishing touches, making it even more vulnerable and difficult to store for a long time.

How To Store Unrefrigerated Pumpkin Pie

Unrefrigerated pumpkin pies can last up to 2 days at room temperature, so long as the environment is cool, dry, and does not exceed 80°F. To keep your pumpkin pies fresh for as long as possible, store them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Make sure to place them on a flat surface away from direct sunlight and any heat sources such as an oven or stovetop.

You should also check regularly for signs of spoilage such as discoloration or mold growth before eating the pie. If there are any signs that it has gone bad, discard it immediately to avoid food-safety issues.

Always try to consume within the first 2 days. The best place for your pumpkin is the refrigerator.

How To Store Refrigerated Pumpkin Pie

Refrigerated pumpkin pie can last up to 4 days if it’s stored correctly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly and placed in the refrigerator. To ensure it doesn’t spoil faster, be sure to store the pumpkin pie away from any other foods that have a strong scent as this can affect its flavor or other external threats like heat, air, sunlight, moisture, and bacteria. The temperature of the fridge should always be set at 40°F (4°C) or just below.

How To Store Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Homemade pumpkin pies should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure that the pie does not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. Wrap any leftover slices of pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in an airtight container to shield it from external threats.

Try to consume everything within the first 2 days and freeze the leftovers if there are any.

Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie

Yes, you can freeze pumpkin pie but the question is should you?

Consider the capacity of your freezer as it probably isn’t endless and is often used as an easy “solution”. Freezing also means thawing and thus deciding when you should eat in the future.

As you can see in the table, storebought pumpkin pie can last up to 3 months, while we find it risky to freeze homemade pumpkin pie for longer than 1 month. But it depends from pie to pie.

Try to consume it within the 2 months after freezing to keep 1 month of margin for the storebought processed pumpkin pies and within 1 month for the homemade ones.

To ensure that the pie does not spoil or develop ice crystals, make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Try to do the following when freezing your pumpkin pie:

  • Single-serve portions: freeze your pie pieces separately and store them away like this. Wrap some plastic foil or put them in separate plastic bags in an airtight container.
  • Label it with the correct date and time of freezing. It also helps to write down the date you made or bought them. This requires some effort but will enhance your decision-making when it comes to discarding them or not.
  • Freeze the pies

Let it sit in the container in the fridge overnight when you want to thaw them.

When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator (in the container!) before serving. Keep in mind that freezing and thawing can change the texture of pumpkin pie, so it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture!

You should always do a quick check for spoilage signs.

How Can You Tell If Pumpkin Pie Has Gone Bad

You can tell if pumpkin pie has gone bad by looking for signs of spoilage such as changes in color, smell, or texture.

If the edges show discoloration, sliminess, or spots of mold then it has likely spoiled and should be thrown out.

An unpleasant smell can indicate that the pumpkin pie is no longer safe to eat.

Lastly, a decrease in flavor and an increase in dryness are indicative that the pie is past its expiration date. If you suspect your pumpkin pie has gone bad then it is best to discard it immediately.

The point is to trust your senses on this one and don’t be afraid to get rid of the pie when you still are doubting. As you already know, we on GoodOrGoneBad say it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Enjoy your pumpkin pie!