Pecan pie is more than just a Thanksgiving dessert– it’s also one of the best pies to enjoy with coffee and tea! Too bad we only usually get to have a bite of this delectable dessert during the Thanksgiving holidays.
But what if we tell you that it shouldn’t be the case? What if you have the chance to enjoy your favorite pie all year long? That’s right!
You can easily prepare everyone’s favorite pecan pie ahead of time! But wait, how can you enjoy it all year long? Isn’t it going to go bad even just after a few hours?
Not really because there’s a way on how you can store it for longer! So how do you extend the life of pecan pie? Can you freeze it?
We have amazing news for you
Yes, you can freeze pecan pie, so you can certainly make it in advance.
However, it can be a rollercoaster ride because of its egg-based feeling, which is sensitive to cold temperatures. But as compared to other pies, it won’t turn mushy or watery when then due to its dense texture and low water and high sugar content.
Keep reading to know if you can freeze a pecan pie. When you do, you also learn:
Pecan Pie Freezing Tips You Need To Know
To navigate through the tricky world of freezing pies, here are some additional tips that you need to know:
1. First, don’t cover the pie while it’s still hot.
When you cover the pie while it’s still warm, moisture will form. This may cause crystallization, freezer burn, or worse, spoilage. That’s why it’s essential to let it cool completely before freezing.
2. Place it in a pastry box.
If you have enough freezer space, you can add an extra layer of protection by placing the sealed freezer bag inside a pastry box to prevent the filling from leaking.
3. Skip the toppings.
Exclude dairy toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream when freezing the pie because these, especially ice cream, won’t freeze well.
How Do You Store Pecan Pie In The Freezer?
How you should store pecan pie will depend on what type of pecan pie you have. If you have store-bought pecan pie, you’ll be happy to know that it has a longer shelf life and can last for a few days in the fridge.
On the other hand, a homemade pecan pie doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, so it has a shorter shelf life.
Before you freeze homemade pecan pie, make sure that the pie crust is prepared the right way because improperly prepared frozen and thawed pie crust will be soggy.
How To Freeze Pecan Pie (Step-by-Step Guide)
Whether you plan on freezing homemade or store-bought pecan pies, here are some of the steps that you need to take:
Step 1. Let the pie cool completely.
If you’re freezing homemade pecan pie, place it in a cooling rack and allow it to come to room temperature.
Then, when the crust is already cool to touch, you can transfer it inside the refrigerator to speed up the cooking process.
Step 2. Prepare the pie for freezing.
If your store-bought or homemade pecan pie is already cool enough, you can prepare it by cutting it into slices (if you don’t plan on defrosting the entire pie).
This can also help you save freezer space. If you decided to go this route, you could store the slice in an airtight container like a lunch box.
If you have enough space in your freezer, you can skip this step.
Step 3. Wrap the pie.
It’s a must that you wrap the pie completely to avoid contact with air, leading to freezer burn.
You can do this by covering it with either plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring no open gaps where the air can enter.
If you’re freezing a slice or mini pies, make sure to cover those individually.
Step 4. Place the wrapped pies in an airtight container.
You can place the wrapped pies inside a freezing bag as an extra layer of protection from cold air.
Remove excess air before sealing the bag tightly.
If you don’t have a freezer bag that is big enough to cover your pie, you may want to wrap it tightly with an extra layer of cling film or aluminum foil.
Step 5. Label and freeze.
Label the bag with the current date so you can determine how long the pie is already in the freezer.
Then, lay the freezer bag flat inside your freezer.
How Do You Defrost A Frozen Pecan Pie?
Now that you already know how to freeze pecan pie, the next question will be—how do you thaw it? Here are two ways on how to defrost it:
Method #1: Defrost In the Refrigerator
This method is recommended if you have enough time to prepare the pie.
The first thing you need to do is to check if the filling is still intact. If it leaks, arrange the filling and bring it back inside the crust, as this may cause the pie to become soggy during the thawing process.
Rewrap the pie and place it inside the fridge and allow it to thaw overnight.
Method #2: Reheat In The Oven
If you don’t have time to spare, this is the method to try.
First, remove the pie from the freezer.
Next, unwrap it and leave it at room temperature for around 10 minutes—Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Afterward, bake the pie for 10 minutes or until it’s already warm and crispy.
FAQs
In Summary
Pecan pie is a delicious and healthy snack and a perfect tea pairing. It’s also a definite must-have dessert in the Thanksgiving table, so it’s always a good idea to make ahead of time.
But can you freeze a pecan pie? Yes, it’s one of the best pies for freezing. But of course, you need to make sure that you prepare it properly for freezing to prevent texture and flavor change, and spoilage.
You could do that by following all the tips we’ve shared with you in this article.
Up Next: Can You Freeze Half and Half in Ice Cubes and The Carton?
