Besides perhaps the roast turkey and gravy, arguably the most important part of any Thanksgiving menu is the dessert—and pecan pie is up there at the top of the list of best pie recipes of all time. Just ask Ree Drummond, who says it's at the "very top of my all-time favorite pies on this earth!" But what if you make your pecan pie a few days before the big feast—can you leave it out on the counter overnight? Or does pecan pie need to be refrigerated? And what should you do with the leftovers (if there are any)? Read on to find out!
When you're thinking about food storage, think about what ingredients you've used. Pecan pie is made with a decadent mixture of sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, butter, eggs, and of course lots of pecans! According to the USDA, any pie that is egg-rich (such as pecan, pumpkin, lemon meringue, and any custard pie) must be kept in the fridge after baking and cooling. The exception here is some store-bought pies, which may contain preservatives that will allow the pies to be left unrefrigerated. However, before you leave a store-bought pecan pie out on the counter, be sure to check with the bakery or store (or check the label for storage instructions) to make sure it is safe.
Refrigerating pecan pie is important for food safety, but it's also the key to getting that perfect slice. After baking, you'll want to let your pie cool completely, then stick it in the fridge to allow the filling to set completely (same rule goes for pumpkin filling, if you're wondering whether pumpkin pie needs to be refrigerated). Just be sure to take the pie out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you intend to serve it so the filling can soften up a little.
Is it okay to leave pecan pie out overnight?
The general answer here is no. Because it is rich in eggs, pecan pie should be refrigerated according to food safety rules (unless you know for sure that your pie contains preservatives that allow it to be left out). Keeping it out at room temperature could leave it at risk for spoiling too soon.
How long does pecan pie last unrefrigerated?
You can leave a pecan pie out of the fridge for up to four hours—just be sure to refrigerate it after that. If you've just baked your pie, be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating—this is also an important step for food safety, as you don't want to put a piping hot pie in the fridge. If you have leftover pie after the big feast, store it in the fridge.
Can I freeze pecan pie?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze pecan pie if you want to get ahead of your menu to-do list. Bake your pie and let it cool completely and then wrap and store it the same way you would freeze pumpkin pie. First, wrap the entire pie three times with plastic wrap and then cover in a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Store flat in the freezer.
To defrost a frozen pie, let it thaw out overnight in the refrigerator. Before you serve it, allow it to sit out at room temperature for a half hour or so to let it warm up. You can also pop it in the oven at 350° for ten minutes. Leftovers should then be refrigerated.
