Does pumpkin pie go bad?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question “Does pumpkin pie go bad?”, and tell you how to spot spoiled pumpkin pie. We will also discuss its shelf life and how to store it properly. We will also tell you if you can freeze pumpkin pie.
Does pumpkin pie go bad?
Yes, pumpkin pie does go bad if not stored properly. Generally, store bought pumpkin pie that you buy from bakeries lasts longer than homemade fresh pumpkin pie as commercially manufactured pumpkin pie has preservatives added to it. They make it last a bit longer however it can go bad as well so it is advisable to not consume it after a certain amount of time.
How to tell if pumpkin pie has gone bad?
First thing you can do to check if pumpkin pie has gone bad is to smell it. If the smell seems off or rancid then your pumpkin pie has gone bad.
Next, look for any discolorations or changes in the texture of the pumpkin pie. Look for any growth of mold as well as it can also appear as blue-greenish spots. If you see any mold, then discard the pumpkin pie immediately.
Sometimes when everything else looks fine, you can tell if the pumpkin pie has gone if it tastes weird or bad. You should throw this pumpkin pie away as it is a sign of spoilage.
What is the shelf life of pumpkin pie?
Store-bought and fresh homemade pies have different shelf lives. Store-bought pumpkin pie can last for up to 4 days past its ‘sell by’ date while fresh homemade pumpkin pie lasts for only 3-4 days when stored properly.
Store-bought pumpkin pie has a longer shelf life due to the addition of preservatives in it. The ‘sell by’ date only tells us the amount of time pumpkin pie will last in its peak quality texture and taste wise. After this time, the pumpkin pie does not necessarily go bad but it might not be as enjoyable.
However, you should always check for signs of spoilage before eating pumpkin pie that is past its ‘sell by’ date.
How to store pumpkin pie properly?
Freshly made pumpkin pie at home should not be left out for more than 2 hours on the counter top. Temperatures between 40 and 140 are called ‘danger zones’ as bacteria start to multiply between these temperatures. So, pumpkin pie should be placed in an airtight container after it has cooled down.
The lid should be tightly sealed back so that air and moisture do not come in contact with it. Place the pumpkin pie in the fridge then.
The store-bought pumpkin pies are more stable. They are placed on the counter top when you go buy them from a bakery and are not refrigerated. The preservatives prevent them from spoiling at room temperature. You can also keep them on the counter top when you bring them back home.
Can you freeze pumpkin pie?
Yes, you can freeze pumpkin pie. Homemade pumpkin pie can last for about 1-2 months in the freezer while store-bought pumpkin pie can last for up to 6 to 9 months in the freezer.
Follow the tips listed below to keep your pumpkin pie in its best quality when you freeze it.
- After baking the pumpkin pie, let it cool and come down to room temperature.
- Use a thin pan for baking to allow for faster and even freezing. Alternatively you can also use a disposable aluminum pan for baking it.
- When it has cooled down, wrap it in a couple layers of plastic wrap. Make sure there are no spaces left open. It should be tightly sealed.
- After wrapping it with plastic wrap, use aluminum foil as the top most layer to avoid freezer burn. You can also use a heavy duty freezer bag for this purpose.
- Place it in the freezer and try not to keep the freezer door open for long as it may cause temperature fluctuations.
Learn how to thaw frozen pumpkin pie here.
Other FAQs about Pumpkin Pie that you may be interested in.
Can I bake my pumpkin pie the night before
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Does pumpkin pie go bad?”, and told you how to spot spoiled pumpkin pie. We also discussed its shelf life and how to store it properly. We also told you if you can freeze pumpkin pie.
Citations
https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-freeze-pumpkin-pie/
