Most egg-rich pecan pies should not be left out at room temperature.

Native to North America,pecans aredeeply beloved by Southerners.

And a classicpecan pieis the perfect partner to pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Best Pecan Pie

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The syrupy, nutty pie is the ideal fall dessert, served hot or cold.

But where should you store this sweet treat?

Can it be left on the counter?

German Chocolate-Pecan Pie

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Should it be refrigerated?

Can you freeze pecan pies?

Unlike fruit pies, pecan pies' storage requirements aren’t super flexible.

Southern Living Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie sliced on plates to serve

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Here’s what you better know.

Where Should You Store Pecan Pie?

This is a dessert that is best stored in the fridge or even the freezer.

Pies that contain dairy should be refrigerated as well.

But your pecan pie should not sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours.

When Should You Refrigerate Your Homemade Pecan Pie?

You should never put a piping hot pie directly into the cold, like the refrigerator or freezer.

After yourpecan piehas finished baking, let it cool on the counter or a wire rack.

Then, cover it lightly with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place it in the fridge.

This will not only allow the filling to set but also heed food safety rules.

How Long Does Pecan Pie Last?

If the pie looks or smells off, you should throw it out.

Can You Freeze Pecan Pie?

If youre freezing an already refrigerated pie, skip this step.

Assembled Pecan Pie

Place your pie in the freezer until it has frozen solid.

To freeze the filling, line a pan with plastic or foil and pour in the filling.

Place it in the freezer until the filling has frozen solid.

Let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes or so before serving.

If you want to serve your thawed baked pecan pie warm, heat your oven to around 350.

Bake the pie for around 20 minutes, then let it rest for half an hour before serving.

Let it rest before serving.

Appease your cravings with these delicious pecan pie recipes.

With both classic and unique variations of the traditional pie, these recipes are sure to impress.

Many traditional Thanksgiving pies freeze just as well as pecan.

These include pumpkin and sweet potato.

Fruit pies, likeapple,cherry,blueberry, andpeach, also freeze very well.

Additionally, meringue pies do not freeze well.

Additionally,meringue ismade of whipped egg whites and sugar.

Egg whites canturn rubberyonce frozen.

Chiffon pies, which contain both dairy and egg whites, also dont freeze well.

AskUSDA.What is safe storage for pecan pie?Published July 3, 2024.

University of Illinois Extension.Do I Need to Refrigerate the Pie?Published November 22, 2019.

Haraminac E.Cooling hot food, do it right to prevent bacterial growth.

Published January 26, 2017.

Geiger M.Storing Pumpkin and Pecan Pie Refrigerate or Not?Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Published November 22, 2022.

Nichols J.Tips for freezing homemade pies.

Published December 5, 2017.

Zepp M.Freezing Pies and Pie Fillings.