Pumpkin pie is no doubt one of the best things about fall. And let’s not forget that pumpkin pie is what completes a thanksgiving dinner. However, the idea of enjoying this wonderful dessert whenever you want seems quite dazzling. So you must now be wondering, Is it best to refreeze pumpkin pie?
Refreezing pumpkin pie for later use is completely safe. For leftover pies, make sure you cool them before refreezing. The quality will be affected every time you thaw and refreeze the pumpkin pie; however, it will still be safe to consume. You can store the frozen pumpkin pie for almost six months.
Now that you know it is safe to refreeze pumpkin pie, you might be curious to find out how to refreeze pumpkin pie safely? So wait no more because here is a complete guide of refreezing tips and steps that you are looking for.
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Is it Safe to Refreeze Pumpkin Pie?
Refreezing baked items is not advisable, but you can safely refreeze pumpkin pie if you handle the refreezing tactics and keep an eye on the necessary details.
The crust of pumpkin pie is very rich in fat which makes it excellent for refreezing. Also, the fillings include freezer-safe ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about them getting mushy or spoiled. While refreezing the pumpkin pie won’t make it unsafe to eat; however, the texture will eventually start degrading.
According to research on refreezing food, you can safely refreeze pumpkin pie that has not thawed for too long. Make sure the thawed pie has remained cold at 40 degrees or below for hardly 3-4 days. It is also safe to eat thawed pumpkin pie that is still cold.
Moreover, it is advised to avoid refreezing a pie that has wholly thawed at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it easily gets spoiled and must be discarded immediately.
So, now you know it is perfectly safe to refreeze baked/cooked pumpkin pie when thawed properly in the refrigerator. Also, cooked pumpkin pies tolerate refreezing better and last for a longer time in the freezer.
Refreezing store-bought pumpkin pies are also safe. All you need to do is immediately place the frozen pies in the freezer and don’t leave them at a temperature greater than 90°F for more than an hour.
Just like apple pie, you can also safely refreeze the leftover pumpkin pie that you can enjoy even after the fall has ended. The problem why your leftover pie won’t refreeze well is its overcooking, which turns the custard into breakable pieces and results in the formation of watery pockets.
So, to avoid it make sure you cook pumpkin pie properly and refreeze the individual slices following some of the best possible ways;
How Can You Refreeze Pumpkin Pie?
If you want to enjoy the refrozen pumpkin pie to the fullest, you need to follow these steps cautiously:
- Start by letting the pie thaw slowly in the refrigerator.
- Once thawed properly, start wrapping the pie slices into a plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic wrap tightly and use multiple layers of plastic wrap will minimize their exposure to air.
- After you’ve tightly wrapped the pie slices, put them inside a freezer-safe container.
- Next, label the packaging to ensure that you don’t lose track of how much longer it will be safe to use them.
- Now you are all set to place your pie slices in the freezer for another round.
So, next time you want to eat pumpkin pie, make sure you take out the required slices only. It will not only make it easier for you, but it will also save the unused pie from further degradation.
How Long Can You Refreeze Pumpkin Pie?
It is best you properly prepare pumpkin pie for refreezing and then place it inside the freezer. Baked pumpkin pies can be kept refrozen for almost four to six months. You can also safely store pumpkin pie in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Forunbaked pumpkin pie, you can safely refreeze them for no more than a month or two. After the time limit has crossed, the pie will start losing its texture and taste.
Here, one thing to keep in mind is that the longer you refreeze the pie, the more deterioration of texture occurs.
Can You Refreeze Pumpkin Pie More Than Once?
Pumpkin pie can handle the refreezing process quite nicely; however, it is not recommended to refreeze the pumpkin more than once. It is because when you refreeze an already frozen and thawed pumpkin pie several times, the crust starts becoming soggy.
Moreover, the custard filling might also start breaking apart from constant thawing and refreezing. Therefore, refreezing the pie after the custard has started breaking will only make the situation worse.
Therefore, it is recommended to refreeze pumpkin pie only once.
Things to Know Before Refreezing Pumpkin Pie
Some essential factors to know before refreezing a pumpkin pie are:
- The pumpkin pie fillings contain eggs in their fillings. Pies that have eggs in the fillings tend to refreeze in a much better way.
- If you have frozen the pumpkin pie for too long, the filling might start breaking apart, and the crust may become soggy; when this happens, it’s better not to eat the pie.
- Refrozen pumpkin pie doesn’t taste as good as a freshly baked one. However, a bonus tip is to use a disposable aluminum pie plate when baking it. It would help in the later refreezing process and will avoid ice crystal formation to a greater extent.
Conclusion
Since pumpkin pies refreeze well, you can safely enjoy these treats for up to six months after refreezing. Always remember whenever you refreeze a pie or any other baked product, the quality will start to reduce over time. So refreeze the pie no more than one time.
Refreezing baked pumpkin pie will not only satisfy your craving. It will also spare you some fun time for thanksgiving, which you would’ve otherwise spent baking the pie.
