Does Pecan Pie Need to be Refrigerated?

Pecan Pie Storage Recommendations

Pecan pie does not need to be refrigerated, but refrigeration will extend the shelf life of pecan pie.
To extend the shelf life of pecan pie, place a cover on the pie and place it into the refrigerator. Never cover a warm pie.

If a pecan pie will be used within 1 to 2 days, counter storage is just fine.
If the pecan pie should last for 3 to 5 days, refrigerate the pie.
If the pecan pie was made for future use, then freeze the pie for up to 3 months.
(See the directions below to successfully freeze a pecan pie.)

Which storage tastes best?
Most people prefer to eat pecan pie at room temperature or warm. Served cold, the filling is a bit thick and gunky. Our recommendation is that if a pecan pie will be used the current day or the next day to simply store it on the counter. It can be lightly covered if left out for more than the current day, but be sure that it is completely cooled before attempting to cover. If a pecan pie has been refrigerated, remember to bring the pie back to room temperature before serving for best results.

What about a store bought pie?
If the pie was purchased boxed on a grocery shelf, then it most likely contains preservatives. These pies can remain safely on the counter until a few days after their best-by date with acceptable quality. This date can be extended for a few more days if the pie is instead placed into the refrigerator for storage.

How should an un-baked pecan pie be stored?

We always say that a dish expires at the rate of the quickest expiring ingredient within that dish. So, let’s break down pecan pie. Nuts do not need refrigeration, syrup does not need refrigeration, sugar does not need refrigeration, flour does not need refrigeration and neither does oil. The only questionable item in a pecan pie is the eggs. Typically foods that contain eggs need refrigeration, but in the case of baked pecan pie the eggs are cooked and preserved with all the sugars.

Think of it this way – chocolate chip cookies do not need refrigeration, but the cookie dough with raw eggs does need to be refrigerated. Likewise, if storing an unbaked pecan pie, it must be refrigerated until baked. To store an unbaked pecan pie it is best to store the filling and the crust separately in the refrigerator and combine them just prior to baking.

To Freeze Pecan Pie

For long term storage, pecan pie can be frozen. For best results, wrap the pie in plastic wrap (whether whole or a slice) and then wrap it again with more plastic wrap before wrapping it yet again with aluminum foil. It can then be placed into the freezer for up to 3 months without any ill effects. Be sure to thaw a frozen pecan pie in the refrigerator overnight and then on the counter for another at least 30 minutes before serving.

To Re-heat Pecan Pie

Do not attempt to cut into a freshly baked pecan pie until it has cooled for a least 2 hours. If cut sooner, the filling will not have time to set and will just run all over the pie plate. If pecan pie is preferred warm, it can be re-heated as follows after it has reached room temperature.

A refrigerated pecan pie can be warmed in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes in the original pie plate. Remember to allow a refrigerated pie to sit on the counter for about 30 minutes while the oven is pre-heating. Re-heating will restore a crispness to the crust and pecans.