Apple pie is a great dessert to have when the holidays come around. An issue arises, however, when you realize you do not have enough space in your refrigerator or freezer to store your apple pie because you will have a lot of holiday foods in your refrigerator and freezer to take to different holiday celebrations. You wonder if the apple pie needs to be kept in the refrigerator or if you can keep it out on the counter.
An apple pie does not necessarily need to be refrigerated. An apple pie does not need to be refrigerated if it is kept whole and covered. It can also stay out at room temperature if it just contains sugar. If the pie has been uncovered, cut or is made with custard, cream, or an egg filling, it should be kept in the refrigerator in order to prevent spoilage.
Continue reading to learn more about refrigerating apple pie as well as the best ways you can choose to store your apple pie.
How Long Can an Apple Pie Sit Out?
When left out at room temperature, apple pie can last for approximately two days before it needs to be moved to the refrigerator. This is only if the pie has not been opened and cut. The pie also needs to be kept in an airtight container. If the pie has been opened and cut, it will only last for a few hours at room temperature.
Do You Need to Refrigerate an Apple Pie?
You do not necessarily need to refrigerate an apple pie. When left unopened, an apple pie can sit out at room temperature for approximately two days before it needs to be placed in the refrigerator. If the pie is made with custard, cream, or egg filling, it will need to be refrigerated in order to keep it from spoiling.
When the pie has been opened and cut, it needs to then be stored in the refrigerator as it will spoil faster if left out in this condition.
What is the Best Way to Store an Apple Pie?
There are many ways that you can choose from to store your apple pie. There are those who choose to leave apple pie out on the counter, and those who place the apple pie in the refrigerator. It is also possible to store your apple pie in the freezer. Each of these have different lengths of time in which they will keep your apple pie fresh.
Counter
Choosing to leave your apple pie on the counter means that the pie will be sitting out at room temperature. This is a perfectly fine place to store your apple pie. It is important to note, however, that an apple pie will only stay good when kept at room temperature if it is left unopened.
If it is left in this way, the pie can sit out for two days before it will need to be moved to the refrigerator.
Fridge
The refrigerator is the most common place to store apple pie. If you have opened and cut your pie, this is the best place to store it in order to keep it fresh. You want to keep the pie in an airtight container. Using this method, your pie will last for approximately two days before it begins to spoil.
Freezer
You want to make sure the pie is completely cooled before storing it in the freezer. You will want to wrap the pie in two layers of plastic wrap and one layer of aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe airtight container. This helps to keep the pie fresh.
When kept in the freezer, the apple pie can stay good for up to three months. You will want to thaw the pie before eating it.
Final Thoughts
Apple pie is a staple dessert in many holiday get-togethers. While apple pie can sit out at room temperature for a period of two days, you will need to transfer the pie to the refrigerator once this period has ended.
Apple pie can last in the refrigerator for two days, and it can last in the freezer for up to three months. You do not want to eat spoiled apple pie as it can make you sick. It is best to throw away spoiled apple pie.
