I love to eat pumpkin pie, whether it’s the famous Costco pumpkin pie or a homemade variety. But if you’re going the homemade route, you need to know a few important details – such as how long to cool the pie before refrigerating. If you don’t wait long enough, it can spell disaster for your lovely fall dessert.
Pumpkin pie needs to cool for two hours on a cooling rack before putting it into the fridge. Don’t cover it just yet, though. Allow the pumpkin pie to cool and set it inside the refrigerator for an additional two hours, then cover loosely with plastic or aluminum foil.
Howdy, y’all! My name’s Michelle, and I love pumpkin pie – especially on a chilly autumn evening. That said, I have made a handful of pumpkin pies and know exactly how long to cool before refrigerating.
Let’s bake (and cool) some pumpkin pie!
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How Long to Cool Pumpkin Pie Before Refrigerating
Pumpkin pie must be cooled before plopping it into the fridge. Sure, some people might put their piping hot pumpkin pie directly into the refrigerator, but I don’t recommend it. The pumpkin pie will continue to set while it cools. If you try to rush the process, you might end up with a wiggly center.
But how long should it cool before going into the fridge?
Allow your pumpkin pie to cool entirely before going into the refrigerator. This will likely take about two hours (don’t let it sit longer for two hours, according to the FDA). Make sure that your pie is cooling on a cooling rack. This will ensure that the entirety of the pie cools down, not just the top.
Then, place your pumpkin pie inside the fridge – uncovered – for an additional two hours. This will allow the center of the pie to cool entirely without condensation ruining the results. After the two-hour mark, loosely wrap the pie with plastic or aluminum foil.
Why Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Cool Before Refrigerating?
The sole reason why pumpkin pie needs to cool before refrigerating is that the pie will continue to “set” while it cools. If you try to rush this process or disturb it in any way, it can wreak havoc on the final texture of your pumpkin pie (hello, undesirable jiggly center).
Another thing that can ruin your pumpkin pie is covering it too early.
Some articles say to wrap the pumpkin pie before placing it in the refrigerator. However, your pumpkin pie is likely not cooled entirely after two hours at room temp – even though it may be cool to the touch.
Therefore, placing a slightly warm and covered pumpkin pie in the fridge can result in condensation covering your dessert, ultimately affecting the flavor and texture (enter: soggy crust). That said, refrigerate uncovered for two hours before covering it.
How Do You Store Pumpkin Pie After Baking?
Once your pumpkin pie has been baked and cooled entirely, you can store it in your refrigerator (covered) for up to four days.
If you need to store your pumpkin pie for longer, you can also place it in the freezer for up to a month.
FAQs
Cooling your pumpkin pie before placing it in the fridge is essential! And while you know everything you need to know about proper pumpkin pie cooling, I implore you to check out these frequently asked questions. What’s wrong with learning even more?
Should you refrigerate pumpkin pie after it’s cooked?
After they’re cooked and cooled, pumpkin pies should be refrigerated. It cannot sit at room temperature for longer than two hours. At this point, it enters the “danger zone,” in which bacteria can grow rapidly. Always store it in the refrigerator!
Does pumpkin pie get firm up as it cools?
Pumpkin pie firms up as it cools – especially in the center. That’s why it is so important to allow your pumpkin pie to cool at room temperature for two hours before moving it to the fridge for another two hours (uncovered). This will provide the best texture from top to bottom.
Do you have to let pumpkin pie cool before eating?
Pumpkin pie must be cooled before eating as it needs to “set.” From there, you can eat pumpkin pie hot or cold or at room temperature. Remember – there’s no right or wrong way to consume your delicious, homemade pumpkin pie!
Pumpkin Pie Needs to Cool For Two Hours at Room Temp!
When it comes to baking a homemade pumpkin pie, there are two cooling rules to remember. Let the pumpkin pie cool on a cooling rack for two hours. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to cool for an additional two hours before being covered and stored in the fridge.
How long do you let your pumpkin pie cool before putting it in the fridge? Do you have any comments or tips to share with other readers? Share with us below!
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