With Thanksgiving less than a week away, and holiday meal preparation keeping families busy, one item families do not want to be concerned about is classic desserts causing foodborne illness, commonly called food poisoning.
“A common food safety question around the holidays is, do I have to refrigerate the pies?"explains Lisa Peterson, University of Illinois Extensionnutrition and wellness educator.
“Well, that depends on the type of pie," Peterson states. "Pies with ingredients typically stored in the refrigerator,or are higher in protein and moisture, give bacteria the ideal environment to grow and become harmful at room temperature."
Pies made with eggs, cream, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, including evaporated or condensed milk need special care. Pumpkin, cream, chiffon, or custard-based pies should not be out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
"Keep in mind, custard and cream-based pies often do not freeze well," adds Peterson.
Foodborne illness causes 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To ensure pies are being stored correctly, read the ingredients in the recipe. If a pie contains eggs or dairy products, it should be stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Pies that do not contain dairy products, such as fruit pies can be stored, loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days. Additionally, to keep the fruit pies a few extra days, they can be stored in the refrigerator.
When discussing the safety of a homemade pumpkin pie, they should be stored in the refrigerator because of the ingredients.
One response Peterson hears when discussing pumpkin pie storage is, “The grocery stores keep their pumpkin and pecan pies at room temperature, why can’t I?” There is a difference between a store-bought pie and a homemade pie, and it has to do with ingredients and processing. Store-bought pies contain preservatives to keep pies safe and shelf-stable. They must also follow compliance with the Food and Drug Administration.
“Pumpkin pie must reach an internal temperature of 180°F at its coolest point to destroy microorganisms, follow good manufacturing practices guidelines, undergo microbial testing, and be labeled with a use-by date," Peterson explains. "Pies can still be prepared before the holiday event; providing they are being stored correctly."
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, pumpkin pie can be kept up to four days in the refrigerator and kept in the freezer for the best quality for up to two months.
Taking extra care to wash hands before preparing food, using a food thermometer, and storing food correctly are just a few ways to prevent a holiday mishap.
Looking for additional recipes or questions about preparing a turkey? Visit University of Illinois Extension website, “Turkey for the Holidays” at extension.illinois.edu/turkey, or get a quick answer by calling your local Extension office.
For those looking to prepare a diabetes-friendly pumpkin pie, try the fluffy pumpkin pie recipe from University of Illinois Extension’s Recipe for Diabetes website. University of Illinois Extension wishes all a happy and healthy holiday season.
For more information, contact Lisa Peterson, University of Illinois Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator at 217-532-3941.
Fluffy Pumpkin Pie |
½ package Jiffy® pie crust mix
½ cup Splenda
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ cup skim milk
1 egg
1 can pumpkin, 15 ounces
½ teaspoon cinnamon | 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1 cup Cool Whip Free® |
- Prepare pie crust mix according to directions. Cool.
- Whisk Splenda, gelatin, cornstarch, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until boils and thickens. Whisk half of the mixture into egg; then back into remaining milk mixture, heating until thickens.
- Remove milk mixture from heat and fold in pumpkin and spices. Cool.
- Fold topping into pumpkin mixture and spread into pie crust. Chill until set.
Nutrition Facts: Makes 8 servings: 142 calories, 7 g. fat, 141 mg. sodium, 17 g. , looking, 2 g. dietary fiber, 3 g. protein |
FAQs
If a pie contains eggs or dairy products, it should be stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Pies that do not contain dairy products, such as fruit pies can be stored, loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days.
How long can pie stay unrefrigerated? ›
How Long Does Pie Last Unrefrigerated? According to the University of Illinois Extension, pies with eggs and dairy will only last about two hours without refrigeration, while pies without eggs or dairy can last for up to two days without refrigeration.
Does store-bought apple pie need to be refrigerated? ›
If the apple pie was store-bought at room temperature, then the pie can remain on the counter, covered properly until the sell-by date. "Afterwards it should be stored in the refrigerator," adds Tiner. "Likewise, if the pie was purchased refrigerated, then store the pie in the refrigerator."
Why are store-bought pies not refrigerated? ›
``The exception is store-bought pies displayed and sold unrefrigerated; these commercially produced pies have shelf-stable ingredients and anti-microbial preservatives added to make them shelf-stable and typically do not need to be refrigerated until cut.''
Is a pie that should refrigerate? ›
Which Baked Pies Have to be Refrigerated? If a pie contains milk, cream and or eggs, refrigerate it. This includes milk and cream in any form -- (no matter what the fat content), buttermilk, sour cream, and cream cheese. Also, refrigerate pies containing evaporated or condensed milk products.
Is it safe to eat pie left out overnight? ›
McDowell says that fruit and custard pies are best eaten within the first 24 hours after baking, but can be stored at room temperature for up to two days—any longer than that, and the crust will start to get soggy.
What happens if you don't refrigerate pie? ›
You should refrigerate any kind of pie with whipped toppings. 1 "If it's not refrigerated, it will begin to wilt, sweat, and spoil," explained Stephens and Wickenden. For the best results, you should wait and top fruit and pecan pies right before serving.
Is it safe to store apple pie at room temperature? ›
How to Store Apple Pie You can store apple pies at room temperature for up to two days and up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Cover the top with a plastic wrap or foil to maintain its freshness and avoid absorbing any scent from the refrigerator.
Does a cherry pie need to be refrigerated? ›
Fruit pies keep at room temperature for two days; you can store them, loosely covered, in the refrigerator for up to two days longer. (In warm climates, always store fruit pies in the refrigerator.)
Should Marie Callender apple pie be refrigerated? ›
need to keep in the fridge some you don't. sure to enjoy within 3 days!
How to Store Apple Pie Once your pie is fully cooled, you can store it at room temperature in a pie dome, cake carrier or airtight container, or wrapped in foil for up to two days. After two days at room temperature, it can go in the refrigerator, where it will last for an additional two days.
Is pumpkin pie ok if left out overnight? ›
How Long Can Pumpkin Pie Be Left at Room Temperature? Your pumpkin pie can safely sit out on the kitchen counter for up to 2 hours, says the FDA. After that, you run the risk of bacterial growth.
Do store-bought pies go bad? ›
For pies from a refrigerated case, use the same 2-hours-at-room-temperature limit as for a homemade pie, and then refrigerate. In the refrigerator, you can safely keep store-bought pies for 2 to 4 days past after their printed date. In the freezer, they last 6 to 9 months.
Does peach pie need to be refrigerated? ›
HOW TO STORE It's fine to leave this pie out at room temperature (covered) for a day or so. Any longer than that, and you'll probably want to refrigerate it. It should keep in the fridge for at least 5 days. It can also be frozen.
How long does cherry pie last unrefrigerated? ›
Cherry pie will keep at room temperature for about 3-4 days. Any longer than that and it should be refrigerated. Cherry pies are very moist so they may start to get moldy after too many days at room temperature. Wrap the pie well and refrigerate it if you plan on keeping it for more than 4 days.
How long do store-bought pies last? ›
In general, store-bought pies last about 2 to 4 days after their printed date in the refrigerator and about 6 to 9 months in the freezer. Pumpkin pies purchased from bakeries likely do not contain preservatives and, therefore, should be treated like a homemade pie (see above).
How long can a baked pie crust sit out? ›
Once you parbake or blind bake your pie shells, let them cool completely; then store in an airtight vessel or bag — an XLarge Ziplock (2-gallon) works well. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. From here, proceed with whichever pie recipe you are making.
Can I leave an apple pie out overnight? ›
The pie will be just fine on the counter, but only for a day or two, at which point it needs to go into the fridge. The sugar and acid in apple pie will slow down bacteria growth in that 1-2 day period, but all bets are off after that.
How long can pie sit? ›
Apple and other fruit pies keep at room temperature for up to two days, then in the fridge for two more. Pumpkin, custard, or other egg/dairy-based pies can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Pie dough can keep for two to three days in the fridge, or up to three months in the freezer.
How long does sweet potato pie last unrefrigerated overnight? ›
Note: Sweet potato pie can be left at room temperature up to two days without refrigeration. Can be refrigerated up to one week and remain fresh.
