How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last?
Pumpkin pie lasts 3–4 days in the fridge and 1–2 months in the freezer. It is an egg-and-milk custard, so refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooling and never leave it out overnight.
Pumpkin Pie — homemade
shelf life- Store-bought: 3–4 days in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
Pumpkin pie is a baked custard of pumpkin purée, eggs and evaporated milk or cream in a pastry shell. Eggs and milk make the filling moist, protein-rich and low in acid, which is exactly what bacteria need. Unlike fruit pie, it has to be treated like any other egg dish and kept in the fridge.
How to store pumpkin pie
- Let the pie cool on a rack until just warm, then refrigerate it uncovered until cold before covering, so steam does not bead on the surface of the custard.
- Cover the chilled pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap, or use an upturned plate; tight wrap pressed onto the custard pulls the skin off.
- On a holiday buffet, put the pie out for dessert and return it to the fridge within 2 hours rather than leaving it on the table all afternoon.
- To freeze, chill the pie fully, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil, and thaw it in the fridge for about 12 hours.
How to tell if pumpkin pie has gone bad
- Beads or a pool of liquid weeping from the custard, along with a wet, pasty crust.
- A sour or otherwise off smell instead of warm spice.
- Mold on the surface, or a slimy film on the filling.
- A filling that has cracked or pulled away from the crust is only overbaked or drying, not spoiled.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Pumpkin Pie shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade | 3–4 days | 1–2 months | Not safe |
| Refrigerate within 2 hours of coming out of the oven, once it is no longer hot. | |||
| Store-bought | 3–4 days | 1–2 months | Not recommended |
| Pies sold unrefrigerated contain preservatives; they may sit out until the sell-by date, then go in the fridge. Refrigerate once cut. | |||
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Homemade pumpkin pie is made with eggs and milk, and the USDA says it must be refrigerated after baking and cooling. Keep it out no longer than 2 hours. It is safe to eat cold straight from the fridge, or you can let a slice stand for 20 minutes to take the chill off.
Why is pumpkin pie sold unrefrigerated at the grocery store?
Commercial pumpkin pies displayed at room temperature are made with shelf-stable ingredients and preservatives that homemade pies lack. According to the USDA, these pies can be kept out until the sell-by date and should be refrigerated afterwards. Check the label for storage instructions, and refrigerate any pie once it is cut.
Is pumpkin pie left out overnight safe to eat?
No, a homemade pumpkin pie that sat out overnight should be thrown away. It has spent many hours in the temperature range where bacteria multiply in egg custard, and it will not necessarily look, smell or taste different. Reheating or chilling it afterwards does not undo that.
Can you freeze pumpkin pie?
Yes, for 1–2 months at best quality. Pumpkin pie freezes better than most custard pies because the pumpkin fiber holds the filling together. Freeze it fully chilled and well wrapped, and thaw it in the fridge, never on the counter. Expect the crust to be a little softer and the surface slightly damp.
How far ahead of Thanksgiving can I bake pumpkin pie?
Up to 2 days ahead is ideal, which keeps you within the 3–4 day fridge window with time left for leftovers. Bake it, cool it, and keep it refrigerated until dessert. For more lead time, bake and freeze the pie up to a month ahead and move it to the fridge the day before.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit Pie Cooked |
1 week | 2–4 months | 1–2 days |
| Canned Pumpkin Unopened |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 2–5 years |
| Cheesecake Fresh |
5–7 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
| Whipped Cream Opened |
3–4 weeks | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Evaporated Milk Unopened |
Not recommended | Not recommended | 1 year |
| Quiche Cooked |
3–5 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.