Now that you’ve baked our Best Pecan Pie, you’re probably wondering: does pecan pie need to be refrigerated? Here’s what you need to know to keep your pecan pie fresh and safe to eat.
For those who haven’t yet made one from scratch, pecan pie consists of a sweet, sticky filling made with eggs, butter, sugar and corn syrup. There are dozens of variations that add in more flavor with ingredients like maple syrup, bourbon, honey, or chocolate. You stir chopped pecans into this filling, pour it into a pie crust and decorate the top with even more pecans—chopped or whole. The pie is baked to cook and set the egg-rich filling.
Here’s what we thought of the traditional pecan pie from The Pioneer Woman.
Does Pecan Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the answer is yes—pecan pie needs refrigeration, along with other pie fillings made with eggs like pumpkin, cream, and lemon meringue. You may be wondering, since the pie is already baked, why not keep it on the counter? The reason is that bacteria can grow rapidly in homemade, egg-based pie fillings when they’re left at room temperature, even after they’re baked. To be safe, don’t allow your pecan pie to sit out for more than two hours. Wrap your pecan pie and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Pecan pie holds beautifully for 3-4 days.
“I always keep my pies refrigerated,” says James Schend, deputy editor at Taste of Home. “I prefer my pecan pie cold!”
Can You Freeze Pecan Pie?
Fortunately, pecan pie can be frozen, which means you will have one less dessert to prepare on Thanksgiving Day itself. Because pecan pie fillings are relatively low in moisture, the filling holds up well to being frozen, and won’t be soggy when you thaw it out. Let your baked pecan pie cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.
To serve, let the pie defrost in the fridge overnight, then place it in a 350°F oven until it’s heated through.
The Best Pecan Pie Recipes We've Made
The Best Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving tradition in my household, and I was on a quest to create the ultimate version—the best pecan pie recipe. I think this one, made with
maple syrup and
bourbon, might be it! —
James Schend,
Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Go to Recipe
Yummy Texas Pecan PieThis ooey-gooey pie's luscious and creamy filling offers that good old familiar flavor so many have come to love! —Laurel Leslie, Sonora, California
Bourbon-Kissed Pecan PieThis rich pie is always on our Thanksgiving dessert table. Find more of my recipes on my blog, A Southern Grace.—Grace Mannon, Abingdon, Virginia
Hazelnut Pecan PieWith a blend of chocolate, pecans and hazelnuts, this pie is top-level tasty. But because so it’s easy to make, you can enjoy it often. Your family and friends will think you worked for hours in the kitchen. Finish it off with
homemade whipped cream. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Praline Pumpkin Pecan PieMy husband and I are not big fans of traditional pumpkin pie, but my mother and others are, so we must have pumpkin pie as one of the desserts at Thanksgiving. I decided to meet everyone halfway with this pumpkin pecan pie recipe and it was a hit. Now I bring it to Thanksgiving every year. My mother doesn't even feel the need to bake her own pumpkin pie! —Emily Reese, Glade Hill, Virginia
Texas Pecan PieI won a blue ribbon for this pie at the Texas State Fair. Since I was in the military for more than 20 years, I didn’t really start cooking until after I retired. Now I enjoy spending my time in the kitchen. And if you can't get enough of Lone Star State recipes with pecans, try these
Texas pecan pralines. —Michelle Shockley, Wichita, Kansas
Caramel-Pecan Apple PieYou'll love the smell in your kitchen—and the smiles on everybody's faces—when you make this scrumptious caramel apple pie recipe. It takes me back home to Virginia, to my granny's table. —Jean Castro, Phoenix, Arizona
Kentucky Pecan PieThis rich, dense Kentucky pecan pie recipe is perfect for your next party. It features a delicious dark chocolate filling topped with plenty of toasted pecans. —Emily Baldwin, Fort Collins, Colorado
Honey Pecan PieLooking for a sweet ending to a special meal? This attractive pecan pie is bound to please with its traditional filling and honey-glazed pecans. I don't think you'll have leftovers, but if you do, here's
how to store pecan pie. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio
Caramel Pecan PieThis is hands down the best pecan pie—it’s so good, it’s scary! I’m making it for Thanksgiving because there will be others around to share it with me. Here’s the trick: Toss the bag of caramels to your kid or spouse and promise they can eat whatever is left after they unwrap your 36 caramels! Need mini pies? Try these
pecan tarts. —Larry Crowder, Grand Blanc, Michigan
Updated: Nov. 21, 2022
