How to Freeze a Pie
Updated: Nov. 03, 2020
Need a pie later? Learn how to freeze a pie with these simple steps.
Sometimes, baking for an event takes a bit of planning ahead. Here’s a look at how to freeze a homemade pie in advance—and how to bake it later.
Can You Freeze Pie?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze a pie to enjoy later. However, it’s important to know what types of pies freeze well and which pies should be enjoyed within a few days (or immediately after baking) and stored in the refrigerator.
Freezer-Friendly Pies
We find that fruit pies freeze the best. Find a recipe for cherry pie, apple pie, strawberry pie or blueberry pie and chances are, it will freeze well.
Pies That Don’t Freeze Well
Most custard-, mousse- and cream-based pies typically do not freeze well because the contents separate after thawing. That can create a soggy mess. Instead, these tasty pies can be eaten right away or safely stored in the refrigerator for about four days.
How to Freeze a Pie
Freezing food is simple, and pie is no exception. Follow these simple steps to make your labor of love ready for another day.
Step 1: Assemble
Put together the pie as if you were going to bake it in the oven.
Step 2: Wrap
Place the unbaked pie in the freezer, uncovered, until slightly firm, which will only take about 2-3 hours. Remove the pie from the freezer. Tightly wrap the frozen pie in 2 or 3 layers of plastic wrap, or enough for all sides to be completely covered. Then, place in a large freezer bag and seal it shut.
Step 3: Freeze
Return the wrapped pie to the freezer. For a fresh-tasting dessert, freeze the pie no longer than 2 months.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t forget to label the pie with a date and description!
How to Bake and Serve a Frozen Pie
It’s finally time to enjoy the pie you’ve been (im)patiently waiting to demolish!
Step 1: Prep
Remove the pie from the freezer. Carefully brush off any ice crystals if there are any. Brush the crust with egg wash. (To make egg wash, mix one cracked egg with 1/4 cup water.
Editor’s Tip: Do not thaw the pie, as this will result in a soggy crust and watery filling.
Step 2: Bake
Preheat the oven to the recipe’s specified temperature. Bake as instructed, adding at least 40 minutes to the normal baking time.
Step 3: Enjoy
Carefully remove the pie from the oven. To check if your pie is fully baked, insert a knife about 2 inches deep in the center, remove and carefully feel the temperature of the knife with your finger. Once it’s warm, your pie is ready to cut, serve and enjoy!
Up Next: How to Freeze a Cheesecake
Indulge in These Classic Pies
Chocolate Chess PieThe rich, chocolaty version of this classic southern pie tastes even better with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream on top. If you don't have time to make the crust from scratch, a store-bought pie crust works too.
Apple PieWe recommend Granny Smith, Braeburn, Golden Delicious or Jonagold apples for this winning apple pie recipe. To keep the bottom of the pie from getting soggy, preheat the oven with a baking sheet already inside, then bake the pie on the warm baking sheet.
Creamy Pina Colada PieIf you like pina coladas, then it's time to try the tropical classic in pie form. Serve it cold out of the freezer, or let it sit on the counter for a few minutes for a softer texture.
Peach PieWhen peaches are in season, you can find us making—and devouring—this summertime classic. Add a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.
Peanut Butter Cream PieQuick! You have last-minute guests coming over tomorrow, but nothing for dessert. Luckily, this lightning-fast recipe is ready in just 10 minutes, plus overnight chilling time.
French Silk PieFor extra credit, make your own pie dough from scratch, then pour in the creamy chocolate filling after parbaking. We love this quick and easy classic butter pie crust recipe.
Strawberry Pretzel PieThis sweet and salty flavor combination is irresistible! Save this no-bake dessert for a hot summer day.
Easy Fresh Strawberry PieBehold, our favorite way to use our summer farmers market haul. Each pie has four cups of fresh strawberries inside.
Coconut Pistachio PieWith just six ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen, you can whip up this creamy no-bake dessert. Discover more of our favorite cream pie recipes if you prefer them over fruit pies.
Citrus Cranberry PieIf you're new to pies, making a lattice pie crust might feel intimidating. But with a little patience and practice, your friends will think you're ready to open your own bakery.
Strawberry Rhubarb PieWhen springtime rolls around, we always make sure to grab a bunch of rhubarb from the farmers market. This pie, which also features three cups of fresh strawberries, is our favorite way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
Sugar Cream PieThis velvety pie requires only seven ingredients, thanks to store-bought pie dough. Switch up the texture by baking the filling in a crumb crust instead.
Shoofly PieThis classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert features molasses, brown sugar and egg yolks, with a brown sugar topping. While it's not the actual reason the pie has this name, it certainly has enough sugar in it that you'd have to shoo flies away from whatever picnic you bring it to.
Macaroon Cherry PieYou can find tart cherries at the farmers market for a few weeks every summer. If you see them, stock up to make this irresistibly delicious pie. The coconut and almond topping gives it a wonderful crunch.
Sour Cream Rhubarb PieLook for thin, red rhubarb stalks, then slice them into small pieces to use in this winning pie. If you've frozen some of your rhubarb to last into the winter, you can use that stash in this recipe.
Key Lime Cream PieThis tangy and tart pie is said to have originated in Key West, Florida. With one bite, you'll be transported to the city's sunny shores. For bakery-quality results, pile the whipped topping high, sprinkle it with toasted coconut and dot it with thin lime slices.
Spiced Plum PieIn late summer and early fall, plums will be at their tastiest. Take advantage with this double-crust pie, which is filled with orange zest, spices and heaps of the seasonal fruit.
Contest-Winning Fresh Blueberry PieSeven basic pantry ingredients plus five cups of fresh blueberries yield a seriously easy summer pie in just 15 minutes. Thanks to a sheet of refrigerated pie crust, all you have to do is unroll the dough, bake it in the oven, heat up the blueberry filling on the stove and pour it into the pie crust.
Fluffy Key Lime PieIt doesn't get much easier than this low-fat, four-ingredient key lime pie. Thanks to sugar-free lime gelatin and fat-free whipped topping, there's only 3 grams of fat per slice.
Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato PieBelieve it or not, you can make a pie crust out of biscotti! This decadent dessert also contains coffee, so don't feel guilty if you want to eat a slice for breakfast.
Contest-Winning Raspberry Cream PieThis pie is tasty when made with fresh or frozen strawberries. If you decide to go the frozen route, use them right from the freezer to avoid discoloring the batter.
Buckeye PieThere's no better combination than peanut butter and jelly…well, except peanut butter and chocolate. This pie combines our two favorite flavors in every delightful bite.
Mixed Berry PieIf you don't have fresh berries on hand, you can also make this pie with frozen berries. They may even provide a better depth of flavor. You don't need to thaw them—just let the berries sit for a few minutes on the counter.
Amish Vanilla PieThis sweet and crunchy pie is based on a classic Amish recipe. You'll need dark corn syrup, cream of tartar and nutmeg to pull it off, plus a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it extra special.
Old-Time Buttermilk PieWhile buttermilk pie is a southern classic, its origins may trace back to the United Kingdom. The filling, made with buttermilk, vanilla extract and lemon juice, was often mixed up when there was no fruit on hand.
Spiced Upside-Down Apple PieWhile it might seem like common sense to wait until the pie cools down before inverting it onto a serving pan, don't wait too long. A cold pie will become difficult to remove from the pan.
Chocolate Cream PieCalling all chocolate lovers: It's time to bust out your finest baking cocoa. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra baking cocoa for a professional finishing touch.
Cookie Butter PieCookie butter is sort of like peanut butter's sweet cousin. Instead of peanuts, it's made of mashed-up cookies. Served in a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream, this pie is heavenly.
Lemon Chess PieFor a light, tangy and refreshing dessert, we turn to this nine-ingredient chess pie, which features ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Get extra fancy and top it with candied orange slices.
Huckleberry Cheese PieFresh huckleberries are an Idaho treat, but even if you don't live in the Gem State, you might be able to find them frozen at your local grocery store. If not, blueberries make a delicious swap in this recipe.
Pumpkin Cheesecake PieIt's like pumpkin pie and cheesecake had a delicious baby. Don't skimp on the sour cream topping—it adds an extra tang that really brings the dessert together.
Oatmeal PieWhile it might be tempting to leave the leftovers on the counter overnight, it's best to put this pie in the fridge after it's been sitting at room temperature for about two hours. Be sure to eat the remaining slices within four days.
Peach Blueberry PieWhen peaches are in season, whip out the recipe for this sweet summer dessert. Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. In fact, you don't even have to thaw them!
Butterscotch PieMeringue is one of those techniques that looks tricky, but it's actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Combine egg whites, cream of tartar and sugar, then beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Practice making it with these tasty meringue dessert recipes.
If butterscotch is your favorite flavor, you must also try the Dolly Parton butterscotch pie recipe.
World's Best Lemon PieTo prevent the meringue from "weeping" into the rest of the pie, be sure the filling is still warm when adding the meringue on top. Find more tips on how to master meringue.
Originally Published: January 17, 2020
