How To Cool Pumpkin Pies Safely?

To cool pumpkin pie, place it on a wire rack at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Afterward, you can refrigerate it to speed up the cooling process.

After making your pumpkin pies, pop them in the fridge to finish cooling and keep them nice and cold.

Make sure the refrigerator is set at 41°F (5°C) or colder, except when you’re serving the pies. This helps keep them fresh and tasty until you’re ready to dig in.

Should Pumpkin Pie Cool Before Refrigerating?

Your homemade pumpkin pie will stay safe in the fridge for two to four days. It’s essential to refrigerate the pie promptly after it cools down.

Store it in a sealed container or loosely wrap it in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the refrigerator. This ensures your pumpkin pie stays fresh and delicious for a few days.

For a Pumpkin Pie That Doesn’t Crack, Let It Cool in the Oven

Cooling the pumpkin pie in the oven helps to gradually reduce its temperature, preventing sudden changes that can cause cracks.

This gradual cooling process allows the pie to set evenly and prevents the surface from cracking due to rapid contraction.

You have the choice to mask an unsightly crack by generously applying whipped cream. On the flip side, you could opt for the more straightforward approach of preventing the crack from forming in the first place.

Claire Saffitz, a seasoned pumpkin pie enthusiast and former food editor in the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen, has crafted numerous variations of this Thanksgiving classic.

In her latest baking book, Dessert Person, she brings a well-informed and opinionated approach to perfecting the pumpkin pie recipe.

According to Saffitz, the key to a good pumpkin pie is achieving a custardy texture without it being too dense. She emphasizes that the slices should possess a “slight quiver.” Her recipe is designed to deliver precisely that.

Even if you already have a favorite pumpkin pie recipe, Saffitz offers a valuable tip that applies universally: let the pie cool in the oven. Cooling it gradually in the oven prevents cracking on the top.

This technique, learned from years of baking holiday pies in her parent’s chilly kitchen, counters the temperature shock that can cause undesirable effects on the surface of the pie.

Saffitz refers to this oven-cooling method as a “more gentle way” to cool your pie, a technique commonly employed when baking cheesecakes.

It’s recommended to perform this step the night before Thanksgiving—bake the pie, turn off the oven, prop the door open with a wooden spoon, and let the heat escape slowly.

Concerned about children or pets accessing the oven? Saffitz suggests propping the door open for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow most of the heat to escape.

Then, close the door, leaving the pie to chill overnight, enclosed in the oven. Just make sure to remove it before preheating the oven the next morning.

Additionally, Saffitz advises against refrigerating the pumpkin pie until after slicing. Keeping it at room temperature allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more delicious outcome.

To prevent skin from forming on the surface, loosely cover the completely cooled pie with an upside-down bowl or a silicone lid. Leave it out and enjoy the enhanced taste.

Can You Speed Up Cooling A Pumpkin Pie?

Consider the cooling time indicated in the recipe instructions, allowing several hours for your pumpkin pie to cool and chill after baking.

However, if you’re in a rush, avoid the temptation to transfer the pie directly from the oven to the fridge for a quicker cooldown – this can cause the pumpkin pie to sink. Patience is key to maintaining the pie’s structure and texture.

Can I Leave A Pie Out Overnight To Cool?

It’s not advisable to leave a pie out overnight to cool, especially if it contains eggs or dairy. Pies with these ingredients should be refrigerated and not left at room temperature for more than two hours.

For pies without dairy, like fruit pies, you can store them loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days. Remember to prioritize food safety to ensure your pie stays fresh and safe to eat.

Should You Cover Pumpkin Pie With Foil?

Yes, once your pumpkin pie has cooled entirely, or at least to the touch, it’s recommended to cover it. You can use food-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil for this purpose. This helps protect the pie and keep it fresh when stored.

Can I Put Warm Pumpkin Pie In The Fridge?

It’s not ideal to wrap or cover a slightly warm pumpkin pie directly, as it can cause condensation on the plastic wrap, leading to a soggy crust. To prevent this, you can put your pumpkin pie in the fridge without covering it immediately.

Allow it to cool a bit in the refrigerator before wrapping or covering it later. This helps maintain the pie’s texture and prevents moisture-related issues.