The Proper Way To Freeze Pecan Pie For The Tastiest Results

Rich, decadent desserts are synonymous with the holidays, especially pecan pie. In fact, pecan pie has become an iconic Southern staple around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Since this dessert can take some time to make, it can be helpful to prepare it well in advance of your festive party. Generally, it will stay fresh for four days when you store it in the refrigerator. Freezing it, though, means you can make and store it a couple of weeks ahead of time.

The first step toward freezing success after making a pecan pie is to set it on your counter until it completely cools. Putting it in the freezer while it's still warm will create extra moisture that turns to ice, negatively affecting the flavor and texture when you thaw it later for serving. In particular, the crust can become soggy. Next, you should wrap the entire pie, including the pan, in multiple layers of plastic wrap first and then aluminum foil to minimize the chances of freezer burn. Make sure no surfaces are exposed, but don't wrap it so tightly that it changes the pie shape. If you don't want to put your glass baking dish in the freezer, consider baking in Hefty® 90810 Ez Foil® pie pans, which are available in bulk online.

Finally, set the pecan pie in the freezer so it rests flat, keeping the filling from shifting to one side before it can fully freeze. Don't put anything on top of it. You can even put it in a pastry box for extra protection.

When serving a prebaked pecan pie that has since been frozen, start by letting it sit in your refrigerator overnight. If you notice any moisture or ice on the wrapping layers, remove those layers or even all of the wrapping first to prevent the moisture from getting into the pie and making it soggy. Then, re-wrap the pie before you put it in the fridge.

The next day, you can serve the pecan pie cold straight from the fridge, or you could let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes to serve at room temperature. If you want the pie to be warm, make sure that it's fully thawed and close to room temperature. Then, for optimal results, put it in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're in a hurry, you can heat it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, but it's recommended to cover it with aluminum foil to avoid ruining the crust.

Whether you serve it cold or warm, one of the top tips for making the perfect pecan pie is to go easy on the toppings. This dessert is so decadent that it doesn't need extras on top, though there's nothing wrong with adding a small dollop of whipped cream. Fresh blueberries and strawberries are also great additions, because they add a tart bite that complements the sweet pie filling while giving the dessert a pop of color. For those with a huge sweet tooth who can't resist toppings, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pair well, too.