Apple pie is a quintessential fall dessert – next to pumpkin pie, of course. But if you made too many apple pies for the family gathering, you might panic. Do you have to toss it? Do you have to gorge yourself to eat it within the next few days? Or can you freeze it?
Apple pie can be frozen for up to four months. To do so, ensure the pastry is tightly wrapped using plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can place it inside a pie box for added protection. Thaw on the counter or bake at 425 F for 15 minutes when ready to eat it.
Hello, hello! My name is Michelle, and my second favorite season is fall. I love all the yummy flavors that fall is all about, especially apple pie. As a home baker, I’ve made many apple pies. However, we’re not huge pie eaters in this home, so there are always extras. I’ve discovered how to freeze a baked apple pie, and I’m here to share how to do it.
Need to freeze a baked apple pie? Keep reading to find out how.
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Can You Freeze a Baked Apple Pie?
When you’re strolling up and down the freezer section, you’ve likely seen a frozen apple pie. This gives hope to everyone who’s whipped up a delicious apple pie only to realize they will need to freeze it for later.
While I recommend freezing an apple pie before it’s baked, you don’t always have that option.
Luckily, you can successfully freeze a fully baked apple pie. And it’s not difficult, either! All you’ll need is aluminum foil or plastic wrap (optionally, a pie box).
How to Freeze a Baked Apple Pie
Made too many apple pies and need to freeze one? No problem! Freezing a baked apple pie is super simple. The best part is that it’ll still taste fantastic when fully thawed and/or warmed up.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Allow the Baked Pie to Cool Entirely
Never, ever, ever try to freeze a pie that’s still warm. The added moisture will leave you with a soggy and unpleasant mess.
That said, ensure the pie is cooled entirely before moving to step two. For apple pie, this could take up to four hours.
2. Wrap in Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil
Is your apple pie cooled off entirely? Cool. Then we can move on to the next step – properly wrapping your baked apple pie.
You can use aluminum foil or plastic wrap to wrap your baked apple pie. I prefer plastic wrap because it forms a tighter seal that won’t wiggle and maneuver like aluminum foil. If you’re solely using plastic wrap, make two or three layers for more protection against the elements.
Of course, if you really want to secure your baked apple pie, you can do a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. There’s nothing wrong with a thicker barrier, right?
3. (Optional) Place in a Pie Box
Speaking of barriers, if you want to add another line of defense, place your wrapped pie in a pie box.
This is not mandatory. It is entirely optional.
However, I love the confidence of adding more protection to my pie. After all, the freezer may be a great spot to store things long-term, but it’s also a very dry location that can lead to a dried-out, rock-hard, and yucky pie.
See why I utilize pie boxes?
4. Store For Up to Four Months
Now that your baked apple pie is adequately wrapped, secured, and safe from the freezer elements, it’s time to slide it into the freezer!
Your baked apple pie will remain good and delicious for up to four months in the freezer. However, I always recommend consuming frozen items sooner rather than later. The quality will deteriorate as time goes on.
Also, be extra careful with your baked apple pie. Don’t set anything heavy on top of it, or it will get crushed. And, although it’ll still be 100% edible, it won’t be very tempting to look at.
How to Thaw Frozen Baked Apple Pie
See? I wasn’t lying when I told you it’s easy to freeze a baked apple pie!
But what happens when you’re ready to eat it?
Although I am sure there are some great people out there who don’t mind consuming frozen apple pie, I recommend thawing it or baking it before consuming it.
Option 1: Thaw at Room Temp
There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to eat apple pie. Some prefer it at room temperature, while others enjoy it piping hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you prefer a room temp (or even slightly chilled) slice of apple pie, all you need to do is thaw it at room temperature. This may take several hours, so prepare ahead of time.
Option 2: Bake in the Oven
Do you want your apple pie, and you want it now? Are you an absolute sucker for warm apple pie? Then you’ll be pleased to know that frozen apple pie can be baked directly from the freezer.
To do so, simply follow these instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425 F
- Remove the baked apple pie from its packaging
- Slide the apple pie into the oven
- Bake for about 15 minutes
- Remove from the oven (carefully, it will be hot)
- Set on a wire rack and cool for a few minutes
- Dive in!
The benefit of baking a pie rather than simply thawing it is that it will have the classic flaky texture everyone knows and loves.
FAQs
Freezing a baked apple pie is a cinch, and it’ll taste delicious after it’s thawed or re-baked. But before you bake your frozen apple pie, I recommend looking at these frequently asked questions. You’re going to learn something new; I guarantee it!
Is it better to freeze apple pie cooked or uncooked?
You can freeze apple pie cooked or uncooked. However, freezing an uncooked apple pie is a heck of a lot easier (and less time-consuming).
How early can you make pies for Thanksgiving?
It’s best to make pies fresh for a big holiday like Thanksgiving. However, if you don’t want to do that, you can bake and freeze pies a month or two in advance.
Does frozen apple pie taste good?
I’m sure you can eat frozen apple pie, and it’ll probably taste great if you’re not put off by the texture or crunchiness. I recommend waiting for the apple pie to thaw or baking it before consuming it, though.
Baked Apple Pie Can Be Frozen!
If you need to freeze a baked apple pie, you’ll be glad to know you can! Just make sure that the pie is cooled down entirely before storing it. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to secure the pie. If you want to add another layer of protection, you can also use a pie box. Store for up to four months (although the sooner you eat it, the better!).
Do you freeze baked apple pies? Do you have any tips or tricks you’d like to mention? Share in the comment section!
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