The Best Way To Defrost Pumpkin Pie For Fresh-Made Flavor

No matter the motive, freezing pumpkin pie is a game changer. Although you might be skeptical at first, the reality is that pumpkin pie freezes fantastically thanks to the fat content of its buttery crust and creamy filling, which slows the production of ice crystals and preserves quality. To yield successful results, however, pie can't be thawed in just any manner. To rival the fresh flavors and amazing textures of its just-baked counterparts, correctly defrosting pumpkin pie is essential. 

Homemade or store-bought, the rules for thawing pumpkin pie remain the same. All you need to do is pull the sweet treat from the freezer and start by removing any wrapping from the pie. At this point, you'll need to evaluate if the dessert was baked prior to freezing. If it wasn't, then there's no need to defrost the pumpkin pie — simply bake it from frozen. In contrast, fully cooked pies will require careful thawing. For the best results, we recommend transferring pie (whole or slices) into the fridge to defrost. While thawing may take several hours, a slow and steady approach will prevent a wet and weepy outcome.

Once fully defrosted, a chilled slice of pumpkin pie can finally be served. Prefer your dessert on the warmer side? Let the pie rest on the countertop for an hour before enjoying. Otherwise, briefly warm it in the oven to achieve a more custardy center and crisper crust.

To guarantee that pumpkin pie defrosts as it should, it must be frozen the right way. Store-bought pies that are sold frozen can easily be tossed into the freezer as is. Freshly baked pies, however, are a different story. Fresh store-bought pies should be removed from their packaging and prepped like a homemade pie. This means wrapping completely cooled pies or individual pieces in several layers of plastic wrap, and then finishing with aluminum foil. As an extra precaution, you can even place the pumpkin pie in a well-sealed freezer bag. Just don't forget to label the dessert with the date to keep tabs on quality.

Although proper freezing and defrosting can maintain the integrity of a pumpkin pie, the dessert isn't totally exempt from experiencing changes in composition. The good news is that these changes tend to be minor. For example, a perfectly frozen and thawed pumpkin pie may still weep or boast visual imperfections. We suggest gently blotting moisture beads with a paper towel or covering spots with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream for a better looking and tasting slice.

As a final word of advice, don't refreeze a thawed pie. Not only can this increase in bacterial growth, but constant fluctuations in temperature can also negatively impact flavor as well as texture and appearance. For the best bite possible, properly freeze and defrost pumpkin pie once, and only once.