Freezing Pies

Chiffon

Prepare as usual. Freeze unwrapped (sitting level). Once frozen, place a paper plate upside down over the top and seal it in heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Fruit

Unbaked: Prepare as usual only add extra thickening (1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch or 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour for each pie) and do not vent top crust. Tray-freeze until firm. Wrap airtight in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label and freeze.

Baked: Prepare and bake as usual. Cool completely. Wrap airtight in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label and freeze.

Filling: Prepare as usual only add extra thickening (1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch or 1 to 2 tablespoon of flour for each pie). Line pan with aluminum foil. Pour in filling and freeze until firm. Remove from pan, seal in foil. Label and freeze.

Mincemeat and Nut

Prepare and bake as usual. Cool completely. Tray-freeze until firm. Wrap airtight in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label and freeze.

Pumpkin

Unbaked: Prepare unbaked pie as usual. Tray-freeze until firm. Wrap airtight in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label and freeze.

Baked: Prepare and bake as usual. Tray-freeze until firm. Wrap airtight in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label and freeze.

Pies That Do Not Freeze Well:

Custard pies, meringue pies and cream pies. They will be watery and separate after thawing.

Suitable Packaging:

The best material for freezing pies is heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-grade plastic wrap.

Maximum Storage Time at 0ºF

Baked fruit and pecan type pies-6 months; pumpkin-2 months; fully prepare chiffon pies-1 month; baked pie shells-4 to 6 months; unbaked pie shells-2 months.

Thawing:

Leave fruit and pumpkin pies in their wrapping and thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, or warm then in a 350ºF oven. Unwrap baked pie shells and thaw at room temperature. Thaw unbaked pie shells at room temperature, or bake them (frozen) for 8 to 10 minutes at 475ºF. Thaw chiffon pie at room temperature for 1 hour prior to serving.

Refrigerating:

Fruit and pecan pies stay fresh 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Chiffon and custard pies keep 2 to 3 days.