How to Freeze Cooked Apple Pies (Properly)

Are you thinking about enjoying a slice of homemade apple pie months after baking it? If properly freezed, pie tastes just as fresh and delicious as the day you made it. When leftover apple pie is frozen, it will keep for a longer period of time and be more delicious.

Just imagine how awesome it would be to relish a slice of homemade apple pie months after it has been baked. You can eat it as fresh and delectable as the day you made it.

Whether you’ve baked a pie in advance for a special occasion or simply have leftovers you want to savor later, freezing is a convenient method to preserve that delicious flavor and texture. It is a valuable kitchen skill for cooks to be able to freeze and reheat apple pies.

Throughout today’s guide, I’ll cover the latest tips and techniques for preserving the taste and texture of your pie. Whether you’re freezing an unbaked or cooked apple pie, you can enjoy it whenever you like. So let’s begin.

How Can You Freeze Apple Pie to Bake Later?

If you’re planning to freeze your pie, you can choose to do it either after it’s baked or before baking it. If you’re using light-colored fruits like nectarines, apples, apricots, or pears, I recommend using ascorbic-acid color keepers. These can be purchased online, such as from Amazon or at your local store. 

Ascorbic acid products, like Fruit-Fresh Protector, are designed to help preserve the color and flavor of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. This not only extends their shelf life but also reduces waste, which can save you money.

When freezing a pie to bake later, shape it using a metal pie pan. Next, place the pie in a freezer bag or cover it with double-thick foil. An unbaked pie can be stored in the freezer for up to four months, ensuring that it remains fresh and delicious until you’re ready to bake and enjoy it.

Can I Freeze My Baked Apple Pie?

The following steps can be followed if you want to freeze an already-baked pie in the freezer:

• If you have recently cooked pie, then let it cool completely. You must give the pie shell at least 8 hours to cool properly before serving it. So, the crust will not become mushy as a result in the freezer (Condensed)
• Then, simply place the pie into a sealed bag or labeled bag, and freeze it for up to four months. I recommend two layers. You can write the Pie name and current date on a freezer-safe bag or container to remember when the pie was frozen.
• Whenever you need, I recommend thawing this pie at room temperature. If you like warm pie, then I recommend baking it in a preheated oven at 425°F (15 minutes) after thawing.

Can I Freeze Apple Pie Filling?

• After preparing your apple pie, you have to stir it into a large bowl and allow the filling to be cooled properly.
• You can use a container or freezer-safe bag and add the filling mixture. Remember, you have to leave enough space; it will allow expansion. And also, you have to ensure free air from the freezer bag (before you are going to seal it)
• Give a label with the date frozen and pie filling mentioned on it.
• Put it into the freezer.

Can I Bake Frozen Pie at Home?

Getting that frozen pie ready for baking is as easy as 1-2-3!

• Don’t thaw. Simply unwrap the Pie, and you have to cover the Pie in foil.
• Preheat 450°F in your oven and bake Pie for up to 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes, you have to reduce the temperature to 375°F and then bake for 14 minutes more.
• Now uncover the Pie and bake it again for about 50 to 55 minutes; the sign of a baked pie is bubbly filling and golden crust.

What are the Benefits of Pre-freezing the Pie?

If you give your pie a Freeze for at least half or 1 hour (before you wrap and store it in the freezer), then its form will never lose. The pie will retain its shape and will not become soggy when you thaw it.

How to Thaw and Reheat a Frozen Apple Pie

1. First, remove your apple pie from the freezer and peel it from the freezer bag or wrapper. 
2. Then you have to arrange your pies on a baking sheet and cover them with foil (to avoid the over-browning dough from the top)
3. Now, you need to reheat your apple pie in your oven. Set your oven to 300 degrees and reheat the pie for about 30 minutes.
4. After 30 minutes, you have to remove the foil from the pie and bake it for 10 to 14 minutes more (it will give the pie a golden crust)
5. It is not necessary to serve Frozen baked apple pie after reheating. In addition to serving it warm, you can also serve it cold. 
6. Room Temperature Thawing: I recommend leaving your pie covered for 5 to 6 hours to thaw appropriately at room temperature.
7. Refrigerator Thawing: For the best results, let your pie thaw slowly overnight in the refrigerator.

Also Read: Freezing Avocados Properly

How to Achieve a Flaky Pie with No Filling Shrinkage

Do you worry that thawing frozen, baked pies will turn them into a soggy mess? You’re not alone! But fear not, there’s a trick for getting that flaky crust without shrinking the filling. Here’s how:

Make Your Dough

The pie dough needs to be rolled out and lined with your pie shell. Now In the freezer, place the pie shell.

Prepare the Filling

Now In a separate pan or pot, you must cook your filling. It must be stored in the fridge for a few days if you are not ready to bake right away.

Assemble and Bake

When you’re ready to bake, just pull the frozen pie shell out of the freezer. Pour the chilled filling into the shell, then put the top layer of dough on and seal the edges. Bake it like you normally would, and you’ll have a delicious pie ready to enjoy.

The Benefits

• No Filling Shrinkage: Since the filling is already cooked, it won’t shrink as it bakes.
• Flaky Pie Dough: Baking the pie dough from frozen helps it stay super flaky, giving you that perfect bite every time.

What Are the Benefits of Freezing Apple Pies?

• Long Shelf Life: When you pull out frozen apple pies (even after 4-6 months) from the freezer, they’ll still taste fresh without losing quality.
• Convenience: Whether it’s unexpected guests or a busy day, having a dessert like apple pie ready to eat is helpful.
• Seasonal Enjoyment: Keep the taste of freshly picked apples year round.

In A Nutshell

You can freeze apple pies or fruit pies in the summer and enjoy them in December and January. So if you want delicious homemade apple pie on hand, learn my pie freezing tips to enjoy it whenever you want. In addition to apple pies, cherry pies, blueberry pies, and peach pies also freeze exceptionally well. Winter months won’t stop you from enjoying the taste of summer with these fruit pies, which retain their flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions