Does Apple Pie Need to Be Refrigerated? Storage Timing and Tips

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Does apple pie need to be refrigerated? Yes, it does if it has milk, eggs, or cream in it. On the other hand, a regular fruit pie can stay out for two days. The food should then be put in the fridge or freezer. 

Would you like to keep the filling safe and the crust flaky? It's easy to store, freeze, and eat every slice of apple pie the right way with this quick guide.

Breakfast Made Better – Enjoy Grain-Free Apple Pie Cereal!

How Long Can Apple Pie Be Left Unrefrigerated?

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When Room Temperature Storage Is Safe

Apple pie doesn't always need to be kept in the fridge if it's made without dairy or eggs and stored properly. If you seal the pie well, fruit pies like apple pie can stay at room temperature for up to two days without going bad.

Fruit pies, like apple pie, are not considered highly perishable by the USDA as long as they are kept sealed in the right containers.

• Up to two days: As long as the filling doesn't have cream or eggs in it, fruit pies can be kept at room temperature.

• Perishable defined: If a food has dairy products in it, like milk, cream, or custard-based filling, it goes bad quickly.

• Bacteria risk: Leaving pie with dairy or eggs unrefrigerated increases the risk of foodborne illness.

• Cool completely: Let a hot pie cool before storing to prevent sogginess and bacterial growth.

• Wrap storage: To keep the taste and texture, cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

• Storage tools: Put it in a pie dome or a pie pan with a lid that fits tightly on top.

What Happens After Two Days on the Counter

If your apple pie doesn't have any eggs or dairy in it, put it in the fridge after two days. Pies made with milk or eggs need to be put in the fridge within two hours. After this point, bacteria start to grow quickly, and the crust stops being flaky.

• Spoilage begins: When left out for too long, the crust gets soggy and the filling may start to ferment.

• Mold growth: Mold, dust, and bugs can get into an unprotected pie through the air.

• Refrigerate apple pie: After two days, put it in an airtight container and put it in the fridge.

• Store safely: Apple pie filling should always be kept in the fridge if it's not going to be eaten in two days.

• Extend freshness: Putting it in the fridge keeps the texture and taste for a few more days.

• Food safety: Follow the safety rules for food styling, and never eat pie that smells bad.

What Pies Do Not Need to Be Refrigerated?

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Fruit and Nut Pies That Can Stay Out

Apple, cherry, blueberry, and peach pies that you make yourself can be kept at room temperature for up to two days without going bad. These pies are more stable than cream or custard pies because they use sugar as preservatives.

• Sugar as preservative: Sugar-rich fruit pies resist bacterial growth for a short period.

• Room temperature safe: Keep fruit pies like apple pie in a pie pan or pie dome with a lid.

• No dairy ingredients: If the filling doesn't have eggs or cream in it, it doesn't need to be chilled.

• Homemade vs store-bought: Homemade fruit pies may spoil faster than store versions with preservatives.

• Use foil or wrap: Wrap the crust and filling in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.

• Other fruit pies: The steps for making apple pies are the same for making peach, pear, and blackberry pies.

Which Pies Must Be Chilled

Any pie with milk, cream, or eggs in it needs to be put in the fridge right away. This includes chiffon-based pies, custard pies, lemon meringue pies, and pumpkin pies.

• Refrigerated immediately: Pies with milk, condensed milk, or cream must be chilled within two hours.

• Dairy products alert: Pumpkin pie and cream pies spoil quickly without refrigeration.

• Egg-based pies: Pies with eggs in the filling must not sit out for long periods.

• Food safety agencies: The FDA and Egg Board recommend storing these pies below 40°F.

• Plan pie ahead: Always consider cooling time and refrigeration space when preparing pies ahead.

How Long Is Pie Good for on the Counter?

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Safe Counter Shelf Life Across Pie Types

For up to two days, fruit pies can stay out on the counter. After two hours, pies with cream, dairy, or eggs should be put in the fridge. Keep in an airtight container to keep from getting contaminated.

• Fruit pies: Safe at room temperature for up to two days when sealed.

• Cream and custard pies: Must be refrigerated within two hours of baking or cooling.

• Pumpkin pie warning: And even though it looks fine on the shelf, it needs to be kept cold because it has dairy in it.

• Use airtight containers: Prevents crust from going soggy and keeps bugs away.

• Food safety first: Never let dairy pies sit on the counter overnight.

• Best practice: If unsure about ingredients, refrigerate pies for safety.

Preservatives and Store-Bought Pie Exceptions

Pies you buy at the store might have additives that keep them fresh longer at room temperature. To be sure, look for a label that says "RT" (Room Temperature).

• Label reading: RT-labeled pies can stay on the counter if unopened.

• Open with caution: Once opened, refrigerate apple pie or any store-bought dessert.

• Commercial stabilizers: These help maintain taste and texture during shipping and shelf time.

• Avoid confusion: Homemade pies do not contain the same shelf-stabilizing ingredients.

• Storage rules still apply: Keep pie in an airtight container and avoid high heat.

• Fridge after cutting: Once sliced, even RT pies should be refrigerated to protect the filling.

How Long Can Apple Pie Sit Out Uncovered?

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The Risks of Exposure to Air

If you leave apple pie out on the counter without a cover, airborne particles and bugs can get into it. It is common for the pie to lose moisture and get dirty, especially if it is kept near heat or in a humid place.

• Contamination risk: Dust, mold spores, and insects can settle on exposed apple pie filling.

• Texture degradation: Without protection, crust becomes stale and the filling dries out.

• Soggy or dry crust: Temperature swings can ruin the flaky texture.

• Fruit filling damage: Apple and other fruit pies lose taste and structure when left open.

• Avoid heat: Never store uncovered pie near an oven or cooking surface.

• Counter safety: Pies stored at room temperature must be covered to reduce spoilage.

What Experts Recommend

Most experts agree that apple pie should always be kept in a safe place, like a container or wrapped in plastic wrap. To keep food fresh, use plastic wrap, foil, or a pie dome.

• Use plastic wrap: Tightly cover the pie to prevent air and moisture exposure.

• Cover with foil: Aluminum foil provides better insulation for short-term storage.

• Pie dome solution: A clear pie dome keeps pies visible and sealed.

• Glass pie pan with lid: Ideal for storing pie ahead in the fridge or on the counter.

• Refrigerator storage: If storing longer than two days, refrigerate apple pie in an airtight container.

• Expert tip: Let the pie cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation buildup.

Learn More About FullyHealthy

Who We Are

FullyHealthy is an online store that caters to people with special dietary needs, such as those who follow an AIP, gluten-free, or allergen-free diet. It works with small brands to bring healthy, clean-label foods to people who care about their health.

• Health-first focus: Products are screened for strict dietary compliance.

• No membership needed: Shop without subscriptions or label confusion.

• Full transparency: Each item clearly labels allergens and diet type.

• Mission driven: FullyHealthy helps shoppers find clean food that fits their needs.

• Trusted source: Consumers use the site to source hard-to-find healthy foods.

Our Apple-Inspired Product Favorites

If you like apples, FullyHealthy has a lot of fruit-based foods made with real food. These are great for baking, snacks, or breakfast on the go.

• Wild Zora Apple Pie Hot Cereal: A grain-free, instant hot cereal with spiced apple flavor.

• That’s It Apple Strawberry Fruit Bar: No added sugar, just real fruit pressed into a bar.

• That’s It Apple Mango & Apple Blueberry Bars: Other fruit pies in portable form, perfect for snacking.

• Eden Foods Organic Apple Butter: Smooth, rich apple spread ideal for toast or baking.

• Clean ingredients: No preservatives, dairy, or fillers.

• Great for pie ahead: Use apple butter or dried apple snacks as filling inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Does apple pie need to be refrigerated? Only when it has eggs, cream, or dairy. After letting your apple pie cool, you can safely store it in the fridge or freezer. After baking the apple pie, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic to store it for later. 

Sealing leftover pie is the best way to keep its crust and flavor. No stress, no guessing. Make sure every slice of your pie is safe, tasty, and flaky.

FAQs

Can I leave sliced apples out overnight?

You can but not recommended unless you're prepping apple pie cool for cooking, and even then store apple pie leftovers properly.

Which pies are shelf stable? does apple pie need to be refrigerated

Fruit pies like apple and cherry are shelf stable for two days max, but yes, does apple pie need to be refrigerated after that? Absolutely.

How do I freeze apple pie correctly?

To freeze apple pie, let the apple pie cool, then wrap it in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.

What happens to leftover pie at room temp?

Leftover pie can spoil fast without a fridge, especially if the filling isn’t just fruit, apple pie cool or not, refrigerate it.

Is it safe to store apple pie on the counter?

You can store apple pie at room temp for up to two days, but after that, leftover pie must go in the fridge or freezer.