A sweet potato pie is a delicious southern dessert traditionally served around the holidays. But how long does it actually stay fresh and safe to eat? Here is a comprehensive guide to sweet potato pie storage times and what affects how long it lasts.
Quick Answer
A properly stored, uncut sweet potato pie will generally last 3-4 days at room temperature, 5-7 days refrigerated, 2-3 months frozen. Cut sweet potato pie slices should be eaten within 2-3 days and pie with custard/egg-based fillings within 3-4 days. Storing the pie air-tight, away from heat and light sources, and using thoroughly cooked fillings, are the best ways to maximize freshness.
How Long Does a Sweet Potato Pie Last at Room Temperature?
An uncut whole sweet potato pie will normally stay fresh for 3 to 4 days at room temperature. The perishable dairy and eggs in the custard filling will eventually spoil without refrigeration. Signs your pie is going bad include mold growth, an unpleasant sour smell, and liquification or drying out of the filling.
Assuming proper food safety precautions were followed when making the pie, it should remain safe to eat during this short room temperature duration. Just be sure to discard it if you notice any off smells, textures, or other red flags.
Some simple ways to help maximize your homemade or store-bought sweet potato pie’s shelf life include:
- – Letting it cool completely before covering
- – Storing in an airtight container or wrapping in plastic wrap
- – Keeping it out of direct sunlight
- – Avoiding hot spots like next to the oven or in poorly insulated rooms
Proper refrigeration and freezing are needed to keep sweet potato pie fresh for longer than a few days.
How Long Does Sweet Potato Pie Last in the Fridge?
Refrigerating an intact sweet potato pie extends its shelf life to around 5 to 7 days. The cold temperature of the fridge (40°F or below) slows down the growth of bacteria and mold.
To refrigerate, let your pie cool fully first, then cover tightly and place in the center of the fridge where the temperature is most stable. Try to avoid storing it in the door shelves which warm up more.
A whole refrigerated pie will generally stay good for a week if prepared and handled properly. Be sure to monitor for signs of spoilage like mold, off-smells, drying or weeping filling, and discard when it’s past its prime.
Does a Cut Sweet Potato Pie Last as Long in the Fridge?
Once your sweet potato pie is cut into, its shelf life shortens due to increased exposure to airborne microbes and fridge odors. Cover any leftover pie slices or portions tightly.
Expect cut sweet potato pie stored in the fridge to last around 2 to 3 days. Eat within this window for the best flavor and texture. Discard any pie that looks or smells bad.
You can extend the life of cut pie by freezing slices. This stops deterioration and allows it to keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
How Long Does Sweet Potato Pie with Custard Last in the Fridge?
Most sweet potato pie recipes have a custard filling made with milk, cream, and/or eggs. This creamy custard has a shorter shelf life than plain cooked sweet potato fillings.
Expect a custard or egg-based sweet potato pie to last 3 to 4 days refrigerated. The perishable dairy products and eggs make it more prone to quicker spoilage. Make sure to store it covered in the fridge.
Discard any pie with custard that has an off smell or appearance. Do not eat sweet potato custard pie that has been left out too long at room temperature or shows signs of spoilage.
Does Freezing Extend Sweet Potato Pie’s Shelf Life?
Freezing is an excellent way to significantly extend the shelf life of sweet potato pie. It pauses any bacteria growth that causes spoilage.
To freeze, first let the pie cool fully after baking. Then wrap very tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight freezer bag, squeezing out excess air. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.
Thaw your frozen sweet potato pie slowly in the fridge overnight before serving. This prevents the filling from weeping or becoming overly mushy.
Once thawed, store refrigerated for up to another 3-4 days. Do not refreeze pies after thawing.
Signs Your Sweet Potato Pie Has Spoiled
Here are some common signs that your sweet potato pie has gone bad and should be discarded:
- – Mold growth on the surface or filling
- – Watery, weeping filling with liquid at the edges
- – Strange odors, especially sour or unpleasant custard smells
- – Dry, cracked, or sunken filling
- – Discolored or slimy looking filling
Do not taste or eat sweet potato pie that displays any odd textures, colors or smells. Play it safe and throw away pies that are past their prime.
How to Tell When Sweet Potato Pie is Still Good
You can assess whether an intact or sliced sweet potato pie is still good and safe to eat by:
- – Checking for firm, evenly colored filling without liquid or mold
- – Looking at the underside crust – it should not be overly soggy
- – Smelling the pie – it should have a pleasant, sweet custard smell, not sour odors
- – Tasting a small bite – the texture should be smooth and flavor normal
Trust your senses. If the pie’s appearance, aromas, or flavors seem off, it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it away. A fresh, properly stored pie will seem intact and appetizing.
Sweet Potato Pie Food Safety Tips
Follow these food safety practices when making and handling sweet potato pie to avoid foodborne illness:
- – Wash hands and surfaces before and after handling
- – Use pasteurized eggs when raw eggs are called for
- – Cook fillings like custard to 165°F internal temperature
- – Refrigerate pie within 2 hours of baking
- – Discard pie left in the danger zone (40-140°F) for over 2 hours
- – When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t take risks with suspect pies
Adhering to basic food safety rules when preparing, storing, and serving your sweet potato pies will keep your holiday feasts safe as well as delicious.
How Long Does Sweet Potato Pie Last In the Fridge – Summary
Here is a quick overview on how long sweet potato pie lasts:
| Sweet Potato Pie Type | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Whole uncut pie | 5-7 days | 2-3 months |
| Cut pie slices | 2-3 days | 2-3 months |
| Custard/egg pie | 3-4 days | Does not freeze well |
In general, store sweet potato pie covered in the fridge for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage. Use proper food handling and cooking methods for safety.
Conclusion
A sweet potato pie will typically keep well for 3-4 days at room temperature, around 5-7 days refrigerated, and 2-3 months in the freezer. Cut pieces have a shorter shelf life of 2-3 days. Sweet potato custard or cream pies also spoil faster.
Monitor your pie and discard if you see any mold, odd smells or textures. Protecting it from air exposure, light, and warmth can help maximize how long it stays fresh. And freezing lets you enjoy slices of sweet potato pie for months to come.
