Can you freeze key lime pie? Yes, but there are a few things to know about this process. Here’s how to freeze key lime pie so that it lasts a long time in your freezer.
How To Freeze Key Lime Pie
Don’t forget to check your pie plate before you put it into the freezer. Most dishes are freezer-safe, but some types of glass break easily when chilled, so transfer the pie to a better container if necessary.
Once you’re ready to start, put the uncovered pie directly into the freezer and leave it there until it’s frozen solid. This takes about two hours in most freezers but could be faster or slower, depending on how cold your freezer is. If unsure, check every 20 minutes until it seems entirely frozen.
After the initial freezing process, wrap two plastic layers around both the pie and the plate to cover as much surface as possible. Then rotate the pie by 45 degrees (1/8 of a full turn) and wrap two more plastic layers around it. Seal the seams to minimize the transfer of oxygen.
This is the most critical part of freezing key lime pie and maximizing its lifespan in the freezer. If you’re using smaller pieces of plastic, or if it tears, add more as necessary to wrap your pie completely.
After wrapping your pie in plastic, put it in a sufficiently large sealable bag, write the name on the bag, and put it back into the freezer. Alternatively, you can use a thicker, high-quality, airtight container to store your pie. Quality does make a difference here, but don’t spend any more than you need to.
That’s all there is to it!
Can I Freeze It Faster?
While professionals may experiment with freezing methods, such as using liquid nitrogen on pies, that’s not practical for most households. Instead, just follow the instructions above.
How Long Does Key Lime Pie Last?
More specifically, can you freeze key lime pie for extended periods? How long does key lime pie last in the freezer?
As we described above, key lime pie lasts for about one month in the freezer when stored properly. It will retain most of its characteristic texture and quality if you use it in that timeframe. If you freeze the pie for longer than that, expect it to lose the consistency. At that point, it’s often better to make a new pie.
How To Thaw A Frozen Key Lime Pie
Thawing a frozen key lime pie is easy. All you need to do is place it in the refrigerator for one to two hours, at which point you should serve it immediately. This is the best time to add meringue or other toppings, which rarely survive the freezing process as well as the pie itself does.
Toppings can also make it harder to wrap a key lime pie correctly when freezing it. Minimizing air contact is essential, so plan to add toppings later (or even remove them before freezing, if you’ve already placed them).
Can My Key Lime Pie Get Freezer Burn?
Freezer burns occur when food dehydrates in the freezer, typically from a mixture of dehydration and air. Avoiding this is the reason our guidelines above focus on minimizing the possibility of air coming into contact with food. The more you can reduce these sorts of chemical reactions, the better your food is ultimately going to taste.
Here are some other tips for preventing freezer burn and helping your pie freeze as safely as possible:
- Make sure the pie is cool. Steam causes condensation on the inside of your plastic wrapping, which pushes the wrapping away and increases the chances of airflow. Freezing the pie for two hours first helps with a lot of this, but starting when it’s too warm could cause problems regardless.
- Make sure air can circulate. Freezers work best when each item has some space around it. This improves both airflow and energy efficiency. If you find that your freezer is always packed, you may need to get another freezer.
- Organize things. A well-organized freezer has foods nearing expiration at the front, where you’re more likely to use them. If you forget about a pie after freezing it, chances are it will go bad before you get to enjoy it! Try to have a schedule for enjoying the pie when you freeze it, rather than assuming you’ll eat it when you feel like it.
How Long Does Key Lime Pie Last In The Fridge?
Be sure to cover it with something that can minimize airflow, such as plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can store it in a sealed container in your fridge, preferably one you can pump the air out of.
Any longer than this and your pie is likely to start going bad, so be sure to eat or freeze it as soon as possible.
What If I Freeze The Pie In For Longer Than One Month?
Most key lime pies remain edible for long after one month in the freezer, particularly if you enjoy the pie frozen instead of defrosting it in your fridge. The crust will probably go bad faster than the pie filling, which isn’t a problem if you ignore the crust and scoop out the insides instead. While this isn’t as good as eating it sooner, it is a viable option to help minimize waste.
However, if you plan to make a key lime pie and don’t expect to finish it within one month of freezing, consider simply making a smaller pie instead. This is even better for reducing waste and helps ensure you can maximize your enjoyment.
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