Leftover pumpkin pie is already dessert, so the best second uses are simple. First, store it correctly: pumpkin pie is an egg-custard pie and belongs in the refrigerator. How long pumpkin pie lasts covers the fridge window, and can you freeze pumpkin pie covers the freezer. Do not leave leftover pie on the table overnight. Only use leftovers that were refrigerated within 2 hours and are still within 3 to 4 days, unless a specific food has a different USDA window. Reheat mixed dishes to 165°F. See how long leftovers last and USDA leftover guidance.
Parfaits and a milkshake
Crumble a leftover slice into a glass with yogurt or whipped cream for a parfait. The crust becomes a crunchy layer if you add it just before you eat. For a milkshake, blend a leftover slice with a little milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream until it is thick and cold. One slice usually makes a single generous glass. Use pie that is still in date and has been kept refrigerated. These are leftovers, not a way to rescue a pie that sat out too long.
Breakfast and leftovers of leftovers
A cold leftover slice with coffee is the lowest-effort breakfast. You can also warm a slice briefly, though custard pies are easy to dry out; a short spell in a low oven or a few seconds in the microwave is enough. Some cooks dip a firm leftover slice in beaten egg and cook it gently like French toast; if you do that, cook it until the egg is set and the pie is hot. Eat leftover pie while it is still in its safe fridge window, and freeze extra slices sooner rather than later if you are tired of pie. If a leftover slice is already a little soggy, a parfait or milkshake is a better second use than trying to recrisp the crust. Pecan or apple leftovers can follow the same simple uses, but they have slightly different storage notes on the pie storage pages. For more leftover dessert ideas, see the leftovers guide and Thanksgiving desserts.
Helpful kitchen tools
- MALACASA 9-Inch Ceramic Pie Pan Set of 2 — A pie pan with a lid or a second pie dish is useful if you baked more than one pie.
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — A lidded container holds leftover slices in the refrigerator.
- OXO Good Grips Bent Icing Spatula — A small spatula helps lift leftover slices without breaking the custard.
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Frequently asked questions
Does leftover pumpkin pie have to be refrigerated?
Yes. Pumpkin pie is an egg-custard pie. Refrigerate it and follow the storage times in the pumpkin pie leftover-life article.
Can I freeze leftover slices?
Often yes; see the dedicated page on freezing pumpkin pie. Wrap slices tightly and thaw them in the refrigerator.
Can I use leftover pie that sat out overnight?
No. Treat it like other perishable leftovers and discard pie that was left out more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F.