Can you freeze coconut cream pie? You can—once. We have tips for freezing and thawing your favorite coconut cream pie. Here are some tips for freezing different kinds of coconut cream pie:
Frozen store-bought coconut cream pie
If it’s ever been frozen before, like a Marie Callender’s or Edwards, and the whole thing has come to room temp, don’t refreeze it. If it’s been kept mostly frozen from store to home, get it to the freezer still in the packaging if you want to keep it for later.
Homemade fresh coconut cream pie
If it’s homemade, cut it into serving-size slices, put them into airtight containers and freeze immediately. Or quarter it, leave it in the pie pan and wrap it with plastic wrap really well. Slide the whole pan into a large baggie and freeze. You can remove one quarter at a time and keep the rest frozen.
Cold, store-bought coconut cream pie
If it’s a cold-case, store-bought variety kept chilled but not frozen, cut it into slices or wrap the container (dome and all) in plastic wrap tightly, slide it into a freezer baggie, seal and date it, slide it into the freezer so it stays level and keep it frozen until you are going to serve and eat it, like at Thanksgiving so it’s shareable.
Leftover restaurant slice of coconut cream pie
The odds are it was at some point frozen. You can ask the server if it was made fresh that day, and if so, treat it like homemade pie.
Do you share it, save it, or, dare we say it: freeze it? We’ll tell you how and then we will tell you why we don’t recommend it.
How To Freeze Coconut Cream Pie
Freezing a homemade coconut cream pie involves more than tossing it into the freezer and crossing your fingers. The key is to preserve its flavor and texture. Note: This method is effective exclusively for coconut cream pies that have been purchased from a store or are pre-chilled for sale.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Examine the pie. If your coconut cream pie is fully thawed, don’t try to freeze it again as the texture and taste might change. Instead, you can keep it in the coldest part of your fridge for maximum shelf life.
- Freeze the pie. Slide your unthawed pie into the freezer. If you decide to take a slice, ensure the unused portion is covered with the dome and promptly return it to the freezer to keep it in optimal condition.
- Monitor the date. Cold coconut cream pies sold in stores typically come with a “Best If Used By” date. Always refer to this date to ensure you enjoy the pie at its best.
Can You Freeze Coconut Cream Pie?
To Freeze or Not to Freeze: The Coconut Cream Pie Dilemma Unboxed! 🥧🥥🤔 The answer is both yes and no.
Here’s why: FoodSafety strongly discourages freezing homemade pies, such as custard, chiffon, and coconut cream.
The University of Maine supports this, noting that “these pies don’t freeze well.” It further recommends refrigerating leftover slices promptly after serving and storing them in the refrigerator until consumption. Such pies can stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Regarding ready-to-eat coconut cream pies, such as those from Marie Callender’s, they can be frozen as long as they haven’t been completely thawed. It’s important to only remove the portion you plan to eat and promptly cover and return any unused pie to the freezer.
While refreezing is discouraged, a thawed coconut cream pie remains edible for up to 3 days, given it’s properly stored in the refrigerator. Marie Callender’s advises covering the uneaten portion before chilling.
Similarly, Chef Pierre recommends serving the pie right after it thaws and discourages refreezing. Their pie, like the one from Marie Callender’s, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Moreover, the USDA advises that pies with fillings like custard, cheese, or chiffon–coconut cream pie included–should be discarded if kept above 40°F for over 2 hours, as these conditions can promote rapid bacterial growth, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
To keep it short, to freeze or not to freeze a coconut cream pie depends on its origin and preparation. If you do choose to freeze, be mindful that there pros and cons to consider and here are some of them:
Pros:
- Convenience. Freezing coconut cream pie allows you to enjoy this delightful dessert at a moment’s notice, whether it’s a surprise craving or a special occasion.
- Waste reduction. It prevents the pie from going to waste if you can’t consume it all in one go.
- Batch baking. You can make multiple pies in advance and freeze them.
Cons:
- Texture. Freezing can alter the texture of the coconut cream filling, making it slightly less creamy.
- Crust quality. The crust may become soggy upon thawing as well as pull away from the filling, creating an unappealing presentation.
- Taste changes. The flavor may not be as vibrant as when the pie was freshly made.
Now that we’ve weighed the pros and cons, let’s dive into the art of freezing coconut cream pie.
Effects of temperature and humidity
The temperature in your freezer should ideally be set at 0°F or lower, according to the FDA. Humidity can also affect the pie’s texture, so make sure you set your freezer to a low humidity level if possible.
How To Thaw Frozen Coconut Cream Pie
The thawing process is just as crucial as freezing in preserving the quality of your coconut cream pie.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Remove plastic wrap from the coconut cream pie.
- Transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for at least 2 hours or overnight. For thawing a single slice of coconut cream pie, place that slice on a plate in the fridge for an hour.
- Once thawed, let the pie sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to bloom.
Note: Avoid using a microwave for thawing, as it can cause uneven heating and affect the pie’s texture.
Potential Issues with Freezing Coconut Cream Pie
While freezing a coconut cream pie offers convenience, it can also cause problems, especially if the pie is homemade.
- Texture changes. As we mentioned earlier, the texture of the filling might become slightly less creamy after freezing.
- Crust sogginess. The pie crust can become a bit soggy upon thawing.
- Flavor fade. The flavor may not be as vibrant as when the pie was freshly made.
The bottom line
The thing about freezing coconut cream pie is to remember that you are often dealing with whipped cream and delicate custard, neither of which comes out of a thawed, frozen state looking or tasting great. Store-bought pies that you purchase from the Freezer Aisle have been flash frozen, but that means they can’t be frozen again or you get a sloppy mess when it’s time to eat them.