You’ve got leftover key lime pie and it tastes too good toss. Can you freeze key lime pie? Here’s what you need to know.
Classic Key Lime Pie is the perfect dessert for a hot summer day that will make you feel like you’re in the Florida Keys. It’s tart, yet sweet, and full of lime flavor. It’s one of my favorite desserts especially when I’m visiting Florida where fresh key limes are in abundance.
I can’t come back from a visit to Florida without bringing back some real key limes so I can make my Best Key West Key Lime Pie recipe!
This luscious citrus flavor dessert is said to be created in Florida in the late 1800s and has been a famed dessert in the Florida Keys ever since.
Have you ever wondered if you can freeze leftover key lime pie for later? I’ve got all the scoop on freezing this tangy classic American dessert.
But first, let me answer some questions you may not have known about this delicious pie!
What is Key Lime Pie?
Key lime pie is a delicious dessert made with a creamy filling bursting with zesty lime flavor, in a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you whipped it up yourself or bought it from your favorite bakery, freezing it can help you enjoy every last bite.
Traditional key lime pie is made with egg yolks, fresh key lime juice (although fresh lime juice or bottled key lime juice can be substituted) and sweetened condensed milk for the pie filling and poured into a homemade graham cracker crust.
Over the years, versions made with Cool Whip started becoming popular of which, I have my own recipe which happens to be served frozen! I even have a Frozen Lemonade Pie version. Some versions are made with cream cheese.
What are Key Limes?
By the way, did you know key limes are different than regular limes? They’re smaller but more tart and are good for making cocktails too.
If you can’t find key limes in the produce department of your grocery store, you can buy it bottled. Nellie and Joe’s Key Lime Juice is a popular brand.
I’ve made key lime pie with half key limes and half regular limes (also called regular Persian limes) and could tell a difference that it was more tart than had I used all regular limes.
You probably want to know if you can make the pie without key limes and just use regular limes and the answer is “yes” but, it won’t be as tart.
Can you Freeze Key Lime Pie?
The short answer is yes, you can! As a matter of fact, key lime pie freezes well.
Actually, it’s sold frozen in the freezer section of the grocery store. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it stays as yummy and fresh as the day you made it. There’s more on that below.
How Long is Key Lime Pie Good for in the Refrigerator?
A homemade key lime pie will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. It will start losing freshness after the second day so, keep that in mind if you can’t eat it right away. You may want to freeze it while it’s still fresh. That’s my rule!
Why go through the trouble to make a delicious, homemade pie just to let it age in your refrigerator. The calories will be the same but, the taste will not. Freeze it fresh and it will thaw fresh.
How to Freeze Key Lime Pie
First things first, let your pie cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which can make your pie soggy.
Once it’s cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For extra protection, you can also place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag which, I highly suggest. You want to keep as much air out as possible while it’s in your freezer. Be sure to label it with the date and contents too. You know you’ll forget in a week or maybe even sooner.
Be sure you don’t miss my easy Key Lime Pie recipe!
Now, onto the freezing part! Put your wrapped pie into the freezer, making sure it’s placed flat to maintain its shape. If you’re freezing individual slices, you can wrap them separately before storing them together in a freezer bag.
How do you thaw a Frozen Key Lime Pie?
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen key lime pie, simply transfer it to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. This slow thawing process helps preserve the pie’s texture and flavor.
Avoid thawing it at room temperature, as this can lead to it becoming mushy, especially if it’s humid and left there too long.
What if you forgot to take it out of the freezer and need it sooner than later?
You can remove the frozen key lime pie from the freezer and place it on your countertop and let it thaw at room temperature for about thirty minutes depending on the temperature and humidity of the room.
It may thaw faster if the room isn’t air conditioned and it’s a hot summer day. If that’s the case, let it thaw in your refrigerator but, that’ll take 3-4 hours.
Once thawed, your key lime pie should be just as delicious as when you first made it. If you want to add an extra touch of freshness, you can garnish it with some whipped cream, lime slices and a sprinkle of key lime zest before serving.
So, there you have it! Freezing this pie is a great way to enjoy this tasty dessert whenever the craving strikes on a hot day. Just remember to cool it completely, wrap it well, and thaw it slowly for the best results.
Now, who’s ready for a slice of chilled key lime pie?
You may also like:
Best Key West Florida Key Lime Pie Recipe
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