Key lime pie is a dessert named after one of its ingredients: key limes. They are a hybrid citrus fruit with a unique flavor that is more acidic and bitter than regular Persian lime.
They are also smaller, with thinner skin, and have more seeds than the Persian lime. Key limes work well in many different desserts, cocktails, and marinades because of their distinctive flavor.o(Key lime pieKey lime pieKey lime pieKey lime pieKey lime pieKey lime pieKey lime pie
Their acidic and bitter flavor is used as a balance for the dessert’s sweet flavor. Key lime pie is a classic American dessert whose filling is made of key limes juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. They are just mixed without baking and served with meringue or whipped cream topping.
Key lime pie can be also served without topping and without crust, or with a pie crust and crust made of graham crackers. There are many variations of this delicious refreshing pie and they are usually baked and topped with different toppings.
Key lime pie is easy to make with just a few ingredients in no time. Or you can buy it in the store and enjoy its flavor.
You can store your key lime pie in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and no more than 2 hours at room temperature. You only have to cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying and losing flavor.
It is not safe to eat key lime pie that has been left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours because harmful bacteria can form. If you have leftover key lime pie, or you baked, and want to save it for a party with your friends then it is best to freeze it.
You can keep the frozen key lime pie in the freezer for about 1-2 months. Then, thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours and serve.
Can You Freeze Key Lime Pie After Baking?
You can freeze key lime pie after baking and store it in the freezer for 1-2 months. Let the pie cool after baking and pre-freeze it.
Make sure that there is enough space in your freezer to place the key lime pie without touching other ingredients stored in the freezer. Put the key lime pie in a freezer-safe container and place it uncovered in the freezer.
After 2-3 hours the pie will be frozen and solid. Wrap the pie with 4 layers of plastic wrap and seal the seams. Put the wrapped pie in a sealed freezer bag write the date and content and your key lime pie is ready to freeze.
You can also use an airtight container to freeze your key lime pie. When you want to eat the pie, just place it in the refrigerator for a few hours to thaw, serve it and enjoy!
Why Do You Freeze Key Lime Pie?
You can freeze key lime pie to make it last longer. Key lime pie will last from 2-3 days in the refrigerator and if you don’t use it during this time you will have to throw it away to avoid food poisoning. That is one of the reasons why you should freeze the key lime pie if you don’t intend to use it.
You can also make key lime pies and freeze them if you are planning a party or a family gathering to serve some refreshing and tasty dessert to your loved ones.
Key lime pie is a wonderful dessert you don’t want to waste. So, you can freeze leftover key lime pie in an airtight container. Or a sealed freezer bag. Then, you can use it when you want to serve something sweet. Just thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours and serve.
How Long Is Key Lime Pie Good For?
Key lime pie is good for 2-3 days if you store it properly in the refrigerator. Properly stored means that you have to cover it loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent the pie to dry and lose its flavor.
You can also freeze the key lime pie if you don’t intend to use it in the next 2-3 days. And it can last from 1-2 months in the freezer and retain its flavor and texture.
You can freeze it for longer than 2 months. However, the key lime pie will lose its original characteristics. Don’t use or freeze a key lime pie that was left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Otherwise, harmful bacteria will start to form all over the pie.
Can You Freeze A Pie With A Whipped Cream Topping?
You can freeze a pie with a whipped cream topping. However, have in mind that whipped cream can separate if it is frozen as a pie topping. So, to get a better topping you can freeze the whipped cream by itself in a separate airtight container and use it after the pie is defrosted.
Whipped cream freezes and keeps its shape better if it has added stabilizers like powdered sugar, milk powder, gelatin, or cornstarch.
Can You Freeze Key Lime Cheesecake?
You can freeze key lime cheesecake and store it in the freezer for more than 2 months. Key lime cheesecake is a rich, creamy, smooth, and delicious dessert. You can make it ahead of time and use it when you need it.
First, keep the cheesecake in the refrigerator to cool for 2-4 hours. Then put it uncovered in the freezer for about one hour. Take the pie out of the freezer and put it on cardboard covered with aluminum foil. Wrap the key lime cheesecake together with the cardboard with 3 layers of plastic wrap and finish with 1 layer of aluminum foil.
Write the content and the freezing date and place the key lime cheesecake in the freezer. When you want to use the key lime cheesecake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Before serving leave the key lime cheesecake at room temperature for about half an hour.
Can You Freeze Key Lime Pie With Meringue?
It is not a good idea to freeze key lime pie with meringue. When the pie is thawed it can become soft and sticky, and make the pie soggy, rubbery, and chewy. Therefore, it is better to prepare and add the meringue to the key lime pie just before serving.
But if you don’t mind the flavor and texture change of your key lime pie with meringue you can freeze it and hope for the best. You can also freeze the pie crust and the meringue separately.
If you are making the pie at home, you have to cool it down before freezing. If the pie is still warm it can become soggy. Then, place the pie in the freezer for about 2 hours uncovered to pre-freeze. Take it out from the freezer and wrap it with 3-4 layers of plastic wrap. Cover your pie properly to prevent freezer burns.
Place the pie in an airtight container label it with the date and content and store it in the freezer for 2-3 months. To defrost the key lime pie with meringue take it out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Properly frozen and thawed key lime pie with meringue that has no contact with moisture and air will have a minimal texture and flavor change.
Can You Freeze Key Lime Pie Made With Condensed Milk?
Condensed milk is one of the ingredients in the key lime pie. It has a rich, sweet milky flavor and thick texture. And works well in different desserts. You can freeze key lime pie with condensed milk because condensed milk has high sugar content. And doesn’t allow the fat and liquid to separate.
In the making process, condensed milk is mixed with key lime juice to thicken and make a sweet and creamy filling. It is not recommended to freeze and thaw key lime pie made with condensed milk more than once. Otherwise, it can lose its original flavor and texture.
Who’s Up For Some Pie?
Key lime pie is a delicious and refreshing dessert you can buy or make at home with just a few ingredients in no time. You can freeze it and enjoy its flavor even after 1-2 months.
Frozen key lime pie will keep its texture and flavor and is safe to eat after thawing. But if you are keeping it in the freezer for more than 2 months, you will see a change in its flavor and texture.
I hope that you find some helpful suggestions that will help you to properly freeze your key lime pie. Follow our suggestions and you will properly freeze your pie and thaw it in the future.
Are you freezing key lime pie? How are you freezing your key lime pie? Share your experience in the comment section below.