Ah, mincemeat pie – the classic holiday treat that has been enjoyed for generations. But do you know how to store it?
Mincemeat pie doesn’t need to be refrigerated if you plan on eating the pie within a few days. However, if you’re not going to eat it right away, you can fridge it or freeze it.
Mincemeat pie. Credit: canva
Today we’ll look at all the details on safely storing your mincemeat pies, so you can get back to enjoying this traditional favorite without worrying about spoilage or food-borne illness.
Mincemeat Pie is a traditional English sweet pie that has been eaten since the 16th century. It is made with a mixture of dried fruit, spices, and suet (beef fat) which gives it a rich flavor.
It is called mincemeat because there was a time in history when meat was added to the mixture, though today, it is typically meat-free.
Credit: canva
Does Mincemeat Pie Need to be Refrigerated?
NO, it’s totally fine to leave mincemeat pie out at room temperature. It’s traditionally served at room temp, so it’s all good.
Just ensure it’s in a cool, dry place, and it should be good for a few days.
Most mincemeat pie recipes call for refrigerating the filling before baking. If you plan on refrigerating your mincemeat pie filling, ensure to tightly cover the container with plastic wrap or foil to prevent any moisture build-up.
The pies should also be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
Credit: canva
How to Store
Room Temperature
If you plan to devour the delicious pies in a few days, then keeping them at room temperature is optimal.
If you decide to keep it at room temperature, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
In the Fridge
If you don’t plan to consume it immediately, the refrigerator is always a safe bet for storage. It’ll firm up a bit, and the crust might get a little soggy when you take it out.
Preserve your delectable mincemeat pies in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 to 5 days! Allow the pies to cool completely before you secure the lid.
Freezing
To maximize the shelf-life of your mincemeat pies, freezing is an optimal storage solution. This way you can enjoy these delicious desserts for months to come!
Make sure they’re kept airtight, and they’ll retain those awesome flavors for up to 3 months. Be sure to allow the filling to cool completely before wrapping and freezing the pies.
How to Reheat Frozen Mincemeat Pie
When reheating frozen mince pies, it’s important to remember that they must be thawed first before being heated in either an oven or microwave.
Thawing
To thaw them quickly, stack the pies in resealable containers with sheets of baking parchment or greaseproof paper in between the layers. Once thawed, brush with beaten egg and bake for the same time as when cooking from fresh.
Microwave
Microwaving them will do the trick if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to reheat your mince pie. If you only heat them for 30 seconds, they should be warm and ready to enjoy.
Oven
Alternatively, if you prefer a more traditional method, you can preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C/400°F (gas mark 6) and bake the pies for 20-25 minutes.
No matter which method you choose, keep an eye on your mince pies while reheating so that they don’t burn! Enjoy!
Credit: canva
Do You Fridge Mincemeat Pie Before or After Baking?
It depends on what you’re trying to do.
Once the homemade pie has finished baking and is cooled down, it’s ideal to place it in the refrigerator. Freezing a mincemeat pie after baking will preserve it perfectly.
It’s perfectly fine to store your dough in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to take it out and give it enough time to reach room temperature before you put it in the oven.
For those who intend to savor the pie later, it can be frozen before or after baking for maximum freshness and enjoyment. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
If you opt to freeze your dish prior to cooking, remember to let it thaw before popping it in the oven. No matter the route you take, the key is to keep it sealed tight to ensure its freshness.
Easy Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for mincemeat pie that you can make at home.
Ingredients:
The following are ingredients that are commonly used in mincemeat:
Dried fruit: raisins, currants, figs, apricots, apples
Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves
Beef or venison suet (fat)
Sugar
Brandy or rum (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)—grease and flour on a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well.
Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
You can serve it with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top if you want.
Enjoy your homemade mincemeat pie!
Credit: canva
FAQs
Can you leave the mincemeat pie out overnight?
It’s generally not recommended to leave mincemeat pie out overnight, especially if the temperature in your kitchen or room is warmer than 60°F (15°C) or if it’s not in a cool and dry place.
If you’re not planning to eat your pie right away or after slicing it, stick it in the refrigerator to keep it yummy and fresh.
When storing pies in the refrigerator, secure them with a tight layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil for optimal preservation.
If you left your food out overnight, it’s best to throw it away; it’s not worth the risk.
How long does mince pie filling last in fridge?
Storing mincemeat pie filling correctly can extend its life to a month in the refrigerator; yet, it’s suggested you use it within two to three weeks for the best flavor and freshness.
To store the filling properly, ensure it’s in an airtight container. This will help to prevent any contamination and will keep the filling fresh.
It’s also important to remember that if the filling has any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off odor, it should be discarded immediately, regardless of the date.
If unsure whether the filling is still good, it’s best to play it safe and throw it out to avoid any potential food-borne illness.
Can mince pies go off?
The answer is yes, mince pies can go off. The pastry will become soft and stale if left out of date, and the butter in it can cause it to spoil quickly. It’s best to consume mince pies before their use-by date.
The expired Jarred fruit mince is still safe, though it may not taste as good. Mincemeat lasts for a long time, so you only need to worry about the pastry becoming stale or soggy.
If you’re unsure whether your mince pies are still good, try one and see if it tastes okay. You can also store them in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage.
Should You Refrigerate Fruit Pies? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Yes. Fruit pies made with sugar can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. After that, you should refrigerate them to prevent spoilage. Here are some reasons why:
Fruit pies have a high moisture content, which makes them more prone to spoilage than other baked goods.
Fruit pies can attract bacteria and mold if left at room temperature for too long.
Refrigerating your fruit pies will help to preserve their freshness and flavor.
Here are some tips on what to do:
After baking your fruit pie, allow it to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store your fruit pie in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to four days.
If you want to store your fruit pie for longer than four days, you can freeze it for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
When you are ready to serve your fruit pie, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your fruit pies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. So go ahead and bake that pie, and enjoy it with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have stored it properly!
