Does Apple Pie Need to be Refrigerated?

Does Apple Pie Need to be Refrigerated?

Does an apple pie need to be refrigerated?
A fresh apple pie, whole and completely covered, can be safely left out on the counter for a day or so.
But, once the pie is cut, it should be refrigerated for safety reasons.

What’s the safest way to serve up a fresh apple pie?
Keep an apple pie on the counter until completely cooled and then, especially once it has been served, cover it and place it into the refrigerator for safe keeping. This is the safest way to store apple pie.

Why does a cut apple pie need to be refrigerated?
Cutting and serving, along with the possibility of being touched by multiple people, can subject the moist and sticky pie filling into becoming a harbor to any number of illness causing microorganisms. These microorganisms include the possibility of staph and E.coli, which can multiply rapidly at room temperature and thus cause food borne illnesses.

When down to the last piece, no matter how an apple pie was made, remain assured that refrigeration storage has given an apple pie it’s best shot at longevity.

What about berry pies and peach pies?
The same rules for refrigerating apple pie apply to all fruit pies. This means that cherry pie, peach pie, strawberry pie, blackberry pie, blueberry pie, etc. are also safe to leave covered on the counter for the day. Likewise, once these other fruit pies are cut they should be refrigerated within the two hour timeframe that is the standard for most foods which require refrigeration.

What about other types of pies?
Please see the additional information section below regarding storage options for other types of pies.

Note:
As an added bonus, whether the pie is cut or un-cut, the refrigerator will extend the shelf life of any fruit based pie.