What could be more comforting than a slice of warm, freshly-baked apple pie with a generous amount of vanilla ice cream? But that’s probably not always the case.
Suppose you happen to have some weekend leftovers in the fridge (or maybe freezer). In that case, you might be wondering the best way to reheat them, so they taste as indulgent as when they first come out of the oven.
Keep reading for further details on reheating leftover pies. We also share the right way to bake a frozen apple pie – no need to defrost it! So, read on!
Can You Reheat Apple Pie?
Apple pie can be eaten cold, warm, or at room temperature. However, most people would still prefer to enjoy a warm slice of pie with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream.
When it comes to holiday leftovers, no matter if it is homemade or store-bought, you can reheat it to enjoy another time. You can reheat it in an oven or microwave. Keep in mind that each reheating technique gives a different result.
Check our step-to-step guide below to reheat leftover apple pie, so it tastes as wonderful as a freshly-baked one!
How To Reheat Apple Pie In An Oven
This fruit pie is made in the oven, so it is logical to freshen it up by putting it back in the oven. Indeed, reheating leftover pies in the oven is by far the best method. It gives the closest quality to a freshly baked one in terms of texture and flavor. The end result turns out crisp on the outside and moist on the inside.
The only downside of this method is time-consuming. So, it makes more sense to reheat a few slices in the oven rather than just a single slice. Here is how to reheat a frozen baked apple pie:
1. If you are reheating from frozen, no need to thaw it out first. Preheat your oven to 350 to 275 ºF (or 177 ºC) for reheating cold or frozen pie. If it is at room temperature, use a lower temperature of around 200 ºF and check after 10 minutes.
2. Place the pie slices on a baking sheet and cover lightly with aluminum foil. The foil prevents them from burning as they reheat.
3. Reheat for 10 to 30 minutes until they are perfectly warmed.
4. Once they are piping hot, take them out of the oven and cool slightly for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Be careful. The fruit filling will be extremely hot.
5. Add a generous amount of vanilla ice cream or whipped, and enjoy!
How To Warm Up Apple Pie In A Microwave
This kitchen appliance is the go-to device when it comes to defrosting and reheating leftovers. Unlike reheating in an oven, this method results in a rather soggy interior.
Perhaps, this method is not the best, but it is the quickest one. Also, if you’re reheating a single slice, the oven method might be a little troublesome and time-consuming. In that case, microwaving is still a decent way.
Here is how to warm up a slice of apple pie in a microwave.
1. Place a slice of pie on a plate or a microwave-safe dish. If it comes in a metal dish, don’t forget to transfer it to another container.
2. Reheat for 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Check if it is already thoroughly warmed. If not, reheat for another 10 to 15 seconds and repeat this interval if necessary.
4. Once it is warm, take it out from the microwave.
5. Allow to cool promptly for 30 seconds and serve!
How To Bake Frozen Apple Pie
The beauty of pies is that they can be prepared ahead of time. You can then assemble them in an oven-safe dish and freeze them uncooked.
On the big day, you can take them out and bake them right away. Here is how to bake a frozen apple pie without thawing it out first.
1. Cut vent holes on the upper crust.
2. Preheat the oven to 450 °F.
3. Place a baking sheet and put the pie on it.
4. Bake at 450 °F for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Reduce the temperature to 375 °F. Bake for another 20 to 30 minutes until the top crust turns golden brown.
FAQs
Should I refrigerate apple pie?
The USDA suggests that fruit pies, including apple pie, can be kept on the counter or at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. The combination of sugar and acid is enough to slow down bacterial growth for short-term storage. For more extended storage, keep it refrigerated or frozen.
Can you freeze apple pie?
Yes. You can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze the unbaked pie, assemble the crust and fillings in an oven-safe dish, don’t make the vents on the upper crust. Wrap it in a double layer of cling wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and place it on an even surface in your freezer. To freeze a baked pie, let it cool quickly after baking, wrap it carefully similarly to unbaked pie, pack it in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 to 4 months.
How do you prevent pies from getting soggy?
There are some ways to prevent your homemade pie from getting watery. First, start by using the right apple varieties and draining the natural juice. Next, pre-cook the filling, reduce the liquid, and add a thickener (cornstarch, flour, or tapioca). Lastly, cut vents on the upper crust before baking.
Summary
The best way to reheat apple pie is definitely in the oven. Doing so results in the closest texture and flavor as freshly baked pie. It takes time but is surely worth the wait. But, if you’re in a hurry, and you don’t mind a slightly soggy crust, your microwave also does the job!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
