Can You Freeze Lemon Meringue Pie

Yes you can definitely freeze lemon meringue pie (homemade, store-bought or by the slice) for upwards of 3 to 4 months. Do be aware that the meringue topping can experience some texture changes upon defrosting.

How to Freeze Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon meringue pie is the perfect combination of sweet fluffy whipped meringue and tart lemon filling. Whether you have purchased or made a pie that you just can't finish in time or you want to prep pie in advance of an occasion, you might be looking to figure out how to extend the shelf life of your pie.

While lemon meringue pie can be frozen, it's important to note that due to the fact meringue is made mostly of egg whites which don't freeze well the texture of that meringue topping can less desirable after freezing. If you're okay with this then you can get right to freezing your pie.

The freezing process for lemon meringue pie is similar to freezing brownies, freezing Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Freezing Rice Krispie Treats.

Freezing a whole lemon meringue pie

Freezing a whole in the meringue pie will work the same whether it's homemade or store-bought with one exception. We recommend only freezing the pie as a whole pie if you know you'll be eating it all at once when you defrost it.

If you are making your pie at home and know you will be freezing it in advance we recommend to not make the meringue topping until you are defrosting the pie. This is due to the fact that meringue can experience degradation and texture after freezing.

• Allow your pie to thoroughly cool if you have cooked it at home.
• Place your pie on a cookie sheet and stick it into the freezer to flash freeze it. This step is only necessary if it has the meringue topping on it. Flash freezing will help prevent the meringue from getting smushed.
• Once the meringue is frozen, remove the pie from the freezer. Wrap the entire pie in either plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will provide an extra layer of protection and help keep out freezer burn.
• Stick the entire wrapped pie into a freezer bag.
• Squeeze any excess air from the freezer bag and zip it shut.
• Label the bag with the date and then place the pie back into the freezer.

Freezing lemon meringue pie by the slice

If you won't be consuming your pie all at once, it's best to freeze it by the slice. That way you can just remove an individual portion each time you want pie.

• Make sure that your pie is thoroughly cooled if you have baked it at home.
• Cut your pie into slices.

• Place your pie slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet and pop it in the freezer to flash freeze them.
• After a few hours, when your slices are frozen, remove them from the freezer.
• Tear off enough plastic wrap to thoroughly wrap an individual slice of pie.

• Place the slice of pie in the middle of the plastic wrap and secure the wrap around the pie slice.
• Repeat this process until you have wrapped each slice of pie.
• Carefully place the wrapped slices of pie into a freezer bag or airtight freezer safe container.

• If you use a freezer bag, ensure that you have squeezed any excess air from the bag before you zip it shut.
• Label your bag or container with the date and then pop it into your freezer.

Tips for successfully freezing

• Leave out the meringue. If you're making a homemade pie and you know what advance you'll be freezing it, don't make the meringue before freezing it. Since the meringue doesn't always fall well just make the pie in advance freeze that and then make the meringue when you're ready to use it.
• Cool it thoroughly. Make sure the pie is totally cool for you start the freezing process. Otherwise, the condensation of the temperature change can make your pie crust super soggy.
• Keep the air out. Make sure that your pie is in an airtight wrap and container as possible to prevent freezer burn or other texture degradation.
• Freeze it fresh. Getting your pie frozen as fresh as possible will help maintain maximum quality. Lemon meringue pie only lasts a couple days in the fridge as is.
• Use a disposable pie pan. If you're making your pie at home, it's easiest to make it in a aluminum foil pie pan so that you don't have to try to remove it from a glass pan to freeze it.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Plastic Wrap
• Aluminum Foil
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container

How to Defrost Lemon Meringue pie

The best way to defrost your lemon meringue pie is simply by placing it in your refrigerator overnight. It will take several hours for it to thoroughly thaw.

Alternatively, if you don't need it till late afternoon or evening you could certainly put it in the fridge first thing in the morning to start to defrost.

Freezing Lemon Meringue Pie FAQ

Does Meringue freeze well?

Meringue does not freeze super well, the texture when it is thawed is not super great.

How long does lemon meringue pie last in the fridge?

If wrapped correctly, lemon meringue pie only lasts three or four days in the fridge.

Can you refreeze lemon meringue pie?

It is not recommended to refreeze lemon meringue pie both for safety and texture quality issues.

How long can lemon meringue pie stay frozen?

Lemon meringue pie can stay frozen for 3 to 4 months and still maintain good quality. However, it's safe to stay frozen for much longer, but expect the quality to decrease.

Does lemon meringue pie freeze well?

Lemon meringue pie freezes pretty well, with the exception of the meringue topping losing some texture quality. Pretty well, with the exception of the meringue topping losing some texture quality.