Answer Line FAQs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is the best way to freeze a fruit pie like apple or cherry?

Here is the method for freezing unbaked fruit pies:
Make your pie as usual except add 1 extra tablespoon flour or tapioca or 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch to juicy fillings to prevent boiling over when the pie is baked. Do not cut vents in the top crust. Freeze in the pan and package in an airtight container or freezer bag. Unbaked fresh pies have a better fresh-fruit flavor than frozen baked pies, but the bottom crust tends to get soggy.

When you are ready to bake the pie, cut vent holes in the upper crust and set the pie on a cookie sheet. Bake without thawing at 450F, 15-20 minutes. Then reduce heat to 375F for 20-30 minutes or until the top crust is brown.

If you want to bake your pie before freezing, then follow this method:
Bake as usual and cool quickly. Package in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you remove the pie from the freezer, let it stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then heat in 350F oven until warm, about 30 minutes. Use the pie within 3-4 months of freezing for best quality.
Reference: Freezing Prepared Foods, Pm 799, Iowa State University Extension
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a service of Answer Line, Iowa State University Extension, Ames, Iowa.

For more information, visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/, email us at: answer@iastate.edu, or call 1-800-262-3804 (in Iowa) or 1-800-854-1678 (in Minnesota).