If there’s one thing that can be said about Thanksgiving, it’s that there is always too much food.
And while most of us are more than happy to pack away leftovers, sometimes there just isn’t enough room in the fridge or freezer.
So what do you do with a pesky leftover pecan pie?
Check out these quick ideas of mine for inspiration.
Eat it for breakfast
Eating your extra pecan pie in the morning is a great way to start your Thanksgiving day.
Toast up some bread and spread leftover pecan pie (creamy or crunchy) on top for a delicious treat you just can’t seem to get enough of.
You can also try mixing it into your oatmeal, or just eat it as is.
Either way, this quick and easy breakfast is going to rock your world.
Make a trifle
Trifles are an easy and neat way of incorporating the leftover into a new dessert experience.
Simply take a few extra slices of bread and cut them into cubes.
Place the bread on the bottom of an oven-safe dish and pour some leftover pecan pie on top.
Next, take your favorite bits of fruit (apples, pears, strawberries, etc.), mix them together with some lemon juice and jam or jelly for flavor, cover them in breadcrumbs, then place them over the top of the bread layer.
Lastly, pour some cream over the top and garnish with pecan pie crumbs for an easy Thanksgiving-inspired dessert that is simply delicious.
Make a salad
What’s better than eating the leftover for lunch?
Eating it in a salad, of course.
All you have to do is chop your favorite bits of leftover turkey, ham, and other meats along with some boiled egg and lettuce.
Add some raisins or other dried fruit for a little crunchy texture, then pour over pecan pie dressing (recipe below) just before serving.
This Thanksgiving-themed salad is hearty enough to keep you full for hours.
Make a pie shake
Pie shakes are my absolute favorite.
They are so easy to make and they taste absolutely incredible.
All you have to do is blend some vanilla ice cream with bits of the leftover until the mixture is thick and smooth.
Pour into a frosty glass, top with whipped cream, then sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar for a treat that tastes just like pecan pie, but you can drink with a straw.
Yum.
Make some pecan pie pudding
This is my grandmother’s recipe, so it has to be good.
All you have to do is first whisk together ½ cup butter and 1 cup white sugar until light and fluffy.
Next, stir in 3 beaten eggs, 1½ cups all-purpose flour, and ½ cup milk.
Lastly, add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1½ cups chopped pecans to the mixture, then pour it into a baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top.
Use your pecan pie as ice cream topping
Everyone loves a little ice cream on top of their pie, especially pecan.
So why not go ahead and use the leftover as an ice cream topping?
All you have to do is place a few scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream in a bowl, add some crushed nuts and drizzle with caramel sauce for extra flavor, then top with leftover pecan pie.
Instant dessert.
Make pudding
Pudding is actually not that hard to make and it’s easy to keep a few on hand in the fridge for a quick sweet treat.
All you have to do is first prepare a vanilla pudding, then stir some chopped pecan pie into it after cooking and cooling.
Voilà – instant dessert.
Have it as a snack
Leftover pecan pie is absolutely delicious as a snack.
All you have to do is take out some bread and cream together with leftover pecan pie (either creamy or crunchy), then either fry it in a pan until crispy or toast the bread and spread on the mixture for a sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Make some casserole
This is my family’s favorite way of using leftover pecan pie.
All you have to do is prepare a white sauce, whisk in some eggs and milk with bits of chopped-up pecan pie, then pour the mixture into a gratin dish that has been greased with butter.
Bake this for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to make a delicious casserole that is oh-so-creamy and sweet.
Make soup
This is another one of my favorite Thanksgiving leftover recipes to make with pecan pie.
All you have to do is first chop up turkey, ham, veggies, potatoes, yams, etc., then fry them up in a saucepan with some butter and flour to thicken.
Next, pour turkey or chicken broth into the mixture – depending on what kind of soup you want to make – then add milk and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
Lastly, stir in bits of chopped pecan pie just before serving to create a sweet and creamy Thanksgiving-themed soup that makes a perfect meal.
How long will leftover pecan pie last?
As long as the leftover remains unopened, it should be okay to eat for an additional one or two days after Thanksgiving.
After that, you might want to consider using the other methods above to use it up. (source)
Can I freeze leftover pecan pie?
Yes.
You can freeze it by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or placing it inside of a Ziploc freezer bag.
Frozen pecan pie will last for up to three months if frozen correctly, then defrosted before serving.
Is it safe to eat leftover raw pecan pie dough?
It is not recommended to eat raw pecan pie dough.
This can be dangerous because the eggs in the mixture may contain salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.
Therefore, you should either eat pecan pie immediately after preparing it or freeze the mixture and then fry it at a later date.
Is pecan pie bread vegan?
Yes.
Pecan pie bread is a vegan dessert that can be enjoyed by people who do not eat eggs, milk, or butter. (source)
What is the best way to reheat leftover pecan pie?
The best way to reheat is by placing it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, depending on how warm you like your dessert to be.
If microwaving does not suit you, then try frying pecan pie in a pan with some butter or grilling it on bread with cheese; both methods will give the leftover a delicious new flavor.
Why did my leftover pecan pie go bad?
It can go bad if it has been improperly stored or prepared.
For example, it will spoil quickly if it is kept at room temperature for more than two hours.
This is because bacteria grow rapidly on food that has been left out of the fridge for a long period of time.
How can I prevent my leftover pecan pie from going bad?
To prolong the shelf life of the leftover, make sure to store it properly.
Make sure to eat it within one or two days after Thanksgiving.
If you want to store the dessert for longer than that, then put it in the fridge or freezer, depending on how much time is left before expiration.
Can I make a dessert out of just the crust of a leftover pecan pie?
Yes.
You can make a dessert out of just the crust by cutting it into strips and laying them on top of ice cream in a bowl or plate.
Add bits of pecan pie crust to your favorite desserts for an extra crunchy texture that is sure to satisfy your cravings. (source)
Can I use a different type of crust for my leftover pecan pie?
Yes.
You can use a different type of crust for leftover pecan pie if desired, such as an Oreo cookie crust or a chocolate and graham cracker crust.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie is an iconic American dish that’s not only delicious but also makes for some fantastic leftovers.
Whether you want to make a pie shake, pudding, casserole, or soup – there are plenty of ways to enjoy the leftover.
Check out the recipes above for ideas on how to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and exciting.