The minute those rosy stalks of rhubarb arrive in spring markets, we start to hear questions about freezing pies to bake later. The queries continue as each glorious fruit appears, throughout the summer and fall. "Can you freeze unbaked peach pie? Can you freeze a baked pie? Can you freeze apple pie? What about other fruits? We want all the pies!" We're happy to report that when it comes to fruit pies, the answer is yes—for just about every one of these questions. In fact, freezing is a great way to enjoy your favorite fruit up to four months after you've made it.

Freezing Pies to Bake Later

While you can freeze a pie after its baked, the surest path to the flakiest crust and most vivid fruit flavors is to freeze your pie before baking. Here's how to freeze fruit pies to bake later:

• When baking a pie with a light-colored fruit, such as peaches, pears, apricots, nectarines, or apples, treat the fruit first with an ascorbic-acid color keeper. This helps to prevent the fruit from turning brown. Find this product alongside canning supplies or online. It's marketed under different names, such as Fruit-Fresh. Treat the fruit according to the package directions.
• Assemble your pie as directed, using a metal pie pan.
• Place the pie in a freezer bag or wrap it in a double thickness of foil.
• Seal, label, and freeze up to four months.

How to Bake a Frozen Pie

When you're ready to bake your frozen pie, follow these steps:

• Unwrap the pie, but do not thaw.
• Cover the pie in foil.
• Bake in a preheated 450°F oven 15 minutes.
• Reduce the temperature to 375°F; bake 15 minutes more.
• Uncover; bake 55 to 60 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden.

How to Freeze a Baked Pie

If you need a bigger head start of freezing pies and want to do it from an already-baked state, follow these steps to freeze a pie after baking it.

• Bake as directed and allow to cool completely.
• Place the pie in a freezer bag; seal, label, and freeze for up to 4 months.
• To serve, thaw at room temperature.
• If you wish to serve your pie warm, after thawing, bake in a preheated oven 425°F oven about 15 minutes or until warmed through.

When you see your favorite pie fruits at their in-season best, go ahead and take an armload home. Now that you know how to freeze a pie, you'll know exactly how to use your bounty, even if you're not planning on entertaining in the near future. Stash a pie in your freezer, and the next time you're gathering friends and family for dinner, you'll be so glad you did.