Mud Pie

On the worktop, a homemade mud pie should be consumed within 2 days. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. Unopened store-bought mud pies usually have a best before date printed on the packaging, but typically they can stay good in the cupboard for 4-6 months unopened. Once opened, they should be eaten within 2-3 days when stored in the fridge. If you freeze a homemade or store-bought mud pie, it can last for up to 3 months.

A mud pie that's gone bad will have a sour or off smell, and may show signs of mold, usually presenting as fuzzy spots of white, blue, green, or even red growth. The crust may become either extra hard or unusually soft and soggy. The pie filling might start to taste sour or strangely sweet.

• Always store mud pie in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. • Once you've cut into the pie, it's a good idea to cover the exposed area with a piece of plastic wrap to prevent the filling from drying out and to keep the crust from getting soggy. • Store-bought mud pie should be stored in a cool, dry cupboard until it's opened. After opening, most types will need to be refrigerated. • For longer-term storage, consider freezing the mud pie. You can freeze the entire pie, or slice it into portions and freeze those. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. To defrost, leave it in the fridge overnight. • If you've made a mud pie for a special occasion and you want it to look its best, don't cover the top directly with plastic wrap to avoid spoiling the decoration. Instead, carefully cover the pie without the plastic touching the top.