Have you ever gotten halfway through a recipe, only to realize that you're out of pumpkin spice? This homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe fixes that problem for good. It comes together in one bowl with five simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your cabinet. No trip to the store required.
I've been making this pumpkin pie spice substitute for years, and once you make this one, you'll never go back to the store-bought jar. You control the ratios, your spices are always fresh, and you'll always have it on hand for pancakes, muffins, homemade coffee creamer, and of course, pie. This will quickly become your go-to fall staple. Be sure to check out my Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes and Pumpkin Pecan Waffles for two of my favorite ways to put it to use.
Quick Look: Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Ready In: 5 minutes
- Makes: about ⅓ cup
- Calories: about 18 kcal per tablespoon
- Add to Your Shopping List: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves
- Dietary Info: gluten free and dairy free
- Baker's Note: Be sure that you are using fresh spices to mix up your pumpkin pie spice. Fresh ingredients make the difference between a bold, flavorful blend and one that tastes flat.
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What's In Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin pie spice is a simple blend of five warm, cozy spices - there's no actual pumpkin involved! Here's how you create that nostalgic fall flavor.
Cinnamon - the base of the blend and the flavor you'll notice first. It adds warmth without overpowering the other spices.
Ginger - brings a little brightness that balances out the other spices.
Nutmeg - adds warm, slightly nutty flavor - an important part of that classic pumpkin pie taste.
Allspice - despite its name, this isn't a mix of spices - it's its own spice that tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all in one. It rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
Cloves - used in the smallest amount, but they pack the most punch. A little goes a long way here.
How To Make Pumpkin Pie Spice
Measure the Spices
Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to a small bowl.
Whisk to combine
Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to a small bowl.
Use and store
Add this pumpkin spice to all of your fall pumpkin recipes or store in an airtight container, ready for whenever a recipe calls for it.
Ways To Use Pumpkin Spice
Once you have a batch of this pumpkin pie spice on hand, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
Fall Baked Goods - Add it to all of your fall recipes. It's the star of my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting and my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream - Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to a batch of my homemade whipped cream recipe and make an easy, homemade pumpkin spice whipped cream. It's the perfect topping for pie, hot cocoa, or pancakes.
Homemade Coffee Creamer - Make your own pumpkin spice coffee creamer. Mix together ¾ cup of milk, ¼ cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice, and a pinch of sea salt. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warm enough to dissolve the salt and incorporate the spices. Whisk and store in a mason jar in the refrigerator for your own homemade coffee creamer.
Smoothies - Add a dash to your favorite banana or pumpkin smoothie.
Pumpkin Spice Sugar - Mix it with granulated sugar and sprinkle it over buttered toast or warm pancakes for an easy fall upgrade to breakfast or afternoon snack.
Cider, Cocktail or Beer Rim - Mix pumpkin pie spice with sugar and use it to rim a glass of fall cider, a cocktail or beer.
How To Store Pumpkin Pie Spice
Store your pumpkin pie spice in an airtight container or spice jar in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months, though for the best flavor, I recommend using it within 3 months.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe FAQs
If a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, mix together:
1 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon
⅜ teaspoon ground ginger
⅜ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
If you're out of one or two of the spices in this blend, you can still make a version that works. Cinnamon is the most important spice, so use that as your base. Then add whatever combination of ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and/or cloves that you have on hand. Even cinnamon alone will get you most of the way there in a pinch.
They are similar, but not identical. Apple pie spice typically skips the cloves and sometimes adds cardamom, so pumpkin spice is slightly warmer and has more flavor. They can be swapped in most recipes without much of an issue.
Recipes Made with Pumpkin Pie Spice
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Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Equipment
- small mixing bowl
- measuring spoons
- whisk (or fork)
- airtight container or spice jar, for storing
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1½ teaspoons ground allspice
- 1½ teaspoons ground cloves
Instructions
- Measure the spices. Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to a small bowl.3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 1½ teaspoons ground allspice, 1½ teaspoons ground cloves
- Whisk to combine. Whisk until evenly blended.
- Store. Transfer to an airtight container or spice jar.
Notes
- 1 tablespoon equivalent: Combine 1¾ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅜ teaspoon ginger, ⅜ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon allspice, and ¼ teaspoon cloves for a single tablespoon of blend.
- Storage: Keeps for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place; best used within 3 months for peak flavor.
Amanda Smallwood says
This homemade pumpkin pie spice is perfect for fall baking. Add it to all of your pumpkin muffins, waffles, and pancakes.