Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

Making your own pumpkin pie spice is a great way to ensure a fresh, flavorful blend that perfectly complements your seasonal treats. It’s customizable, so you can tweak the proportions to your liking, and it’s far fresher than store-bought versions. This spice blend is also versatile—ideal not only for pies, muffins, and lattes but also for savory dishes like roasted vegetables and oatmeal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 Tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 ½ tsp ground allspice
1 ½ tsp ground cloves
Pinch ground black pepper (optional secret touch)

directions

Measure all spices into a small bowl.
Whisk thoroughly until fully combined and no clumps remain.
Transfer the spice blend to an airtight jar and seal.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 5 tablespoons (enough for multiple recipes).
Prep time: ~5 minutes, no cooking required.
Shelf life: When stored in a cool, dark pantry, the blend lasts 1–3 years, depending on the freshness of your spices.

Variations

Stronger variation: Add up to ¼ tsp cardamom or mace for more depth and complexity.
Simpler ratio: For easier scaling, try a 4:3:1:½:½ ratio (cinnamon:ginger:nutmeg:cloves:allspice).
No black pepper option: Traditional pumpkin pie spice blends omit black pepper, so feel free to skip it if you prefer.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store the spice blend in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place, away from light and heat.
Duration: Use within 1–3 years while the spices retain their full flavor.
Reheating: No reheating is necessary—use the blend as-is in recipes.

FAQs

How many recipes does this make?

This recipe makes about 5 tablespoons of spice blend, which is enough for 5–10 pumpkin pies or a variety of other seasonal bakes.

Can I omit allspice or cloves?

Yes, you can, but omitting allspice or cloves may make the blend taste a bit flatter, as both spices contribute depth and warmth.

Is black pepper necessary?

No, black pepper is optional. It adds a slight kick and enhances the other flavors, but it’s not a must in traditional pumpkin pie spice recipes.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe is easily scalable. Just maintain the same ratios of spices.

How can I check if spices are fresh?

Give them a sniff! If they have a faint or stale smell, it’s time to replace them. Fresh spices make a huge difference in the flavor of your blend.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice in savory recipes?

Yes! Pumpkin pie spice is wonderful on roasted squash, root vegetables, or even sprinkled over popcorn for a seasonal twist.

What’s the difference from apple pie spice?

Apple pie spice typically lacks ginger and cloves, which give pumpkin pie spice its unique flavor. If you want to make a closer match, consider adding those two spices to apple pie spice.

Can I grind my own spices?

Yes! Freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon can add brightness and depth, but if your ground spices are fresh, store-bought is fine.

How is this used in recipes?

You can use pumpkin pie spice as a 1:1 substitute for store-bought versions. It can be swapped equally for individual spices as well.

What’s the origin of this spice blend?

Pumpkin pie spice was developed in North America as a complement to pumpkin pie and has roots in medieval spice blends used for desserts and savory dishes alike.

Conclusion

Making your own pumpkin pie spice is an easy, cost-effective way to elevate your fall baking. It’s fresher and customizable, and with the right blend of spices, you’ll be able to enhance everything from pies and cakes to lattes and savory dishes. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of autumn all year long.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice

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Pumpkin Pie Spice is a warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice—perfect for adding cozy fall flavor to pies, lattes, and baked goods. Make your own custom blend in just minutes!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Yield: About ¼ cup
Category: Spice Blend
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1½ teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves

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Instructions

Measure out all spices into a small bowl or jar.
Stir or whisk until fully combined and evenly colored.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Use immediately or let it sit at least an hour so flavors meld. Shake before each use.

Notes

Freshly ground nutmeg and cloves yield the best flavor—grate them yourself if possible.
Adjust ratios to your taste: add more ginger for zip, more cloves for depth.
Storage tip: Keeps best for up to 6 months. After that, the aroma fades.
Duplicating: For double batch, simply double all ingredients.