Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice (5 Ingredients!)

Pumpkin spice season is here!

These cozy, aromatic spices bring so much warmth to the kitchen as the cooler weather begins to settle in.

Even if you don't get into the pumpkin spice obsession that takes over every September, there's no denying that this seasonal spice blend is a fall baking pantry essential.

And making your own pumpkin spice is so much fun!

Today, I’m walking you through how to make the best pumpkin pie spice, including which ingredients to use, tips for success, and some of my favorite ways to use this homemade blend.

What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Despite its name, pumpkin pie spice can be used for more than just pumpkin pie!

A blend of warm spices, this seasonal spice mix is often made up of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

It adds a warm, sweet, earthy flavor to everything from baked goods like cookies and muffins to savory dishes, such as roasted vegetables, soups, and even marinades for meats like pork or chicken.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy- In just 5 minutes, you can have homemade pumpkin pie spice ready for all of your favorite seasonal recipes.
• Customizable- The great thing about making your own spice blends is that you can customize them to taste exactly how you like them.
• Flavorful- Homemade pumpkin pie spice tastes fresher and more flavorful compared to store-bought varieties.
• Budget-Friendly- Save money by making your own spice blends with spices you most likely already have in your pantry. Buying spices in bulk can save even more money.
• Great for Gifting- Homemade pumpkin pie spice is a wonderful edible gift idea for family and friends, especially around the holiday season.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Cinnamon- Warm, sweet, and slightly spicy, cinnamon is the dominant flavor in this classic fall spice blend.
• Ginger- Ground ginger provides a warm, aromatic, and spicy kick to the blend. This pumpkin spice recipe has a little extra ginger in it.
• Nutmeg- Adds a complex, nutty, and earthy warmth to the pumpkin pie spice that gives it more depth of flavor.
• Cloves- Ground cloves have a strong, warm flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other spices.
• Allspice- Warm and aromatic, allspice adds complexity to the blend.

🌱 Sustainability Tip: Reduce plastic waste and create a more sustainable kitchen by sourcing spices from bulk or refill stores.

Variations

Here are a few ways you can customize this homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

• Vanilla- Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground vanilla bean powder to the mix for extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Brown Sugar- If you plan to make a pumpkin spice latte or tea with your pumpkin pie mix, you can sweeten it ahead of time with a little brown sugar.
• Chai- A pinch of cardamom and black pepper will give this spice blend a spicier, chai-inspired flavor.
• Spicy- Add a little cayenne pepper for a spicy blend that is especially delicious in savory recipes, like my pumpkin white bean chili.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice

Here is how to make pumpkin spice.

Step 1: Combine the spices. Combine all the spices in a small glass jar, ensuring it's dry and clean. Seal the jar and shake to blend the spices.

Step 2: Use or store. Use immediately or label and store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

Tips for Success

• Choose the right container. For the best shelf life, your storage container should be clean, dry, and airtight.
• Use fresh spices. Older spices tend to lose some of their flavor. Use the freshest spices you can find for the best pumpkin pie spice mix.
• Avoid moisture. Moisture will cause spices to clump, mold, and degrade in quality. Always use dry bowls, utensils, and storage containers.
• Store properly. Spices should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry area.
• Label and date. Labeling your spices helps you stay organized and know when you need to finish using them.
• Customize. Don't be afraid to customize this spice blend to suit your tastes. Love cinnamon? Add more! Not a fan of ginger? Use less!

👍 Quick Tip: Easily adjust the batch size by halving or doubling the ingredient quantities to suit your specific needs and preferences.

How to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice

From baked goods to roasted vegetables, pumpkin pie spice can add a sweet and earthy warmth to a variety of dishes.

Naturally, this sweet spice blend complements baked goods and breakfast foods. I enjoy using it in sourdough pumpkin oatmeal cookies, sourdough pancakes or waffles, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, and French toast casserole.

Don't be afraid to use this homemade spice blend in savory dishes too. It pairs well with pumpkin soup, pumpkin chili, pumpkin pasta, sweet potato red lentil curry, and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Finally, give your favorite snacks a fall twist by adding a little pumpkin spice to the mix. Try it with homemade granola or granola bars.

How Much Pumpkin Pie Spice to Use

The amount of pumpkin spice to use can vary based on the specific recipe you're preparing. As a general rule, you can use a 1:1 substitute for recipes that specifically call for pumpkin pie spice.

For recipes that call for the individual spices used in this blend, simply add them up and use the equivalent amount of this spice blend in their place.

For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ginger, and ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg and cloves, you can use 2 teaspoons of this pumpkin spice blend instead.

How to Store

• Room Temperature- Store homemade pumpkin spice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
• Refrigerator & Freezer- Avoid refrigerating or freezing spices as it can introduce moisture, leading to clumping and a decrease in quality over time.

🎁 Edible Gift Idea: Give the thoughtful gift of homemade pumpkin pie spice for special occasions like holidays and birthdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

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