How To Make Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Embracing the pumpkin season brings me so much joy, especially since I’m a huge fan of all things pumpkin! Before I kick off my pumpkin baking spree, I whip up a batch of homemade pumpkin pie spice.
Crafting it at home is a breeze – it takes just five minutes and five spices to whip up your own blend. The added bonus?
It’s more budget-friendly than snagging a pre-made jar from the store. Chances are that the spices you need are already in your pantry; you just have to mix them together!
I love the flexibility of making my own smaller batches too; it helps the spices maintain their flavorful punch.
What’s In Pumpkin Pie Spice?
This delightful blend is a mix of cozy spices, including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Take advantage of this delightful pie spice to infuse the flavors of Thanksgiving pies, fall cakes, and warm autumn breakfasts.
It’s the perfect addition to elevate your whipped cream, yogurt, pumpkin spice lattes, oatmeal recipes, or even roasted fall vegetables for an unexpected twist.
However, if you decide to use it, this spice blend is a must-have during the chilly fall months. Looking for a thoughtful homemade food gift to share with neighbors and friends?
Simply pop a jar of this spice into a basket alongside a freshly baked loaf of pumpkin bread. Tie it up with a ribbon and leave it on their doorstep for a sweet and unexpected autumnal surprise!
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe Ingredients
Whipping up this recipe is a breeze! All you need are five simple spices:
Cinnamon: My absolute favorite for that cozy warmth—it’s the star of the show, taking up half the spice blend.
Ground Ginger: This one brings a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and the other fall spices.
Ground Nutmeg: A fall baking essential, but a little goes a long way—just a touch to avoid overpowering the cinnamon and ginger.
Allspice and Cloves: These two are bold, so a small amount of each is all you need to give your spice mix that extra layer of richness.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp. ground ginger
- 2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves until well combined.
- Store the spice blend in a small jar or container.
Bonus Tip: Spread the pumpkin love by giving this spice blend as a gift! Simply place it in a cute jar and share it with neighbors.
For an extra touch, include a delightful loaf of pumpkin chocolate chip bread – it’s a fun and tasty way to spread the autumn joy!
How to Use Pumpkin Spice
If you enjoy baking during the fall, having homemade pumpkin pie spice in your kitchen is a game-changer.
Instead of measuring multiple spices every time you make treats like cookies, pancakes, muffins, or bread, just use this pumpkin spice mix!
I specifically recommend it for my Pumpkin Muffins and Pumpkin Bars, but it’s also a fantastic substitute for spices in recipes like
- Pumpkin Bread,
- Best Pumpkin Pie,
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies,
- Vegan Pumpkin Waffles,
- Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes,
- Vegan Pumpkin French Toast, and
- Creamy Butternut Squash Pudding.
Save time and keep things delicious with this handy spice blend.
Feel like changing up your spice game? Easy! Swap out whatever spices a recipe calls for with this pumpkin spice—simple as that.
For instance, if it says 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, just go for 2 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
But hey, if you’re over the whole pumpkin vibe, no worries! I personally adore tossing this warm spice mix onto my apple crisp or stirring it into homemade granola.
It’s a fantastic trick to add some pizzazz to your breakfast, whether it’s oatmeal or overnight oats.
How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Spice Last?
To ensure the best flavor, keep in mind that properly stored spices typically maintain freshness for two to three years. When preparing this recipe, it’s good practice to check the expiration date on each spice container.
Is Pumpkin Pie Spice A Good Substitute For Cinnamon?
Absolutely! Pumpkin pie spice serves as an excellent substitute for cinnamon, especially in desserts and baked goods.
Since pumpkin pie spice has a higher cinnamon content than other spices, you can easily replace cinnamon with an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice in dishes like apple crisp, French toast, and sticky buns.
This swap introduces a slightly different, yet still warm and cozy, flavor to your favorite treats.
Can I Use Apple Pie Spice Instead Of Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Certainly! Apple pie spice can be a fantastic substitute for pumpkin pie spice. They share common ingredients like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, making apple pie spice a close match.
While it might not have the exact ginger and cloves found in pumpkin pie spice, you can enhance the similarity by adding a sprinkle of ginger and cloves if you have them on hand. This adjustment will bring you closer to the flavor profile of pumpkin pie spice.
What’s The Difference Between Allspice And Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Allspice and pumpkin pie spice may seem similar, but they have distinct differences. Allspice has a warm and cozy flavor, resembling a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
On the other hand, pumpkin pie spice is more robust, including the aforementioned spices along with ginger.
While allspice is tasty, using it alone won’t capture that classic pumpkin spice flavor you’re aiming for. If you want that signature taste, pumpkin pie spice is the way to go.
