How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice in Minutes
If fall had a scent, it would smell exactly like pumpkin pie spice. It’s the cozy aroma that fills your kitchen as you bake warm treats and sip on lattes. Sure, you can grab a jar from the store, but making your own is ridiculously easy—and you probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry! Plus, when you make your own, you can tweak the flavors to fit your exact tastes.
In this post, we’ll dive into the simple recipe for homemade pumpkin pie spice, cover common FAQs, give you some fun variations, share storage tips, and even offer some delicious pairing ideas. By the end, you’ll be a pumpkin pie spice pro!
What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warming spices commonly used in fall and holiday baking. While its name suggests it’s only for pumpkin pies, the reality is that this versatile spice mix can be used in everything from coffee to cookies to roasted vegetables!
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- ⅓ cup ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
These five spices come together to create that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and warming flavors that just scream “fall.”
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Measure: In a small bowl, measure out all the ingredients.
- Mix: Whisk them together until well combined.
- Store: Transfer the blend to an airtight container or spice jar. This recipe makes about half a cup of spice mix, and it should last up to a year when stored properly in a cool, dry place.
That’s it! You now have a homemade pumpkin pie spice ready to elevate all your fall recipes.
FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Spice
1. Can I Use Freshly Ground Spices?
Yes, absolutely! Freshly ground spices will give your mix a bolder flavor. If you have whole nutmeg or cloves on hand, grind them right before mixing for maximum aroma and taste.
2. Is Pumpkin Pie Spice the Same as Cinnamon?
Nope! While cinnamon is the main ingredient in pumpkin pie spice, it’s the combination of cinnamon with nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice that creates the signature flavor. Using just cinnamon will leave you missing out on those complex fall notes.
3. Can I Use Pumpkin Pie Spice in Savory Dishes?
Surprisingly, yes! While it’s most commonly used in sweet dishes, pumpkin pie spice can add a nice depth to savory recipes. Try adding a pinch to roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash soup, or even a marinade for chicken!
4. How Long Does Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it should last up to a year. But for the best flavor, aim to use it within six months.
5. What Can I Substitute for Pumpkin Pie Spice?
If you’re missing an ingredient or two, here’s how you can adapt:
- No cloves? Add an extra pinch of cinnamon.
- Out of allspice? Use a little more nutmeg or cinnamon.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment! Here are some ideas to take your homemade pumpkin pie spice to the next level.
- Add a Little Heat: Love a bit of spice? Add ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper or cayenne to the mix. It won’t make your spice blend hot, but it’ll add a subtle warmth that works especially well in chocolate recipes.
- Citrusy Twist: Add a teaspoon of dried orange peel for a bright citrus note that pairs beautifully with the warm spices. It’s perfect for holiday baking or even making spiced tea blends.
- Cardamom Kick: If you’re a fan of chai flavors, try adding ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom. This will give your pumpkin pie spice an extra layer of sweetness and complexity.
- Vanilla Pumpkin Pie Spice: For a hint of creamy sweetness, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla powder. This works especially well in baked goods like muffins, pancakes, or even your morning coffee.
- Maple Pumpkin Spice: Add a pinch of maple sugar to give your spice blend a rich, caramel-like sweetness. This variation is fantastic in oatmeal or sprinkled on top of yogurt.
How to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice in Your Cooking and Baking
Once you have your pumpkin pie spice ready to go, the possibilities are endless. Here are some fun and delicious ways to use it:
- In Baking: Of course, you can use it in your traditional pumpkin pie, but it’s also a great addition to apple crisps, muffins, cakes, cookies, and brownies.
- In Beverages: Stir it into your coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for an instant fall vibe. You can even sprinkle it on whipped cream or froth it into your milk for a homemade pumpkin spice latte!
- On Breakfast: Add it to pancake or waffle batter, stir it into oatmeal, or sprinkle it on top of yogurt or smoothie bowls.
- In Savory Dishes: Toss it with roasted vegetables (like carrots or sweet potatoes), add a pinch to your chili, or mix it into a marinade for grilled chicken.
Pairing Suggestions for Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors. Here are some pairing ideas to inspire your fall cooking:
- Fruits: Pumpkin pie spice pairs beautifully with apples, pears, bananas, and cranberries. Try it in an apple pie, baked pears, or sprinkled on top of banana bread.
- Chocolate: The warmth of pumpkin pie spice contrasts nicely with the richness of chocolate. Use it in brownies, hot chocolate, or chocolate chip cookies for a unique twist.
- Maple Syrup: These two fall staples are a match made in heaven. Drizzle some maple syrup over pumpkin spice pancakes or waffles for an indulgent breakfast.
- Caramel: Pumpkin pie spice and caramel go hand in hand. Use the combo in a caramel-drizzled latte, a fall-flavored cheesecake, or even on popcorn.
- Savory Dishes: If you’re going the savory route, pumpkin pie spice complements squash, sweet potatoes, pork, and poultry. Try adding a touch to a roasted vegetable medley or a savory sweet potato casserole.
Storing and Freezing Options
Storing Your Spice Mix: Homemade pumpkin pie spice is best stored in an airtight container or jar, kept in a cool, dry spot in your kitchen, away from direct sunlight or heat. The blend will keep for up to a year, but for the best flavor, try to use it within six months. If your spice starts to lose its aroma, it’s time to make a new batch.
Freezing: While there’s no need to freeze your pumpkin pie spice blend, you can! If you want to ensure maximum freshness, store it in a small airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it for up to a year. Just make sure it’s fully sealed to prevent moisture from sneaking in. To use, simply scoop out what you need without defrosting—it’s that easy.
In Conclusion
Pumpkin pie spice is the ultimate fall flavor, and making your own allows you to control the balance of spices to suit your taste. Whether you’re sprinkling it into baked goods, stirring it into drinks, or adding it to savory dishes, this homemade blend will quickly become a kitchen staple. And with the tips on variations, storage, and pairings, you’re ready to spice up your fall like never before.
So, grab your ingredients, whisk up a batch, and enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn—anytime you want!
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp ground nutmeg
- 1 Tbsp ground ginger
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp ground allspice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, measure out all the ingredients.
- Whisk them together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or spice jar.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
Notes
- Use this blend in baking, coffee, oatmeal, roasted vegetables, or savory dishes for a cozy, fall-inspired flavor.
- For stronger flavors, use freshly ground spices.
- Experiment with add-ins like dried orange peel or cardamom for unique variations.