Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Learn how to make homemade pumpkin pie spice in less than 5 minutes with 5 simple spices you probably already have in your pantry! This cozy blend is perfect for pumpkin pies, breads, muffins, cookies, lattes, and so much more.
Once fall arrives, I go through jars of pumpkin pie spice like crazy. Between my vegan pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice energy balls, and pumpkin spice chai latte, I always seem to have a jar in reach. I used to buy it at the grocery store until I realized I already had every spice in my pantry. So, why not make it myself?!
Table of Contents
Why I Make My Own
Making your own pumpkin pie spice takes about 5 minutes and ends up being cheaper than buying a jar. Make as little or as much as you need, and adjust it to your taste.
It also makes the cutest little fall gift! Spoon it into a small jar, add a handwritten label and a bit of twine, and you’ve got a homemade pantry gift.
A Little Pumpkin Spice History
Did you know pumpkin spice has Catholic roots? Saint Hildegard, a 12th century Benedictine nun and mystic, wrote about the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in her classic work Physica. She said that these spices could “make the heart joyful.”
I hope this little blend does exactly that for you. 🙂
What’s In Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of ground spices used to flavor pumpkin pie and other fall recipes. But get this… it doesn’t actually contain pumpkin!
This homemade version uses five simple spices:
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Allspice
- Cloves
Cinnamon is the base, while nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves add extra warmth and spice. Feel free to tweak the blend to your taste. I personally love cinnamon and cloves (like l-o-v-e), so sometimes I sneak in an extra pinch.
Recipe Testing Note: The first time I tested this recipe, I used 1 tablespoon of ginger (oops). As you can imagine, it was very spicy! So, I scaled it down to 1 ½ teaspoons, which adds just enough heat while keeping the blend warm and smooth.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Before you start, check the expiration dates on your spices. Once spices expire, they lose their flavor, so it really won’t be adding anything to the recipe. If there isn’t a clearly labeled expiration date, give them a sniff. If they’ve lost their scent (or smell weird), replace them. Checked? Okay, let’s move on!
Measure all five spices into a small bowl and whisk until evenly combined. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cabinet. That’s it!
This recipe makes 4 ½ tablespoons. You can cut the recipe in half for a smaller batch, or double it if you’re planning on making pumpkin everything this fall. 🙂
How Long Can I Store Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Store homemade pumpkin spice in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry or cabinet. For the best flavor, use it within one year, or by the earliest best-by date of the spices you used.
I used to store my spices in the fridge, and I don’t know who told me that, but don’t! 😂 The change in temperature can cause condensation and moisture, which isn’t ideal for spices. Learn from my mistake and keep your spice blend in the pantry instead.
One Little Jar, So Many Fall Recipes
Think of it as a fall shortcut: anywhere you’d normally reach for cinnamon, add a little pumpkin pie spice instead. Try it in oatmeal, yogurt bowls, smoothies, cookies, breads, muffins, or lattes. It’s especially good in cozy breakfasts like my pumpkin pie baked oatmeal, and I love adding it to my afternoon matcha, like in my pumpkin spice matcha latte.
The best part? You can use this homemade blend as a 1:1 substitute in any recipe that calls for store-bought pumpkin pie spice.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes using it:
- Vegan Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
- Homemade Pumpkin Granola
- Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
- Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
- Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cups
- Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipes For Your Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Let’s put that freshly made jar to good use!
FAQs
Nope! Pumpkin pie spice is simply a blend of ground spices and doesn’t contain any sugar.
Yes! If you want a warmer, slightly spicier flavor, then swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.
SO MANY RECIPES! Use it in pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, muffins, cookies, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, baked oatmeal, overnight oats, granola, energy balls, yogurt bowls, smoothies, chai, matcha, and lots more!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Add all the spices to a small bowl. Whisk or stir together with a fork until combined and free of any lumps.
- Transfer the blend to a small airtight glass jar or spice container. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year, or until the individual spices expire.
Notes
- Check your spices: Older/expired spices lose their flavor over time, so use fresh spices for the best-tasting blend.
- Adjust the flavor: Add more cinnamon for a warmer blend, or more cloves/ginger for heat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Make more: This recipe makes 4 ½ tablespoons. Double or triple the recipe if you’re planning lots of fall baking!
- Use as a 1:1 substitute: Replace store-bought pumpkin pie spice with this homemade blend in any recipe that calls for it!
Making my own pumpkin pie spice is one of my favorite fall shortcuts! It’s so easy to make at home (literally takes less than 5 minutes) and you can notice the flavor is much fresher in baked goods by mixing it yourself.