Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin Pie Spice is so easy to make at home. You can amp up the cloves and ginger for a sharper flavor or increase the cinnamon, for a softer, cozier spice.

I have an addiction to spices. No matter how many times I obsessively organize and consolidate my stash, it turns into a ridiculous mess within days.

Eventually, it gets to the point where I can’t even close the cabinet door. Spices in full-on attack mode with the courage to jump out at any of us brave enough to open the door, it’s a thing that happens in this house with regularity.

Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s been there. Buying particular spices for one dish and never opening the container again – let alone remembering that you actually have it buried somewhere on you pantry shelves. Yep, that’s me – I’m the girl with three containers of Garam Masala, but will totally run out of something common like chili powder twice in two months.

I’m also a little lazy, so if there’s a way to cut a couple of corners without sacrificing the end result, I’m all about it! A few years ago, I found myself in the middle of a fall baking marathon and realized I was out of Pumpkin Pie Spice.

My first instinct was to head to the store – but then that aforementioned laziness kicked in and I figured – wait a sec, I bet I can make this myself. And I did and it was splendid.

This laziness-turned-inspiration is not unprecedented. I also make my own chili/taco seasoning, after running out on a rainy taco Tuesday when a grocery store run was not in the cards. It’s pretty darn rocking, and this pumpkin pie spice is equally as fantastic!

What is in pumpkin pie spice?

The words “pumpkin pie spice” are everywhere starting as early as late August these days, but how many of us really know what is in pumpkin pie spice?

Pumpkin Pie Spice is just a combination of those yummy “warm” spices that we all reach for in our fall and holiday baking. 

Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and ginger — that’s it! These are the spices that best complement the subtle flavor of pumpkin and make all of your favorite pumpkin recipes incredibly delicious.

Now, whenever a recipe calls for the typical blend of fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. I toss in a couple of teaspoons of this homemade pumpkin pie spice.

It’s better than any pre-made version that I have found and since you probably have all the spices on hand, it’s a little thrifty. And we all like thrifty, right?

Plus, when you make it at home, you can customize the blend to be exactly what your family loves best.

If you love homemade pumpkin pie spice, make sure you also try my apple pie spice. It’s a blend designed to work perfectly with the tart-sweet flavor of apples!

How to make pumpkin pie spice

Making homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice is as easy (or, if you’re like me, tricky) as locating the 5 spices in your pantry:

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons nutmeg
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves

I measure all of the ingredients into a small jar, seal it up and give it a good shake to ensure it’s well incorporated. Then you can smack a label on it and you’re good to go.

Or if you’re momentarily obsessed with adhesive vinyl (that’d be me), you can go that route and cut out a pretty label for the jar. 

You can also measure the individual spices into a small bowl and whisk to combine them before transferring it to the airtight container of your choice. 

You can even make your pumpkin pie spice a bit more customized by bumping up the ginger and cloves for a sharper, more robust flavor, or go light on those and amp up the cinnamon for a softer flavor.

When you make it yourself, you can make it JUST right, and that’s worth doing at least once every fall.

Uses

There are about a million different ways you can use pumpkin pie spice in all of your fall recipes. 

Pretty much any and all of my pumpkin recipes are made extra delicious with this blend. 

Pumpkin pie is an obvious choice. I like a twist on traditional pumpkin pie, such as Mini Pumpkin Pies, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie, and Marshmallow Pumpkin Pie.

You know I can never get enough cheesecake. Try my Classic Pumpkin Cheesecake, Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes, or No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Pumpkin pie spice is also perfect in breads and cakes! Pumpkin Roll is a Thanksgiving staple in our family, as are Pumpkin Bread and Pumpkin Muffins.

I’ve even used Pumpkin Pie Spice in some sweet snacks, such as Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Dip, Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix, and Pumpkin Dip.

Try sprinkling it over your morning oatmeal or use it instead of cinnamon in cinnamon sugar. 

And would it be fall without a pumpkin spice latte?? Nope, it sure wouldn’t.