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Pumpkin Pie Spice is so easy to make at home. You can amp up the cloves and ginger for a sharper flavor, or 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!
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 know for sure that those spices are all that’s in it -nothing else!
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.
I measure all of the ingredients into a small Weck 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 nice font for your homemade pumpkin pie spice.
Just store it in your pantry as you would any other spice and you’ll have all the flavors of fall at your fingertips.
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.
RECIPES USING PUMPKIN PIE SPICE
Now that you’ve made homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice, it’s time to use it in a recipe!
Pumpkin pie is an obvious choice. I like a twist on traditional pumpkin pie, such as Mini Pumpkin Pies and Marshmallow Pumpkin Pie.
You know I can never get enough cheesecake. Try my Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes or No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice is also perfect in breads and cakes! Pumpkin Roll is a Thanksgiving staple in our family, as is Pumpkin Bread.
I’ve even used Pumpkin Pie Spice in some sweet snacks, such as Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Dip, Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix, and Pumpkin Dip.
Photo Credit: Emily Caruso
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves
Instructions
- Combine spices in a small bow, mix well to combine.
- Store in a small jar or spice container.
Notes
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This post for Pumpkin Pie Spice was originally posted in September 2011. It has been updated with new photos and text, but the recipe remains the same.
I stumbled on your site about a month ago looking for a good pumpkin pie spice for a batch of Pumpkin Ale I was brewing. When I mixed everything together I was a little worried because it seemed a slightly heavy on the cloves so I used it in some pumpkin ice cream as a test. Incredible!! Everything was perfectly balanced. After getting the beer wrapped up I went on and used this in pumpkin bread and a pumpkin rice-pudding recipe I found at the same time I found your site (I have a slight pumpkin dessert problem, eek!). Just tried the beer last night and I’m very happy with how it’s shaping up. I saw your Apple Pie and Chili/Taco blends and they are next on my radar. Thanks so much!
Todd-
That’s wonderful to hear! I’m so happy you are getting so much use out the recipe. I bet your beer turns out amazing! Have a wonderful day!
-Jamie
I made this today, and I love it! Thanks for the recipe.
Jennie-
Thanks so much for letting us know how the recipe worked out! Happy Fall!
-Jamie
I made this a few days ago when I realized I was out in the middle of making pumpkin bread. I left out the cloves because I just can’t stand them, and it still turned out wonderful. Thanks so much for the recipe! :)
Michelle-
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for stopping by and providing your feedback – have a great day!
-Jamie
I am addicted to this Pumpkin Pie Spice and your Apple Pie Spice!
Hey.
I’m keeping a muffin/cupcake blog and needed a spice mix like this… You really don’t find ready make mix like this in Finland so I used your recipe. Thank you for sharing. I did share a link to your blog in mine so that origin from where I got it will be available for all my readers…
Thanks
Ellen-
I am so glad that you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for visiting and sharing your feedback – Have a great day!
-Jamie
actually Kmarket has been selling pumpkin spice, spiced pumpkin purée and Plain pumpkin purée cans in the American product shelf for years now. Silly to pay 10€ for 40grams of spice mix though!
On the pumpkin spice jars, is that a cricut machine that’s used for the tidy, clean letters on the jar? I sure like that look. I guess the individual letters could be purchased from Michael’s, but I like yours better.
Linda-
I actually used my Silhouette to create the letters. They were cut using a Felt Marker font. I hope this helps!
-Jamie
Yup you’re right….I have all the ingredients in my “spice” cabinet lol! I love using the tiny 4 oz Ball canning jars for spices. They’re the perfect size and the lids are easy on/easy off. Thanks for a great blend. I’m off to make some right now!
Oh, and the little jars would be a lot easier to get a measuring spoon in and out of than the bottles the spices usually come in. I might have to buy a case of them next time I’m in the home goods section. What a great idea.