This Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice substitute is ideal for pumpkin pie, makes a thoughtful DIY gift, and works in many baked goods. It’s simple to customize and easy to make in any quantity.
Making Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
Store-bought pumpkin pie spice is convenient, but different brands can change the flavor of your baking. Often recipes call for only a teaspoon or two, so making a small batch at home avoids needing to buy a full bottle.
This pumpkin pie spice substitute is easy to tailor to your taste and simple to mix in any amount. Make a full jar to keep in the pantry or just enough for a single recipe.
Despite its name, pumpkin pie spice is excellent in many recipes beyond pumpkin pie — cookies, breads, oatmeal, and muffins all benefit from this warm blend.
What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend traditionally used in pumpkin pie. The common components are ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. Brands and recipes vary in their exact ratios; the mix below reflects a balanced, warm profile with cinnamon as the star.
Use this spice blend anywhere you’d use cinnamon or other warming spices to add fall flavor to sweet and savory dishes alike.
Pumpkin Pie Spice vs Gingerbread Spice
Both blends share many ingredients — cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves — but they differ in emphasis. Pumpkin pie spice highlights cinnamon, while gingerbread spice emphasizes ginger. Adjust proportions to create the flavor profile you prefer.
What Does Pumpkin Pie Spice Taste Like?
The blend is warm, fragrant, and gently spicy. Cinnamon is the dominant note, supported by nutmeg and allspice for depth, with ginger and cloves adding brightness and warmth.
Tools Needed
Making spice blends is simple. A whisk and a bowl are enough, but these tools make the process easier:
- Measuring spoons — for accurate ratios.
- Whisk — or a fork to combine the spices evenly.
- Mixing bowl — a small bowl or jar works well.
- Funnel — helpful when transferring the blend to a jar.
- Storage container — airtight jars or spice containers keep the blend fresh.
What Spices Are in Pumpkin Pie Spice?
The ingredients are typically the same across versions; it’s the proportions that change. For this substitute you’ll need:
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
See the recipe card below for exact amounts and a printable version.
How to Make the Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute
To make the spice blend, simply measure the individual ground spices and stir until combined. You can scale the recipe by measuring in parts for larger batches intended as gifts.
If making a large batch, consider sifting the mixed spices through a fine mesh sieve to ensure an even blend.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
- Check spice freshness — Spices lose potency over time. Smell them: a strong aroma means they’re still good; a weak scent means replace them.
- Use whole spices when possible — Grinding whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg yields a brighter, fresher flavor.
- Store airtight — Keep the blend in a sealed container away from heat and light.
- Make only what you’ll use — Spices lose strength, so avoid making huge quantities you won’t finish within a year.
- Customize the ratios — Increase or reduce any spice to match your taste preferences.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about making and using this pumpkin pie spice substitute. Leave additional questions in the comments if you need more help.
How Much Pumpkin Pie Spice to Use?
For a 9-inch pumpkin pie, use 2 to 3 teaspoons depending on how spicy you like it. For other recipes, total the individual spice amounts the recipe calls for and substitute that total with an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice. For example, if a recipe asks for 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg + 1/4 teaspoon allspice, use 1.5 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
How Should I Store My Spice Mix?
Store the blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve color and flavor.
How Long Does DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice Last?
Up to one year for best flavor. The blend won’t spoil if kept dry, but it will lose aroma and potency over time. If the scent fades, make a fresh batch or use the old blend in simmer pots to scent the home.
How to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
This blend shines in pumpkin pie but also enhances many other recipes. Here are ideas for using your homemade mix:
Add Pumpkin-Spiced Flavor to Desserts
- Brownies and blondies
- Vanilla cupcakes
- Pumpkin pecan pie and pumpkin cheesecake jars
- No-churn pumpkin spice ice cream
- Pumpkin spice caramel sauce and puddings
- Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and cream cheese frostings
Create a Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot
- Add dried orange slices and 1–2 teaspoons of the spice blend to simmering water to scent your home.
Add to Breakfast Recipes
- Pancakes and waffles
- Pecan waffles and pumpkin oatmeal
- Breakfast smoothies with pumpkin
Rim Drinks with Pumpkin Pie Spice
Mix 1.5 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice with 3 tablespoons sugar to rim glasses for spiced ciders, wassail, mulled wine, pumpkin white hot chocolate, and seasonal cocktails.
More Uses
- Dust over vanilla or pumpkin ice cream
- Stir into hot cocoa or coffee
- Sprinkle on oatmeal or smoothies
Try this Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Next time you want to add warmth to a recipe, try this homemade pumpkin pie spice. It’s easy to tweak to your liking and handy to keep in the pantry.
If you make it, leave a comment and share your experience. On Instagram? Tag your photo with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes so others can see how you used the blend.
More Homemade Spice Blends
Looking to replace store-bought mixes? Try homemade gingerbread spice for holiday baking, a southwestern pork rub for savory dishes, or an easy taco seasoning for weeknight meals. Making your own lets you control flavor and freshness.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute
15 1/2 tablespoons
5 minutes
5 minutes
This Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice substitute is perfect for using in pumpkin pie, giving as a DIY gift idea, and so much more. It’s easy to customize and quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
To prepare the pumpkin pie spice substitute, measure the ground spices into a bowl or jar and stir with a whisk until well combined. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Notes
You can measure the spices as written or use parts to scale up. For larger batches, sift the blend through a fine mesh sieve for even mixing.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 31
Serving Size: 1/2 teaspoon
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 3Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g