Quick Answer
To make pumpkin pie spice, mix 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon ground allspice and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves.
Whisk it well and store it in a small airtight jar. That makes about 8 1/2 teaspoons, enough for four pies.
Use it one for one in any recipe that calls for store bought pumpkin pie spice.
What Is in Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm baking spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and usually cloves. Some versions use mace in place of nutmeg.
Despite the name, there is no pumpkin in it at all. It is simply the spice mix that flavors a classic pumpkin pie.
Cinnamon leads the blend. A common guide is about half as much ginger as cinnamon, with smaller amounts of the stronger spices.
Why Make Your Own?
- Fresher flavor: jars that have sat on a shelf for months taste dusty.
- Control: add more ginger for a spicier kick or skip cloves if you find them bitter.
- Savings: you probably already own every spice in it.
- No extras: no anti caking agents or fillers.
How Do You Make Pumpkin Pie Spice, Step by Step?
1. Measure. Add 4 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ginger, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon allspice and 1/2 teaspoon cloves to a small bowl.
2. Whisk. Stir with a small whisk or fork until the color is even and there are no streaks.
3. Sift if clumpy. Older ground spices sometimes form lumps. Press them through a fine strainer.
4. Jar it. Spoon into a clean, dry jar, seal and label it with the date.
For a bigger batch, think in parts: 4 parts cinnamon, 2 parts ginger, 1 part nutmeg, 1 part allspice and 1/2 part cloves.
How Can You Adjust the Blend?
- Spicier: increase ginger to 3 teaspoons.
- Milder: cut the cloves to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Brighter: add 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom.
- Freshest: grate whole nutmeg on a microplane instead of using pre ground.
Cloves and allspice are both strong, so small changes make a big difference. Taste a pinch before committing to a large batch.
How Much Pumpkin Pie Spice Do You Use?
Most 9 inch pumpkin pies call for about 2 teaspoons. Muffins and quick breads usually use 1 to 2 teaspoons per loaf or batch.
If a recipe lists the spices separately, add up the total amount and use that much of your blend instead.
What Can You Make With Pumpkin Pie Spice?
- Pumpkin pie, bread, muffins and pancakes
- A homemade pumpkin spice latte
- Oatmeal, yogurt and overnight oats
- Roasted sweet potatoes, carrots or butternut squash
- Apple crisp, snickerdoodles and banana bread
- Whipped cream with a little maple syrup
A quarter teaspoon stirred into coffee grounds before brewing gives an easy spiced cup without any syrup.
How Long Does Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Last?
Ground spices do not spoil the way fresh food does, but they lose aroma over time. For the best flavor, use your blend within about 6 months.
Store the jar in a cool, dark cupboard away from the stove. Heat and light fade spices faster. If the blend smells faint when you open it, it is time for a fresh batch.
Is Pumpkin Pie Spice the Same as Apple Pie Spice?
They are close cousins. Apple pie spice is usually heavier on cinnamon with nutmeg and allspice, and often skips ginger and cloves.
You can swap one for the other in a pinch. Expect a slightly softer flavor when you use apple pie spice in a pumpkin recipe.
Does Pumpkin Spice Make a Good Gift?
Yes. Fill small 4 ounce jars, add a handwritten tag with the date and a favorite recipe, and you have an easy fall host gift.
Pair a jar with a bag of good coffee or a loaf of pumpkin bread for a cozy bundle.
How Do You Make a Big Batch for the Season?
Multiply the recipe by four for about 3/4 cup of spice, which covers most fall baking for a household:
- 1/3 cup ground cinnamon (about 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon)
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 4 teaspoons ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
Whisk it in a large bowl, then use a small funnel to fill jars without making a mess.
How Do You Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte With It?
Warm 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 1/4 teaspoon of your spice blend. Whisk until frothy.
Pour it over a shot of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong coffee, then top with whipped cream and a final pinch of spice.
That small amount of spice is all you need. Too much makes the drink taste dusty and bitter.
Where Did Pumpkin Spice Come From?
Spiced pumpkin pies date back centuries, and early American cookbooks already paired pumpkin with nutmeg and ginger. Spice companies later sold the blend premixed as a shortcut for holiday baking.
The flavor exploded in popularity once coffee shops began selling pumpkin spice drinks every fall. Today it appears in everything from cereal to candles, but the original home blend is still the best.
Making your own connects you to that older kitchen tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there pumpkin in pumpkin pie spice?
No. It is only spices.
Can I use it in savory dishes?
Yes, in small amounts with roasted squash, chili or braised pork.
What if I do not have allspice?
Use a little extra cinnamon plus a pinch more cloves.
Can I use whole spices?
Yes. Toast and grind them in a spice grinder for the strongest flavor.
The Bottom Line
Homemade pumpkin pie spice takes two minutes: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves in a 4, 2, 1, 1, 1/2 ratio.
Mix it, jar it, and use it all season in pies, lattes, oatmeal and roasted vegetables. It tastes fresher than store bought and you can tune it to your own taste.
