How To Make Pumpkin Pie Spice

updated Oct 5, 2021
thanksgiving
Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

Ditch the pre-made pumpkin spice blend for one customized to your liking. Then use it in lattes, pies, and other baked goods, or even sprinkled over winter squash.

Makes2 1/3 tablespoons

Prep5 minutes

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(Image credit: Christine Gallary)

As the leaves start to change color and cheery pumpkins show up on doorsteps, summer seems like a distant memory and we’re smack-dab in the middle of fall. And while pumpkin spice-flavored treats make their appearance just about, well, everywhere, do you even know what it contains? Here’s what it is and why you should make it at home. (Hint: It’s as easy as it gets!)

Guess What? There’s No Pumpkin in Pumpkin Spice!

For years, I thought pumpkin pie spice actually had pumpkin in it. Silly me. How on earth would you get pumpkin in there? Dehydrate and powder it? In any case, pumpkin pie spice is simply a blend of the traditional spices that go into a good ol’ fashioned pumpkin pie.

Read more: Pumpkin Spice Is Not Actually What Pumpkin Tastes Like

What’s in Pumpkin Pie Spice?

If you go the store-bought route, pumpkin pie spice blends can vary by manufacturer, but typically contain the more sweet-smelling spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. Allspice and mace are also common ingredients.

What’s the Best Ratio of Spices?

The most classic blend puts cinnamon front and center, with slightly less ginger and just a pinch of allspice, cloves, mace, and nutmeg. But making the blend from scratch means you get to choose the ratio! Go for some extra ginger, or skip the cloves if you can’t stand the flavor. Trust me, once you’ve made your own, you’ll never want to buy a commercial blend again.

Why Should I Make My Own?

In addition to being able to customize it to your liking, making your own spice blend costs less than buying a big jar of something pre-made, especially if you already have most of the spices. It’s also better to make smaller batches so you use up the blend before it starts to go stale and loses its flavor.

How Do I Use Pumpkin Pie Spice?

While you can use it to flavor your morning latte, pies, and other baked goods, you can also sprinkle it over hard squash and roast, spice up some whipped cream, or mix it into some yogurt or ice cream base — it’s quite a versatile spice blend.

Ways to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice

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Here's how to make the best pumpkin pie spice.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

Ditch the pre-made pumpkin spice blend for one customized to your liking. Then use it in lattes, pies, and other baked goods, or even sprinkled over winter squash.

Prep time 5 minutes

Makes2 1/3 tablespoons

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon

    ground cinnamon

  • 2 teaspoons

    ground ginger

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    ground allspice

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    ground cloves

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    ground mace

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    ground nutmeg

Equipment

Instructions

  1. Measure. Measure out all ingredients in the order listed (to ensure you don't double up or leave one out) into a small bowl.

  2. Mix. Whisk or stir to combine. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 year.

Recipe Notes

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