This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy.
Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cardamom come together in this easy homemade apple pie spice. This warm and comforting spice blend can be used for so much more than just apple pie!
I know that many of us equate fall with pumpkin spice everything. From lattes and sweet potato chips to home fragrances, it seems like everything has a pumpkin spice twist these days.
And I’m the first to say bring it on. Unless it’s something a little strange like pumpkin spice hummus, then it’s a hard pass.
Even though I am totally team pumpkin pie spice, I’ve been pretty fond of this homemade apple pie spice for years now.
It’s a deliciously festive blend of spices that’s perfect for any fall-inspired baked good. It’s also pretty amazing as a topping for your morning oatmeal, a frothy latte, or mixing with sugar for the ultimate cinnamon toast!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItWhat is in apple pie spice?
I’m pretty much a self-professed spice hoarder, so Penzey’s makes me almost as happy as Nordstrom does. Seriously, it’s pretty close.
So any time I stumble across a recipe that calls for a special spice blend, my first thought is if I have what I need to make it myself.
The answer to that is almost always yes. From pumpkin pie spice and chai spice blend to homemade taco seasoning and ranch seasoning mix, I have made plenty of my own spice blends over the years.
As soon as the air turns crisp and the leaves start to turn, I get into serious fall baking mode and often encounter recipes that call for “apple pie spice.”
But what really is apple pie spice?
Most of these blends include:
- cinnamon
- ginger
- nutmeg
- allspice
- cardamom
By making your own spice blends, you can tweak the amounts and customize the blend to meet your taste.
Love cardamom? Add a little more in. Nuts about ginger? Feel free to up the amount! I promise – you really can’t mess it up!
Making and storing your apple pie spice
To make your homemade apple pie spice, simply add all the ingredients to a clean, dry jar. Close it up and shake until well combined.
Don’t stress out about making sure your measurements are exact. The amounts listed in the recipe card below are meant to be more of a guideline, so feel free to adjust any of them to your own liking.
If kept in an airtight container (such as a small food storage container, spice jars, or Weck jars) in a cool, dark place, this apple pie spice will stay good almost indefinitely.
You don’t need to buy a fancy container, though. You can always wash, dry and reuse old spice jars, making it even more economical!
The amounts in the recipe card make about 1/3 cup of seasoning mix – that’s about 15 teaspoons. You can easily double or even triple the recipe if you know you’re going to be using a lot of apple pie spice in the upcoming months, though!
Uses
I love throwing this blend into apple crumb pie (of course) or even apple pie bars, but it’s also great in any dessert or breakfast that you want to add a little bit of warmth and depth to.
Think crock pot applesauce, oatmeal, apple muffins, apple pancakes and so much more!
Pretty much any of my apple recipes pair well with this spice blend. You could even use it in some of my pumpkin recipes in a pinch!
If you’re crafty, I think a cute label and a little twine could make this homemade mix the perfect little gift for fall. Couple the spice blend with a basket of freshly picked apples and you have a great holiday gift for neighbors, co-workers, friends and family.
Apple Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
Instructions
- Combine spices in a small bowl, mix well to combine. Store in a small jar or spice container.
Notes
- These measurements don’t need to be precise. If you prefer more of one spice or less of another, feel free to adjust to your liking.
- If using freshly grated nutmeg, you may want to decrease the amount a bit as it tends to be be quire a bit stronger than jarred, ground nutmeg.
- Makes about 1/3 cup
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is a wonderful spice blend. I used it in a Thanksgiving Fruit Salad I brought to a Thanksgiving potluck.
My daughter is severely allergic to cinnamon, what can I substitute for it in this recipe?
Hi Sonia – I would just omit the cinnamon and increase all of the other ingredients. The flavor profile will obviously be different than if you included cinnamon, but it will still work with all of your favorite apple recipes. Hope this helps!
Thank you!! Making Applesauce Cakes and need quite a quantity for Applee Pie Spice!! your site!! My first time finding it!! Thanks again!!
Wanda
I haven’t made a lot of apple pies but one of my daughters friends told me this Thanksgiving that my apple pie was the best she’s ever had! Of course that made me feel good and I do believe it was because of some good apples and this apple pie spice recipe! I had just found this before I made the pie and I agree that it tasted mighty good.And she specially requested another for Christmas that I’m fixin to make.
Us folks in the South like fried apples,biscuits and scrambled eggs for breakfast. Maybe some ham or bacon on the side. I will make the spice mix keep it in my
pantry
Incase you don’t k own what fried apples are it’s sort of like apple pie without the crust.yum
I wonder if this would be a good pumpkin pie spice ? Rigt now I’m mixing it up to put in bran mufffins.
Hi there! I actually have a pumpkin pie spice recipe as well: https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/pumpkin-pie-spice-recipe/ Hope this helps!
Happy baking –
Jamie