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.
Made this for a fruitcake recipe. I only needed maybe two teaspoons for the recipe, so I’ve been putting a teaspoon in oatmeal whenever I have that for breakfast. The recipe made between 1/3 and 1/2 of a cup. So aromatic and such a warm brown color.
So happy to hear you enjoyed the spice mix, Marsha! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback!
-Jamie
I love this Recipe!!! I have been using this apple pie spice recipe for years now, and it never fails. Do you have an apple pie recipe that you use this apple pie spice in?
So happy to hear you love the spice mix, Rebecca! I like these mini apple pies – you could use the apple pie spice instead of the listed spices. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback!
-Jamie
Gotta love this old school classic, great recipe, thanks for sharing.
Simon
You’re welcome, Simon! Some of the old recipes are the best!
Hi Jamie, I’m late to your blog. I wanted to say thanks for being so thorough in your instructions for both the spice and the labels. I’m one of those people who likes to do things but am not always creative – you gave me everything I needed to make little gifts for a dessert and coffee meet & greet I’m hosting. Enjoy the rest of your spicy day!
Deborah-
I’m so glad to help. I hope your meet and greet goes wonderfully. Thanks for visiting.
-Jamie
Jamie, Thank you for the Apple Pie Spice mix. I am making a Caramel Bliss Cake and it uses Apple Pie Spice and since I only make an apple pie every few years, I didn’t want to go buy the spice; and usually I make things home made anyways.
To Sandy Manning, I have a recipe for the Hidden Valley Ranch mix. I can send it on here if you like. Let me know.
I’d love the hvr mix recipe!
Thanks Cheryl
Jamie how much Apple pie spice for 1 apple pie?
Teresa-
I would start with 2 teaspoons and give the mixture a little taste before filling the pie crust. You can adjust from there – I hope this helps.
-Jamie
@Jamie, do you need to add sugar when doing an apple pie with this spice mix
Yes, a pie will definitely need sugar since there is no sugar in the spice blend.
Do you have a recipe for “pumpkin pie spice”?
Renee-
I sure do!
https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/pumpkin-pie-spice-recipe/
I wish someone would come up with a homemade dry seasonings mix like hidden valley ranch mix. Have you ever seen that?
Sandy-
I haven’t, but it sounds amazing. Sorry I am not more of a help. Thanks for stopping by!
-Jamie
Hi Jamie. Love your idea!! How much of the Apple Pie spice mixture do u add to make one pie
Teresa-
I would start with 2 teaspoons and give the mixture a little taste before filling the pie crust. You can adjust from there – I hope this helps.
-Jamie
Is there a way to print the recipe with or without the photos and without the entire post? Shouldn’t there be? Thanks.
Hi Kathryn,
There is a “print recipe” button within the blue box that the recipe appears in. It is on the right hand side, and is brown. This will allow you to print the recipe by itself.
– Jamie