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.
Hi, first time here and getting ready to make an apple pie but only question I have is on the cinnamon. I have 4 kinds Vietnamese, Saigon, McCormick and Walmart. The first 2 have very different distinct flavors and the others land in the middle. What exactly did you use for your cinnamon. Or maybe I’ll make 3 batches (without Wally) and just make additional pies and see which one scores the best.
Hi there – I honestly just use whatever cinnamon I happen to have on hand. Any cinnamon will work, so use your favorite here! Happy baking –
Jamie
@feralkitten,
so fun fact! the chunky sticks of cinnamon is cassia. in the states, you can call cassia cinnamon. its much spicier, a bit bitter when using a lot of it, and lends well to harder baking applications like roasts, meat dishes and the like.
True cinnamon from cinnamon trees are sweeter, fruiter and more mild that lend well to pastries. I prefer indian cinnamon, but I would get the Siagon would be best for a pie.
Happy Baking!
Yumm. I see why there were the number of 5 star reviews. It is very good spice mix. I made skillet apples but didn’t have apple pie spice. I used this recipe and it was better than any “premix” I ever used. I wouldn’t use them again either. It was a familure flavor of my Grandma “Ahada” , I had never figured our the missing something but as soon as I tasted this apple pie spice, IT WAS THERE! Thank you so much for the recipe. I am 65 y/o and thought I would never figure out what I was missing.
So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Lee! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback!
-Jamie
Oh and one other ingredient a teaspoon of clove!
@Eric Buchannan, Hi, Sandy here, good call of missing ingredient!
You missed the most important ingredient Cayenne Pepper it adds the snap try it you will be amazed!
Thanks for the recipe. We live in a tri-state area, but do you think we could find apple pie spice in any stores near us? No! We really need this for our caramel apple cookies & other things. Thanks, again!
Ha! It can be hard to find in my area too! Hopefully you love this blend and won’t have to worry about finding it near you!
-Jamie
When my Apple Slab Pie comes out of the oven, the smell is absolutely divine, as I always use the lovely combination of spices you suggested. Thank you.
We love “everything apple” in our home, sweet or savory, so I would love to make(if you care to share with us), the apple pie you have on display on this site. Looks so tasty and the presentation is beautiful. Thank you. Dida Hobbs
So happy to hear you enjoy the spice blend, Dida! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback.
-Jamie
Ok I just mixed up your Apple pie spice blend only change I added 6T of cinnamon as my family really likes it and likes a spicy pie! Going to make them today so I will let you all know how they turn out. I am known as a great apple pie baker? When I went to the store last night they had NO apple pie spice, guess the pandemic has caused that? I did notice that store bought is only cinnamon, allspice & nutmeg from the partial bottle I had. I sure hope this tastes good!
I hope you love it! You’re not the first person that has said they can’t find it this year. Happy Baking!
-Jamie
Looks yummy
Thanks so much for stopping by, LaWanda! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Baking!
-Jamie
I love your website. I love your own-made spice blends. You are a great inspiration to start baking. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jane! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Baking!
-Jamie
This is such a great spice blend recipe! I tweaked it by adding a little more cinnamon and it added some awesome flavor to the applesauce and loaf bread that I made.
So happy to hear you enjoyed the apple pie spice, Tara! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback!
-Jamie