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Pumpkin Pie Spice is so easy to make at home. You can amp up the cloves and ginger for a sharper flavor, or the cinnamon, for a softer, cozier spice.
I have an addiction to spices. No matter how many times I obsessively organize and consolidate my stash, it turns into a ridiculous mess within days.
Eventually, it gets to the point where I can’t even close the cabinet door. Spices in full-on attack mode with the courage to jump out at any of us brave enough to open the door, it’s a thing that happens in this house with regularity.
Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s been there. Buying particular spices for one dish and never opening the container again – let alone remembering that you actually have it buried somewhere on you pantry shelves. Yep, that’s me – I’m the girl with three containers of Garam Masala, but will totally run out of something common like chili powder twice in two months.
I’m also a little lazy, so if there’s a way to cut a couple of corners without sacrificing the end result, I’m all about it! A few years ago, I found myself in the middle of a fall baking marathon and realized I was out of Pumpkin Pie Spice.
My first instinct was to head to the store – but then that aforementioned laziness kicked in and I figured – wait a sec, I bet I can make this myself. And I did and it was splendid.
This laziness-turned-inspiration is not unprecedented. I also make my own chili/taco seasoning, after running out on a rainy taco Tuesday when a grocery store run was not in the cards. It’s pretty darn rocking, and this pumpkin pie spice is equally as fantastic!
WHAT IS IN PUMPKIN PIE SPICE?
The words “pumpkin pie spice” are everywhere starting as early as late August these days, but how many of us really know what is in pumpkin pie spice?
Pumpkin Pie Spice is just a combination of those yummy “warm” spices that we all reach for in our fall and holiday baking.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and ginger -that’s it!
Now whenever a recipe calls for the typical blend of fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. I toss in a couple of teaspoons of this homemade pumpkin pie spice.
It’s better than any pre-made version that I have found and since you probably have all the spices on hand, it’s a little thrifty. And we all like thrifty, right?
Plus, when you make it at home, you know for sure that those spices are all that’s in it -nothing else!
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN PIE SPICE
Making homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice is as easy (or, if you’re like me, tricky) as locating the 5 spices in your pantry.
I measure all of the ingredients into a small Weck jar, seal it up and give it a good shake to ensure it’s well incorporated. Then you can smack a label on it and you’re good to go.
Or if you’re momentarily obsessed with adhesive vinyl (that’d be me), you can go that route and cut out a nice font for your homemade pumpkin pie spice.
Just store it in your pantry as you would any other spice and you’ll have all the flavors of fall at your fingertips.
You can even make your pumpkin pie spice a bit more customized by bumping up the ginger and cloves, for a sharper, more robust flavor, or go light on those and amp up the cinnamon for a softer flavor.
When you make it yourself, you can make it JUST right, and that’s worth doing at least once every fall.
RECIPES USING PUMPKIN PIE SPICE
Now that you’ve made homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice, it’s time to use it in a recipe!
Pumpkin pie is an obvious choice. I like a twist on traditional pumpkin pie, such as Mini Pumpkin Pies and Marshmallow Pumpkin Pie.
You know I can never get enough cheesecake. Try my Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes or No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice is also perfect in breads and cakes! Pumpkin Roll is a Thanksgiving staple in our family, as is Pumpkin Bread.
I’ve even used Pumpkin Pie Spice in some sweet snacks, such as Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Dip, Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix, and Pumpkin Dip.
Photo Credit: Emily Caruso
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves
Instructions
- Combine spices in a small bow, mix well to combine.
- Store in a small jar or spice container.
Notes
This post for Pumpkin Pie Spice was originally posted in September 2011. It has been updated with new photos and text, but the recipe remains the same.
I am really curious about this chili/taco seasoning. I didn’t see if anybody else asked. So how do you make it?
Danielle-
Here is the link to the spice mix recipe. I hop you enjoy it! https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/homemade-chili-and-taco-seasoning/
-Jamie
Yup, we have a drawer for the spices, and cupboard space for all the OTHER spices, the ones we only use once in a while. Never have bought pumpkin pie spice, though. I don’t like dried ginger– it’s fresh or nothing. And cloves don’t seem to agree with me. So I just mix up cinnamon and allspice half and half and I’m good to go!
Since our mom passed, we have sisters’ day once a month and this would make a great, gift, knowing that the holidays are right around the corner. We all share recipes and fix fantastic meals to share with each other on those days. (Memories of mom’s fantastic recipes.) Thanks for sharing….
Ever since mom passed, we have sisters’ day once a month and this would make a great homemade gift, cause they all love to bake and they would save $$$$$ in the long run. Thanks for sharing…..
What does “allspice” consist of? I live in Norway and love pumpkin pie, but pumpkin spice does not exist here. So I would love to try this recipe.
Jenny-
Here is a link to Wikipedia that will explain exactly what allspice is. I hope this helps!
-Jamie
I’m starting up my pumpkin-inspired baking this weekend and cannot wait to use this recipe!
Perfect! Just made mine, perfect for all my fall winter recipes. I just made my Pumpkin Cranberry Cookies with some of this spice concoction. Thanks for sharing! I live in Norway and it is pretty hard to find Pumpkin Pie Spice, actually I think I would have some shipped from the USA but now resolved…Tusen Takk-Thank You
Kristina-
I am so glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe, thanks for coming back and telling us your thoughts! Have a great day.
-Jamie
Hi Kristina, Would love to have your Pumpkin Cranberry cookie Recipe. Will you share it with me please?
Thank You
you can email it to me if you’d like at thepribyl3@yahoo.com
Sounds gorgeous! Exactly what I’ve been looking for….will give this a whirl.
Thank you! I love to put a dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice in my coffee in the winter. Or actually, in my hot tea. It just is so delicious in hot tea. I’m doing this, and pinning on my pinterest wall.
Valda-
So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe and thanks so much for Pinning the photo. Have a great day.
-Jamie
Yes! Was just thinking about making pumpkin pie spice the other day after seeing the $5.99 bottles that were mentioned above!
However, at this point I figure I’ll get more grumbles from my boyfriend for making instead of buying since that would cause me to put all of the above ingredients on our shopping list :/ … I’m running low.
Thanks for the recipe, I’m definitely going to have to make some at some point. I plan on doing some pumpkin pie spice cinnamon rolls when my boyfriend’s nieces and nephews visit next month! :)