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Can we even have pumpkin season without a homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe?!
I think not! It is the base of what makes pumpkin recipes – well, taste like pumpkin.
Of course, there is the actual pumpkin ingredient that helps the food taste like pumpkin, but if we’re being honest, there are many sweet treats that we enjoy, that do not contain any actual pumpkin, and only contain the pumpkin pie spice – we’re looking at you PSL!!! And, guess what? It somehow tastes like pumpkin!!
So, I think it’s safe to say, that a good pumpkin pie spice mix is essential for pumpkin season! Don’t you agree?!
It is the vital part of any sweet pumpkin recipe. You cannot have a pumpkin recipe without pumpkin pie spice! It’s the rules!
Pumpkin pie spice – A mix of warming, spices that work together in perfect harmony, and is associated with pumpkin pie. Therefore, they are used in other sweet pumpkin recipes as well. The combination is comforting, and a favorite here in America.
The best part, pumpkin pie spice is so easy to make yourself!!! It only contains 6 ingredients (one of them is optional), and all of them are easy to get your hands on.
Making your own pumpkin pie spice means you can customize it to your liking. And, you know exactly what’s going in it – no stabilizers, or preservatives here. You can use this pumpkin pie spice in any pumpkin recipe that calls for it. Plus, the spice mixture keeps in your cupboard for up to 6 months, or in your freezer for longer!
This homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe has one extra spice in it that’s not normally in pumpkin pie spice – cardamom. It is an optional ingredient, but I love the hint of floral, spice that it adds. I have been adding it to my pumpkin pie spice mix for a few years, and haven’t looked back!
Ingredients for homemade pumpkin pie spice
As always, the full list of ingredients are listed in the recipe card below – be sure to check it out.
- ground cinnamon – the base of the pumpkin pie spice mixture. We all know and love her, she’s warming, comforting, nostalgic, and is used with pretty much anything this time of year!
- ground ginger – a little spicy and sassy. Ginger helps to kick the spice mixture up one notch (not in a real spicy way, but it really adds extra warmth).
- ground cloves – cloves are another classic warming spice that’s slightly spicy.
- ground allspice – this one may sound a little confusing – it is not multiple spices, just one that is commonly found in pumpkin pie spice.
- nutmeg (freshly ground) – Can’t beat the sweetness of nutmeg in this recipe.
- ground cardamom (optional) – this is my personal twist on pumpkin pie spice. It’s a little floral-y, and warming. You can easily omit it, but I recommend giving it a try. Just a hint really makes the whole mixture pop even more.
How to make pumpkin pie spice
More detailed directions are in the recipe card below. Be sure to check it out!
- Mix – all of the spices together
- Use – this can be used in any recipe that calls for pumpkin pie spice.
- Store
It’s as simple as that!
Why make homemade pumpkin pie spice when you can just buy it at the store?
The main reason to make your own pumpkin pie spice is to customize the flavors to your own liking. I have spent years perfecting this spice blend to my exact taste, and I absolutely love it!
You can easily use this recipe as a starting point, and adjust your own spice blend to be exactly how you want it.
plus, it’s insanely easy to make. And, a great way to use up the spices you might already have in your cupboard.
Also, you know what’s exactly inside. No anti-caking agents, or preservatives.
What can I use this pumpkin pie spice in?
Literally any recipe that calls for pumpkin pie spice!!!
The most obvious recipe is pumpkin pie. However, you can use it in pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin cakes, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin oatmeal, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin scones – the possibilities are endless!
Usually, this will be a sweet pumpkin recipe, versus a savory pumpkin recipe.
I have found it to be a delicious addition to oatmeal, plain, or with apples. It also makes a delicious cinnamon sugar toast – instead of just cinnamon, add some pumpkin pie spice in with the sugar – so good! You could also add a pinch into tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, for a little depth of flavor, and warming spice.
Here are some pumpkin recipes to use this pumpkin pie spice in
- easy pumpkin pie (9 ingredients)
- healthy pumpkin bread (with maple butter)
- pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies
- healthy baked pumpkin oatmeal
- pumpkin cake with yogurt cream cheese frosting
- mini pumpkin pies with ginger cookie crust
- healthy pumpkin muffins
- pumpkin oatmeal
What is pumpkin pie spice made of?
The most traditional ingredients are: cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
I added my own little twist with an optional ingredient of cardamom. It adds such a lovely depth of flavor that really makes this pumpkin pie spice recipe extra special.
Is allspice the same as pumpkin pie spice?
No.
Although, allspice is a common ingredient in pumpkin pie spice – it is not the same.
The name is confusing, but allspice is actually only one spice. It is a dried berry that comes from the myrtle pepper tree. You can buy it whole, or ground. (source).
Why is it called “pumpkin pie spice”
Pumpkin pie spice is traditionally, and most commonly used in pumpkin pie.
It has become more popular as the craze for sweet pumpkin recipes, and pumpkin spice lattes have grown over the years. It’s the ingredient that makes a baked good taste like pumpkin – without it, your pumpkin dessert would fall flat.
What if I don’t have all of the ingredients for homemade pumpkin pie spice?
That’s okay. You can easily adjust the spices by omitting one, and adding in extra of another.
It won’t be as good as if you use all of the spices, but it will still get the job done!
How long does homemade pumpkin pie spice last?
Up to 6 months in your cupboard.
For longer term storage, store the spice mixture in your freezer to help preserve the freshness of the spices.
The spices won’t go “bad”, but they do lose their potency in flavor over time. It is worth labeling your spice mixture by name, along with the date.
I recommend this label maker – love it!
Reasons you’ll enjoy this homemade pumpkin pie spice
- A fall-time pantry staple!
- Easy to make – measure, and mix.
- The perfect blend of nostalgic, warming spices.
- It can be used in any recipe that calls for pumpkin pie spice.
- It will last for at least 6 months.
- It’s easy to customize to your liking.
- It’s extra special due to the addition of cardamom.
- Makes any sweet pumpkin recipe taste incredible!
Equipment I used for this recipe
- measuring spoons – these are my favorite. The elongated end makes it easy to get into spice jars.
- microplane – this is what I use to freshly grate my nutmeg. So worth the little extra effort.
- 4 ounce jelly jars – this is what I like to store my mixed up spices in.
- label maker – I love using this label maker to label my pantry items! So easy!
More spice mixture recipes to try
(see above for pumpkin recipes the pumpkin pie spice is used in)
Did you make this recipe?
Don’t forget to leave a comment down below, along with a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This helps my recipe to rank higher in google, which means it will be seen by more people. Thank friends!
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Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 ounces (8 tablespoons) 1x
- Category: spices, baking, dessert, easy
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: gluten free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe is my favorite spice mix to use for pumpkin pie, pumpkin cakes, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes, etc. It adds that nostalgic, warming flavor to any sweet pumpkin recipe. A little cardamom makes this pumpkin spice extra special.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg (freshly grated, if possible)
- optional: 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Mix – Add all of the spices to a small mixing bowl, and use a fork, or a small whisk to whisk everything together until well combined. Make sure there aren’t any lumps.
- To use – Use this homemade pumpkin pie spice as instructed in baked recipes that call for it – such as, pumpkin pie, or other recipes containing pumpkin.
- To store – Transfer the pumpkin pie spice to a small mason jar, or other air tight container. I recommend labeling the jar, along with the date. Keep in your pantry for up to 6 months. After 6 months, I recommend keeping the spice mixture in your freezer to help preserve the flavor of the spices. They don’t go “bad”, they just become less flavorful over time.
Notes
Cardamom – cardamom isn’t normally in pumpkin pie spice, but I added it to my homemade recipe a few years ago, and really think it adds an extra depth of flavor that makes this pumpkin pie spice stand out from the rest. Keep in mind, that cardamom is very potent, so a little goes a long way – start with the smaller amount, and add more if you like it. You can easily omit the cardamom if you’re not a fan.
A note on freshness of spices – spices don’t go “bad”, but they do lose their potency over time – especially these warming spices. If you are using spices that expired, you will want to replace them with new ones to make the best pumpkin pie spice you can. To prolong the flavor of your spices, I recommend storing them in the freezer after 6 months of opening. However, I would still consider replacing them with new ones after about 1 year after the expiration date.
Serving size – I personally like to make a smaller batch of pumpkin pie spice since it’s something I only use for a few months, and it’s so easy to make. However, if you know you will go through a lot of it, then you can double the recipe to make 8 ounces by clicking the “2x” button at the top of the recipe card.
Photos/amount – I photographed this recipe using an 8 ounce amount of pumpkin pie spice. I did this because it’s easier to photograph, but the recipe is written for 4 ounces. If you want to make 8 ounces (as pictured), then click the “2x” button at the top of the recipe card to double the amounts in the recipe.
“The best recipe is a canvas for creativity, blending quality ingredients, precise technique, and your personal touch. Experiment, embrace flavors, and make it uniquely yours. The joy of cooking lies in crafting a dish that satisfies your taste buds and brings fulfillment to the table.”
Such a great quote. Where is it from? Thanks for the kind star review! 🙂