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This homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe is simple to make with 5 pantry spices in just 2 minutes! It’s fresher than store-bought and makes a fun gift.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
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Once the calendar flips to September, I’m already craving pumpkin spice! It’s a little cliché, but why not embrace the pumpkin?

I’ve seen pumpkin season get pushed earlier and earlier over the years, thanks to Starbucks’ masterful pumpkin spice latte. But you know what? This year I’m prepared with a delicious homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe. It’s great for all your favorite recipes, like pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes, and even a pumpkin smoothie!

What is in pumpkin pie spice

Why To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

  • It’s simple. You probably already have these spices in your pantry.
  • You can make a small batch on demand. The spices will be fresh and you’ll avoid that a 5 year old jar gathering dust in the back of the cupboard.
  • You can make them for gifts. What teacher or neighbor would turn down a jar of homemade pumpkin pie spice?

What Is in Pumpkin Pie Spice?

So what’s actually in pumpkin pie spice? That delectable blend of spices tastes like the memory of a fuzzy blanket and a mug of tea and a scented candle combined. Here are the secrets to the cozy flavor in pumpkin spice:

  • Cinnamon: This is the main flavor in the mixture.
  • Ginger: Ground ginger adds a gentle spiciness and a little brightness.
  • Allspice: This is a dried berry that tastes a little like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg together.
  • Cloves: This brings an intense cozy flavor; a little goes a long way.
  • Nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg brings a slightly woody flavor.
Pumpkin pie spice recipe

The Pumpkin Pie Spice Ratio

Here’s the ratio I use for my pumpkin pie spice: 6 parts cinnamon, 2 parts ginger, 2 parts allspice, 1 part cloves, and 1 part nutmeg. In real measurements, that’s 2 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons each of ginger and allspice, and 1 teaspoon each of cloves and nutmeg. It adds up to exactly ¼ cup.

Because the ratio is so simple, it scales easily when a recipe only needs a small amount:

Spice1 tablespoon blend2 tablespoon blend¼ cup blend (full batch)
Ground cinnamon1 ½ teaspoons1 tablespoon2 tablespoons
Ground ginger½ teaspoon1 teaspoon2 teaspoons
Ground allspice½ teaspoon1 teaspoon2 teaspoons
Ground cloves¼ teaspoon½ teaspoon1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg¼ teaspoon½ teaspoon1 teaspoon

A Quick Way To Make It

Now, many recipes call for you to whisk together the spices, then pour them into a jar. But why bother dirtying a bowl and whisk? Here’s our method: Simply place all the spices into a jar, seal the jar, and shake! The spices distribute evenly in just a few seconds.

What is in pumpkin pie spice

You can also add a pumpkin spins to each of these recipes by adding pumpkin pie spice!

Dietary Notes

This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and sugar free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much pumpkin pie spice do I use in a pumpkin pie?

For a 9-inch pie made with a 15-ounce can of pumpkin, use about 2 teaspoons.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

Yes! Add up the amounts of each spice the recipe calls for and then use that total of pumpkin pie spice.

What happens if I use too much pumpkin pie spice?

If you use too much, it can taste very bitter. Use only what the recipe calls for.

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Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

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This homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe is simple to make with 5 pantry spices in just 2 minutes! It’s fresher than store-bought and makes a fun gift.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: ¼ cup 1x
  • Category: Essentials
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a spice jar and shake! Keeps for up to 6 months.

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About the authors

A Couple Cooks

Recipes by Alex & Sonja

We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser: cookbook authors, busy parents, & a real life couple who cooks together! We started the A Couple Cooks food blog in 2010 to share simple, seasonal recipes, healthy meal planning tips, and the joy of cooking. All recipes are written & photographed by us (and tested on our two kids!).

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3 Comments

  1. KellyJo says:

    I did just the opposite this year. I bought pumpkin spice. I thought it would come in handy for my cappuccino and iced coffee . Well…. That’s fine it’s great. I love everything more homemade.I cook alot . But, nott much of a baker. I am going to try my first pumpkin pie. I’m, like how do I incorporate the pumpkin pie spice and how much. I am just using the Libbys recipe.that just changed after many years. I am going to make your pumpkin spice as soon as the busy Thanksgiving is over Ciao KellyJo

  2. Anonymous says:

    What’s allspice?

    1. Alex Overhiser says:

      Allspice is a spice found in any spice aisle.