Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe | My Baking Addiction (2024)

Jump to RecipeRate Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy.

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.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe | My Baking Addiction (1)

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.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe | My Baking Addiction (2)

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!

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe | My Baking Addiction (3)

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!

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe | My Baking Addiction (4)

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.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe | My Baking Addiction (5)

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

By: Jamie

4.43 from 277 votes

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Total: 5 minutes mins

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe | My Baking Addiction (6)

SavePinPrint

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.

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

Makes about 1/3 cup

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

You may also like

Impossible Coconut Pie

Chocolate Guinness Cake

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Banana Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache

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.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe | My Baking Addiction (2024)

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices? ›

If a recipe calls for ground cinnamon AND some or all of the other spices used in this blend, you can total the amount and use this pumpkin pie spice instead. For example, my pumpkin bread uses 2 and 3/4 teaspoons total of spices, so you can use 2 and 3/4 teaspoons of this pumpkin pie spice.

What main two chemicals gives pumpkin spice its flavor? ›

The major and common ingredient in pumpkin spice lattes include: cinnamic aldehydes for cinnamon, eugenol for clove or allspice, terpenes such as sabinene for nutmeg, and zingiberene for ginger. They may also contain vanillin and cyclotene for the burnt butter or maple notes to round off the flavor.

Can you eat too much pumpkin pie spice? ›

Too much nutmeg can cause side effects that include hallucination and rapid heartbeat, but the amount in a pumpkin spice is far too small for that.”

What is pumpkin pie spice made of? ›

What's In Pumpkin Spice? Pumpkin spice (a.k.a. pumpkin pie spice) is an aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Sometimes allspice is included. You can buy the spice blend at the store or use ingredients you already have on hand to make DIY pumpkin spice.

How much pumpkin pie spice do I substitute for individual spices? ›

Common Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitution Questions

To get 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, use ¾ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ginger, allspice, cloves or nutmeg, whatever you have! If you have two of the above spices, use ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of whichever two spices you do have.

Is pumpkin pie spice a good substitute for cinnamon? ›

Typically, cinnamon makes up most of the spice ratio in pumpkin pie seasoning, making it a great substitute for plain cinnamon, especially if you're making sweets and baked goods. You can use pumpkin pie seasoning as a 1:1 replacement for cinnamon in recipes like cookies, cakes, and breads.

Why are people so obsessed with pumpkin spice? ›

Smell and Association

Two Krieger School perception researchers say a key to understanding why people love pumpkin spice is the smell of it. Those notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger trigger deeply rooted cozy memories of autumn.

Is there a difference between pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie spice? ›

Pumpkin pie spice is the same as pumpkin spice, just under different labeling. These two are interchangeable and feature the same base ingredients. The ratio of the ingredients may vary slightly from brand to brand.

What is a substitute for pumpkin pie spice? ›

For 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, substitute:
  • ¾ teaspoon cinnamon + ¼ teaspoon ginger, allspice, cloves, or nutmeg (whatever you have!)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon + ¼ teaspoon each of any of the two above.
Sep 8, 2020

Does pumpkin pie spice have any health benefits? ›

The spices in pumpkin spice have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce chronic inflammation. Boosts the immune system: Some of the spices in pumpkin spice, such as ginger and cloves, have immune-boosting properties. This means that they may help to protect your body from infection.

Is pumpkin pie good for your stomach? ›

Pumpkin is rich in fiber and contains prebiotics, which can help improve digestive system health and bowel movement. It may help relieve constipation and diarrhea in some people. However, if constipation or diarrhea persists, a person should consult a doctor.

Can pumpkin spice cause stomach issues? ›

Side effects from pumpkin products are rare, but might include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea. It might also cause itching, rash, and allergic reactions in some people.

Does pumpkin pie spice contain nutmeg? ›

Fall's Favorite Spice

Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm, sweet spices, including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and (sometimes) cloves. Many people are surprised to learn that this spice blend doesn't actually contain any pumpkin; instead it gets its name because it pairs so well with pumpkin.

Why is it called pumpkin pie spice? ›

Pumpkin spice does not actually contain pumpkin. The blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice got its name because it is traditionally used to flavor pumpkin recipes. (Cloves and mace are sometimes included too.)

Is there a difference between pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin spice? ›

Pumpkin pie spice is the same as pumpkin spice, just under different labeling. These two are interchangeable and feature the same base ingredients. The ratio of the ingredients may vary slightly from brand to brand.

Can I replace all spice with pumpkin spice? ›

Pumpkin pie spice usually contains allspice in combination with other warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. You can use it in place of allspice in baked goods, or mix pumpkin pie spice with ground black pepper for savory recipes: Use this combo in chili, stew, or rubs that call for allspice.

Is pumpkin pie spice the same as all spice? ›

Allspice is a warm and cozy spice that tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, but pumpkin pie spice is a bit more robust and flavorful with all those spices plus ginger. Allspice alone, while delicious, won't give you that signature pumpkin spice flavor that you're looking for.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of garam masala? ›

Pumpkin Pie Spice: With its combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, pumpkin pie spice can serve as a suitable substitute for garam masala in sweet dishes. Use pumpkin pie spice in desserts like pies, cakes, and cookies to add warmth and depth of flavor.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Annamae Dooley

Last Updated:

Views: 6591

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Annamae Dooley

Birthday: 2001-07-26

Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

Phone: +9316045904039

Job: Future Coordinator

Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.