Looking for a homemade pumpkin pie spice substitute? You’re in luck! My simple pumpkin pie spice recipe is full of warm aromatic flavor and easy to make with basic pantry ingredients.
What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice is a fragrant blend of spices traditionally used to enhance the flavor of pumpkin-based recipes, especially pumpkin pie. This cozy mix typically includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Some recipes take this blend a step further by incorporating additional pumpkin pie spice ingredients like black pepper and cardamom, which I absolutely love!
While it’s most commonly associated with Thanksgiving baking and October fall desserts, pumpkin pie spice is surprisingly versatile.
It can be used in a variety of recipes, from breakfast muffins, apple pie, and vegan chocolate chip cookies to savory soups, appetizers, and dinners.
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Why You'll Love My Recipe
I used to buy pumpkin pie spice all the time until I discovered just how easy making pumpkin pie spice is! It takes hardly any effort—less than 5 minutes, really.
Plus, using fresh spices makes all the difference in flavor. Two-year-old pumpkin spice mix simply can't compete with the vibrant taste of fresh, homemade. Now, I can't imagine ever going back to store-bought!
What you'll love most, aside from the incredible flavor, is the ability to customize your homemade pumpkin spice powder to match your preferences. Whether you like it a bit spicier or more mellow, you're completely in control.
I enjoy using it in everything from classic pumpkin pie and vegan pumpkin bread to a cozy pumpkin spice latte and fluffy coconut vegan whipped cream. It's such an easy way to infuse that comforting fall flavor we all adore into your favorite recipes!
Ingredients Needed
You don't need any fancy or hard to find ingredients when making a substitute for pumpkin pie spice. You likely have most of them in your pantry.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon provides warmth and sweetness. Its familiar flavor makes it a favorite in many fall dishes, creating a comforting base.
- Ginger: This zesty spice adds brightness and a gentle kick. With its slightly sweet and spicy notes, ginger is perfect for complementing sweetness and adding more warmth.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg brings an earthy depth and nuttiness. I use it in moderation because its strong flavor can quickly dominate.
- Allspice: Allspice has warm, slightly sweet notes that contribute to the complexity of the spice blend.
- Cloves: Cloves are known for their strong, aromatic flavor. A little goes a long way, which is why I use just a little in my recipe.
- Cardamom: This ingredient is optional. While cardamom is not as common in traditional pumpkin pie spice recipes, it introduces a subtle floral note that adds depth.
- Black Pepper: This spice might seem unusual, but a pinch of black pepper can elevate the blend by adding a touch of warmth and balancing the sweetness.
How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Making your own substitution for pumpkin pie spice is ridiculously easy. I promise, once you give it a try, you'll wonder why you haven't been doing it all along.
First, I gather all my spices and measure each one, putting them into a small mixing bowl. Then I grab a whisk and stir my pumpkin spice mixture together until fully blended.
And that's it! My pumpkin pie spice substitute is ready! I store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
✏️ Recipe Card! Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full pumpkin pie spice recipe and exact ingredient amounts.
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, make sure your spices are fresh. Old, stale spices can dull the flavor of your homemade pumpkin pie spice substitute, so check the expiration dates.
- Customize to Taste: One of the best things about making your own pumpkin pie spice blend is the ability to tweak it to your liking. Love the warmth of ginger or nutmeg? Add a little more! Prefer a milder blend? Dial back the cloves or allspice.
- Store Properly: Store your spice blend in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark place. This will help preserve the flavors longer, ensuring that every time you use it, it’s as fragrant as the day you made it.
- Gift It!: Homemade spice blends make thoughtful, personal gifts. Package your pumpkin pie spice in small jars with a label, and they’ll be perfect for the holiday season.
Storage Directions
To keep your homemade pumpkin pie spice fresh, store it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container or jar in your pantry. This way, you can ensure that it retains its potency.
Typically, homemade spice blends last about six months. They don't go bad, they just aren't as flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use this homemade blend as a substitution for pumpkin pie spice in any recipe that calls for the store-bought version. The measurement stays the same, so if a recipe calls for 1 tsp, I simply use 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice substitute.
Homemade pumpkin pie spice doesn’t contain any preservatives or artificial ingredients, so it can be considered a cleaner, more natural option. Plus, you control the quality of the spices you use.
Yes, pumpkin pie spice is typically gluten-free. However, if you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it’s important to check that each individual spice is certified gluten-free. Some spice brands may process their products in facilities that handle gluten-containing items.
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More Vegan Fall Recipes
⭐️ One Last Thing! If you make my pumpkin pie spice substitute please leave a review and rating to let me know how you liked it! Doing so helps other readers and me too! Your feedback makes a difference.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but adds a lovely floral note)
- Pinch of black pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all of the spices.
- Whisk together until they are fully blended.
- Transfer the spice blend to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place. The pumpkin spice blend will stay fresh for about 6 months.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the ratios based on your taste. Add more cinnamon for a sweeter blend, or extra ginger for more spice!
- The spice mix stays fresh for up to 6 months when stored properly.
- You don't need to learn how to substitute pumpkin pie spice. You can use this blend as a 1:1 substitute for store-bought pumpkin pie spice in all your favorite recipes!
- Enjoy your homemade pumpkin pie spice in pies, lattes, baked goods, and more!
Jenny says
I love making my own spices. Same question as the chai spice. Does the pepper make a difference in the pumpkin spice flavor?
Kim Grimmett says
Hi Jenny,
It just gives it a little kick. It's a totally optional ingredient.
Carol says
I didn't use the black pepper but did the cardamom I notice the TJ's has that spice and I always use theirs. This blend worked really well for the muffins I made.