How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
I’ve always had a bit of a problem with buying pumpkin pie spice. Why should I spend the extra money when I already have the spices in my pantry?! After all, there’s no need to buy another new bottle of spices when I can easily make my very own substitute for pumpkin pie spice right at home.
But wait – let’s back up a sec.
What is pumpkin pie spice, you ask?
Well, It’s the blend of spices that were traditionally used to flavor pumpkin pie, but have gone on to flavor everything from cake to coffee to dog treats (yes, the dog treats are for real!)
Pumpkin spice lattes? They’re so not about the pumpkin, my friends. They’re about the spice.
I suppose more abstract definition of pumpkin pie spice would be “fall in a bottle.” See also: Pure autumn magic.
So what’s in it, and how exactly do you make it for yourself? (Hint: It’s simple and easy!)
I use just four pumpkin pie spice ingredients:
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cloves
That’s it! Okay, I might also add a smidge of allspice if I’m feeling it. Others might throw in a bit of mace (the aromatic spice, not the spray.)
It’s so easy to throw together, and, yeah – definitely convenient for when you’re making all those wonderful fall-ish pumpkin recipes.
Oh, and if you’re feeling especially DIY-ish today, how about making your own homemade pumpkin puree while you’re at it? Also totally worth it!
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
Save money and make your own pumpkin pie spice mix with the spices you already have in your cupboard!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)*
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix all spices together.
- Pour into an airtight container (a spice funnel or even a regular funnel helps keep the mess in check).
- Use anytime a recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice mix – or even in most pumpkin recipes that call for similar spices.
* Definitely optional, but I love the earthiness it adds. So if you have some lying around, why not?!
NEED LESS PUMPKIN PIE SPICE?
Because of the smaller quantities, these aren’t perfect ratios when compared to the original recipe – but they’re close (and will still taste great!)
1 TEASPOON
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/8 heaping teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 scant teaspoon cloves
2 TEASPOONS
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 heaping teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
1 TABLESPOON
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Nutrition Information
Yield: About 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons), Serving Size: About 1 tablespoon
- Amount Per Serving:
- Calories: 17 Calories
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
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haha! I have always thought the same thing! Simple and delicious spice recipe just in time for pumpkin season.
Huh… i really do need to do this. I say this after I just bought a teeny $7 container of pumpkin pie spice from the store. Ugh… next time!
If you have a Sprouts or Whole Foods near you they sell all of the spices in bulk and you can buy as much or as little you need.
I needed this! I’ve been using cinnamon and nutmeg in my coffee but it was definitely missing something. This is also the first recipe that I’ve found on Pinterest and actually followed through to make without completely changing half of it (I stuck with your recipe 100%), so that must say something, too! I’m using it in a cup of coffee right now and it is just what I was missing 🙂
Oops, meant to give it 5 stars! I also wanted to add that I used an old spice jar from something I’d used up, so the process was essentially free since I already had all of these spices in the apartment!
Hi Lauren! I loooovvve the idea of adding a pinch or two to your morning cup of coffee and I am headed to the kitchen to try that right this instant.
This is so awesome for all the fall recipes. Thank you for sharing!
Just what I needed…yummy!! Thank you!
I like these spices to make home carrot cake, the best spices ever.
I love this recipe…. i use it all the time….. even in my fireside coffee recipe…..
Would love to hear more about your fireside coffee recipe!
I am not a regular coffee drinker ….got hooked on those international instants …..but they were a bit $$ found fireside coffee recipe in one of my favorite place …all recipes …its instant coffee…(i use foldgers) hot chocolate mix ,powdered creamer( i use french vanilla ) and cinnamon and nutmeg…. i just use my pumpkin pie spice instead….. its really good and i drink it all winter long….i even like it once it gets cold…..
Thanks a lot for sharing the recipes of pumpkin pancakes and pumkin pie spice mix. As Spanish I am not familiar with them and do not find that spice blend in supermarkets. Your explanations are wonderfully clear and useful. I plan to enjoy these pancakes with my family this weekend. Also, great to finally know how to make buttermilk at home.
Thank you Ana! 🙂
Making these again for tomorrow’s breakfast. They are tender and light, and so nicely seasoned.
Very similar to the recipe I use to make plain pancakes, so I knew this recipe would be good.
I add about 1/2 tsp. yellow cornmeal to the flour mixture as well as about 1/2 tsp. Carnation malt powder.
Lovely for the holidays.