This Apple Pie Spice Recipe is a five minute blend that turns plain ground cinnamon into the warm, layered flavor of a bakery style apple pie.
I started making my own after getting tired of running out mid recipe on a Sunday afternoon.
Now I keep a jar of it sitting right next to the flour canister all autumn long.
This blend uses a handful of pantry spices, no special equipment, and it works in everything from pie filling to your morning oatmeal.
Once you taste the difference a fresh mixed spice blend makes, you probably will not go back to the pre made jars from the store.
It costs a fraction of the price and you get to control exactly how strong each spice comes through.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5 minutes |
| Servings | 15 teaspoons (5 tablespoons) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Spice Recipe
This blend gives you full control over the flavor instead of relying on whatever ratio a spice company decided on years ago.
It is also ready in the time it takes to preheat your oven.
A homemade batch tends to taste noticeably fresher than a jar that has been sitting on a grocery store shelf.
Since you are mixing whole categories of ground spice together, the aroma when you open the jar is genuinely different.
- Ready in about 5 minutes with ingredients you likely already own
- Costs far less per batch than store bought spice blends
- Easy to adjust for more warmth, more sweetness, or a milder flavor
- Works in pies, oatmeal, coffee, baked goods, and roasted fruit
- Makes a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in a small jar
You might also enjoy: Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe, which uses a similar method with a slightly different spice lineup.
Ingredients
You need just five or six spices to build this blend, and most of them are probably already in your spice rack.
Ceylon cinnamon gives the smoothest, least bitter base if you want to upgrade from standard grocery store cinnamon.
- 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon recommended for a milder flavor)
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, optional
Read Also: Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You do not need anything fancy for this recipe since it is just measuring and stirring.
The only piece of equipment worth investing in is a good storage jar, since that is what keeps your spice blend tasting fresh for months.
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork for combining
- Measuring spoons
- Glass spice jars with airtight lids
- Small funnel for transferring spice into narrow jars
This pairs beautifully with my French Apple Pie for a full autumn baking afternoon.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few products I personally use when I make this spice blend at home, based on what has actually made a difference in my kitchen.
None of these are required, but they do make the process a little smoother and the finished blend a little better.
1. Ceylon Ground Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon has a softer, slightly citrusy flavor compared to the stronger cassia cinnamon most grocery stores carry.
It makes the whole blend taste more refined and less one note, especially if you plan to use this spice in delicate baked goods.
2. Glass Spice Jars with Bamboo Lids
Glass keeps spice blends fresher than plastic since it does not absorb odors or leach flavor over time.
Bamboo lids seal tightly, which matters a lot for anything containing cinnamon and nutmeg since those aromatic oils fade fast once exposed to air.
3. Whole Nutmeg with Mini Grater
Freshly grated nutmeg has a brighter, more fragrant flavor than pre ground nutmeg that has been sitting in a jar for who knows how long.
A small handheld grater makes this an easy step rather than a chore.
4. Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set
Accurate measuring spoons matter more than people expect for spice blends, since even a small imbalance can throw off the whole flavor profile.
A sturdy stainless set also holds up far better over time than the flimsy plastic ones.
5. Chalkboard Spice Jar Labels
If you make more than one homemade spice blend, labels save you from guessing which jar is which mid recipe.
They also make a batch look polished if you plan on gifting jars to friends or family.
Another favorite: Lattice Apple Pie Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Apple Pie Spice
1. Gather and Measure Your Spices
- Set out your ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, ginger, and cloves if using
- Use a proper set of measuring spoons rather than eyeballing amounts, since spice blends are sensitive to ratio changes
- Level off each spoonful with the back of a butter knife for accurate measurements
- Double or triple the recipe now if you want a larger batch to last through the whole baking season
2. Combine the Spices in a Bowl
- Add the cinnamon to a small mixing bowl first, since it is the largest quantity and forms the base of the blend
- Add the nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, ginger, and cloves on top
- Avoid dumping everything in from a height, since ground spice can puff up and create a mess on the counter
3. Whisk Until Fully Blended
- Whisk the spices together for about 30 seconds, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as you go
- Check for any clumps of nutmeg or cinnamon and break them up with the back of a spoon
- The finished blend should look like one uniform reddish brown powder with no streaks of a single spice visible
4. Transfer to an Airtight Container
- Use a small funnel to pour the spice blend into a clean, dry glass jar
- Tap the jar gently on the counter a few times to settle the spice and remove air pockets
- Wipe the rim of the jar clean before sealing so the lid closes fully
5. Label and Store
- Write the date you made the blend on a label so you know when to refresh it
- Store the jar in a cool, dark cabinet away from the stove and any direct sunlight
- Keep the lid tightly closed between uses to protect the aromatic oils in the spices
The same blend also works beautifully stirred into Apple Cobbler filling before baking.
Tips for The Best Apple Pie Spice
A few small choices make a noticeable difference in how this blend turns out.
Fresh spices matter more here than in almost any other recipe, since you are tasting them directly rather than through a filling or batter.
- Buy spices in smaller quantities and replace them more often rather than keeping a giant jar for years
- Toast whole spices lightly in a dry pan before grinding for a deeper, more complex flavor
- Sift the finished blend through a fine mesh strainer if you notice any lumps
- Taste a tiny pinch on your fingertip before storing, and adjust the ratio if it tastes flat
- Keep a small backup jar in your pantry so you are never caught without it mid recipe
Read Also: Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Serving Suggestions
This spice blend goes far beyond pie filling once you start experimenting with it.
A little sprinkle turns ordinary breakfast foods into something that tastes like it took real effort.
- Stir a pinch into oatmeal, overnight oats, or yogurt for a warm breakfast boost
- Sprinkle over roasted or sauteed apples and pears as a simple dessert
- Add to coffee grounds before brewing for a homemade spiced latte flavor
- Mix into pancake, waffle, or muffin batter in place of plain cinnamon
- Dust over Spiced Apple Cider for extra warmth in each mug
Variations of Apple Pie Spice
This base recipe is easy to adjust once you know how the ratios work.
Small tweaks let you build a blend that matches your own taste rather than a generic store bought version.
- Sweetened version: whisk in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for a blend that works well sprinkled directly on baked goods
- Cardamom forward version: increase cardamom to 2 teaspoons for a more fragrant, slightly citrusy blend
- No clove version: simply omit the cloves if you prefer a milder, less peppery finish
- Extra warm version: add an additional 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for more heat
- Low sodium salt free seasoning blend: this recipe already contains no salt, so it works as is for low sodium diets
This pairs beautifully with my Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie if you want to put the blend to work right away.
Storage and Reheating
Since this is a dry spice blend, there is no reheating involved, only proper storage.
Keeping it away from heat, light, and moisture is what keeps the flavor strong for months.
- Store in an airtight glass or metal container, never in a bag with a loose seal
- Keep away from the stove, oven, and any spot that gets direct sunlight
- Use within 6 months for the strongest flavor, though it stays safe to use well beyond that
- Avoid storing near the dishwasher or sink, since humidity can cause clumping
- Give the jar a quick shake before each use to redistribute any settled spices
The same storage approach works well for Apple Cranberry Pie filling once it has cooled.
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition values below are approximate and calculated per 1 teaspoon serving of the spice blend on its own.
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
Actual and Reviewed values can vary depending on the exact brand of spices used.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Beyond flavor, most of the spices in this blend come with a long history of use in traditional wellness practices.
None of this makes the blend a health food on its own, but the ingredients are more than just flavor filler.
- Cinnamon contains antioxidants and has been studied for its potential role in supporting healthy blood sugar levels
- Nutmeg contains compounds that have traditionally been used to support digestion
- Ginger is commonly used to help settle an upset stomach and ease minor nausea
- Cardamom has a long history of use in supporting oral health and freshening breath
- Cloves contain eugenol, a compound with natural antimicrobial properties
For a lighter option, try: Apple Pie Overnight Oats
FAQs About Apple Pie Spice
1. Can I substitute apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice?
You can substitute them in most recipes since they share a similar base of cinnamon and nutmeg.
The main difference is that pumpkin pie spice usually includes cloves as a core ingredient, while this apple pie spice blend treats cloves as optional.
2. How much apple pie spice should I use per pie?
For a standard 9 inch pie, start with 1 to 2 teaspoons mixed directly into the apple filling.
You can always add a bit more to taste before assembling the pie.
3. Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, this blend is unsweetened by default so it works in both sweet and savory applications.
If you want a sweetened version, stir in a spoonful of brown sugar as noted in the variations section above.
4. How long does homemade apple pie spice last?
Stored properly in an airtight jar away from heat and light, this blend stays flavorful for about 6 months.
It remains safe to use beyond that, but the flavor will gradually become less potent.
5. Can I make this spice blend without cardamom?
Yes, cardamom can be left out if you do not have it on hand or prefer not to use it.
Simply add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in its place to keep the total volume consistent.
Read Also: Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe
Apple Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon Ceylon cinnamon recommended for a milder flavor
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg freshly grated if possible
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves optional
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork for combining
- Measuring spoons stainless steel recommended for accuracy
- Glass spice jars with airtight lids bamboo lids work well
- Small funnel for transferring spice into narrow jars (optional)
- Fine-mesh strainer optional, for sifting if lumps appear
Method
- Gather and measure your spices using proper measuring spoons, leveling each spoonful with the back of a butter knife for accuracy. Double or triple the recipe now if you want a larger batch.
- Add the cinnamon to a small mixing bowl first, then add the nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, ginger, and cloves on top. Avoid dumping everything in from a height to prevent a mess.
- Whisk the spices together for about 30 seconds, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl. Check for clumps and break them up with the back of a spoon. The blend should look like one uniform reddish brown powder.
- Use a small funnel to pour the spice blend into a clean, dry glass jar. Tap the jar gently on the counter a few times to settle the spice and remove air pockets, then wipe the rim clean before sealing.
- Write the date on a label and attach it to the jar. Store in a cool, dark cabinet away from the stove and direct sunlight. Keep the lid tightly closed between uses to protect the aromatic oils.
Nutrition
Notes
- Buy spices in smaller quantities and replace them more often rather than keeping a giant jar for years to ensure the freshest flavor.
- Toast whole spices lightly in a dry pan before grinding for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Sift the finished blend through a fine mesh strainer if you notice any lumps from clumping spices.
- Taste a tiny pinch on your fingertip before storing, and adjust the ratio if it tastes flat or overpowering.
- Keep a small backup jar in your pantry so you are never caught without it mid recipe.
- For a sweetened version, whisk in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for a blend that works well sprinkled directly on baked goods.
- For a cardamom forward version, increase cardamom to 2 teaspoons for a more fragrant, slightly citrusy blend.
- Omit the cloves if you prefer a milder, less peppery finish to the spice blend.
- Stored properly in an airtight jar away from heat and light, this blend stays flavorful for about 6 months.
- Avoid storing near the dishwasher or sink, since humidity can cause clumping in the spice blend.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Apple Pie Spice Recipe takes almost no effort but makes a real difference in how your fall baking tastes.
Once you have a jar mixed up, you will find reasons to use it well beyond pie season.
Give it a try the next time a recipe calls for apple pie spice, and see how much fresher it tastes compared to the store bought version.
I would love to hear how you used yours, so drop a comment below or share a photo if you give this one a try.
Recommended:
- Apple Pie With Cinnamon Crust Recipe
- Salted Caramel Apple Overnight Oats Recipe
- Deep Dish Apple Pie Recipe
- Gluten Free Apple Pie Recipe
- Keto Apple Pie Recipe
