This pumpkin pie spice recipe is the one blend I keep in a little jar by my stove from September straight through the New Year.
It only takes five spices and five minutes, and once you make your own you will wonder why you ever bought the store version.
Every cozy fall recipe you love, from spiced lattes to pumpkin bread, starts with this exact mix of warm cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Another cozy favorite for the season is gingerbread hot chocolate, which gets even better with a spoonful of this blend stirred in.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5 minutes |
| Servings | 32 servings (about 5 tablespoons total) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
You already own most of these spices, which means you can have a fresh batch ready before your oven even finishes preheating.
Homemade pumpkin pie spice also tastes noticeably fresher and more fragrant than anything that has been sitting on a store shelf for months.
This little jar earns its keep in a hundred different recipes.
I especially love stirring a spoonful into my cinnamon scones dough for extra warmth.
- Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Ready in five minutes with zero cooking required
- Fresher, bolder flavor than most store bought blends
- Easy to customize the ratio to your personal taste
- Makes a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in a small jar
- Costs a fraction of what the premade blend costs at the store
Ingredients
This blend uses five simple ground spices, and the ratio below is the classic version you will find in most bakeries and cookbooks.
Each spice plays a specific role, from the bold backbone of cinnamon to the sharp warmth of cloves.
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
You might also enjoy: Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You do not need anything fancy for this recipe, though a few good tools make the process quicker and help your finished spice blend stay fresh for longer.
- Glass mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Small whisk
- Small airtight glass jar
- Mini funnel
- Spice jar labels
- Magnetic spice tins for storing extra batches
This pairs beautifully with my pumpkin spice hot chocolate for a cozy fall drink night.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few products I personally use whenever I make a batch of this spice blend, and I think they genuinely make the process easier and the results better.
1. OXO Good Grips Measuring Spoons
The angled heads on these spoons make it easy to scoop straight from a narrow spice jar without spilling.
The etched markings never rub off, so you always know exactly how much you are adding.
2. Weck Glass Storage Jars
These jars have a rubber gasket seal that keeps air and moisture out far better than a standard screw top lid.
I use them for every homemade spice blend I make, and they look beautiful lined up on an open shelf.
3. Bamboo Handle Mini Whisk
A small whisk breaks up any clumps in the ginger or cinnamon far better than a fork does, and it only takes a few extra seconds.
It leaves you with a smooth, evenly distributed blend every single time.
4. Norpro Mini Funnel Set
Pouring spice blend into a narrow jar without a funnel almost always ends with cinnamon dust across your counter.
This funnel set comes in a few sizes, so it works for everything from spice jars to bottles of vanilla extract.
5. Reusable Chalkboard Label Roll with Marker
These labels let you jot down the date you made the blend so you always know how fresh it is, then wipe them clean and reuse them for the next batch.
They also make gift jars look polished without any extra effort.
Another favorite: Pumpkin Pie Recipe From Scratch
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice
1. Gather and measure your spices
- Set out your ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves on the counter so nothing gets forgotten.
- Use your measuring spoons to portion out 3 tablespoons of cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ginger, 2 teaspoons of nutmeg, 1 1/2 teaspoons of allspice, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of cloves.
- Level off each spoonful with the back of a knife for accurate measurements, since too much clove or allspice can make the blend taste bitter.
- Double check your amounts against the ingredient list before moving on, especially the smaller measurements like allspice and cloves.
2. Combine the spices in a bowl
- Add all five measured spices into a small glass mixing bowl.
- Use a whisk or fork to stir everything together thoroughly, breaking up any small clumps as you go.
- Keep whisking for about 30 seconds until the color and texture look uniform throughout, with no streaks of a single spice visible.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spoon to make sure no pockets of unmixed spice are left behind.
3. Taste and adjust if needed
- Dip a clean finger or small spoon into the blend and taste a tiny pinch.
- If you want a spicier blend, whisk in an extra 1/2 teaspoon of ginger.
- If you prefer a milder, sweeter blend, add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon to soften the other spices.
- Give the blend one final stir after adjusting so the added spice is fully incorporated.
4. Transfer to a storage jar
- Place a mini funnel over the mouth of your small glass jar.
- Pour the finished spice blend through the funnel into the jar, tapping the side gently so it settles evenly.
- Wipe the rim clean and screw the lid on tightly to lock in freshness.
5. Label and store
- Write today’s date on a chalkboard label or piece of tape and stick it to the jar.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark cabinet away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Use within six months for the boldest flavor, though it will stay safe to use for up to a year.
The same warm blend works wonderfully in pumpkin bread too.
Tips for The Best Pumpkin Pie Spice
A few small habits make a noticeable difference in how flavorful your finished blend turns out.
- Buy whole nutmeg and grate it fresh with a microplane for the most intense flavor
- Grind whole cinnamon sticks or cloves in a small spice grinder if you want the freshest possible blend
- Check the freshness of your spices before starting, since spices older than a year lose most of their punch
- Make a double batch if you bake often during fall, since it stores well for months
- Whisk thoroughly so the cloves and allspice do not clump together in one spot
- Store away from your stove, since heat and steam shorten the shelf life significantly
Read Also: Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bread
Serving Suggestions
This spice blend is endlessly versatile, and once you have a jar on hand you will find yourself reaching for it constantly.
It works in baked goods, drinks, breakfast dishes, and even a few savory recipes where a little warmth rounds out the flavor.
- Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee or oatmeal for an instant fall upgrade
- Whisk into pancake or waffle batter before cooking
- Sprinkle over roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash
- Mix into whipped cream for topping pies and hot drinks
- Use it generously in Pumpkin Cheesecake
Variations of Pumpkin Pie Spice
Once you have the base ratio down, it is easy to tweak this blend to match your own taste or a specific recipe.
- Extra warm blend: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom for a deeper, more complex flavor
- Bakery style: Stir in 1 teaspoon of orange zest powder or a splash of vanilla bean paste for a bright, fragrant note
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of ground black pepper along with an extra 1/2 teaspoon of ginger
- Chai inspired: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom and a pinch of black pepper, similar to the blend in my chai spiced banana bread
- Sugar spice blend: Mix equal parts of this spice blend with granulated sugar for a quick cinnamon sugar topping
Storage and Reheating
Since this is a dry spice blend, there is no reheating involved, only proper storage to protect the flavor.
- Store in an airtight glass jar or a small mason jar at room temperature
- Keep in a cool, dark cabinet away from your stove or oven
- Avoid storing near a window where sunlight can fade the flavor over time
- Use within six months for the best taste, though it remains safe for up to one year
- Give the jar a quick shake before each use to redistribute any settled spices
For a lighter option, try: Pumpkin Mousse
Nutritional Facts
This spice blend is used in small amounts, so it adds very little in the way of calories while packing in a lot of flavor.
| Nutrition (per 1/2 teaspoon serving) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 6 |
| Total Fat | 0.1g |
| Sodium | 1mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1.4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 0.1g |
You might also enjoy: Pumpkin Roll Cake Recipe
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Beyond their warm flavor, the spices in this blend each bring their own small nutritional perks to the table.
None of them will replace a balanced diet, but they add pleasant benefits alongside their taste.
- Cinnamon contains antioxidants and has been studied for its role in supporting healthy blood sugar levels
- Ginger is well known for easing digestion and calming an upset stomach
- Nutmeg contains compounds that may support relaxation in small amounts
- Cloves are rich in antioxidants and have natural anti inflammatory properties
- Allspice contains eugenol, a compound also found in cloves that supports digestive comfort
This pairs beautifully with my pumpkin soup for a warming fall meal.
FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Spice
1. Is pumpkin pie spice the same as pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie spice contains no actual pumpkin at all.
It is simply a blend of warm spices that pairs well with pumpkin flavored dishes.
2. Can I substitute apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, apple pie spice works in a pinch since it shares cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with this blend.
The main difference is that apple pie spice usually leaves out the cloves, so the flavor will be slightly milder.
3. How much pumpkin pie spice equals a teaspoon of cinnamon?
Most recipes use pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon in similar amounts.
If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and you want that warm spiced flavor, 1 teaspoon of this blend works well as a swap.
4. Does pumpkin pie spice go bad?
Ground spices do not spoil in a way that makes them unsafe, but they do lose potency over time.
For the boldest flavor, plan to use your homemade blend within six months to a year.
5. Can I make this recipe with whole spices?
You will need ground spices for this particular blend so everything mixes evenly.
If you only have whole nutmeg or cinnamon sticks, grind them in a spice grinder first before measuring, then follow the same steps you would use for my pumpkin brownies.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg or freshly grated for the most intense flavor
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional) for extra warm blend
- 1 teaspoon orange zest powder (optional) for bakery style
- 1 pinch ground black pepper (optional) for spicy kick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional) for chai inspired blend
Equipment
- Glass mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Small whisk
- Small airtight glass jar for storage
- Mini funnel
- Spice jar labels (optional)
- Magnetic spice tins (optional) for storing extra batches
Method
- Gather and measure your spices. Set out all five ground spices and portion 3 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ginger, 2 teaspoons nutmeg, 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cloves. Level off each spoonful with the back of a knife for accuracy.
- Combine the spices in a bowl. Add all measured spices into a small glass mixing bowl and whisk or stir for about 30 seconds until the color and texture look uniform throughout with no streaks visible.
- Taste and adjust if needed. Dip a clean finger or small spoon into the blend and taste a tiny pinch. Add extra ginger for a spicier blend or extra cinnamon for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Transfer to a storage jar. Place a mini funnel over the mouth of your jar and pour the spice blend through it. Tap the side gently so it settles evenly, then wipe the rim clean and screw the lid on tightly.
- Label and store. Write today’s date on a label and stick it to the jar. Store in a cool, dark cabinet away from direct heat or sunlight and use within six months for the boldest flavor.
Nutrition
Notes
- Freshness check: Test your spices before starting — if they’re older than a year, they’ve likely lost most of their punch.
- Whole spices option: Buy whole nutmeg and grate it fresh with a microplane for the most intense flavor. You can also grind whole cinnamon sticks or cloves in a small spice grinder.
- Double batch: Make a double batch if you bake often during fall — it stores well for months in an airtight container.
- Storage location: Store away from your stove since heat and steam can shorten the shelf life significantly.
- Variation – Extra warm: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Variation – Bakery style: Stir in 1 teaspoon orange zest powder or a splash of vanilla bean paste for a bright, fragrant note.
- Variation – Chai inspired: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom and a pinch of black pepper for a chai-style blend.
- Sugar spice blend: Mix equal parts of this spice blend with granulated sugar for a quick cinnamon sugar topping.
- Shake before use: Give the jar a quick shake before each use to redistribute any settled spices.
- Gift idea: This makes a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in a small jar with a label and ribbon.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Once you have a jar of this pumpkin pie spice sitting in your cabinet, fall baking suddenly feels a lot more spontaneous.
You can stir it into anything at a moment’s notice, from your morning coffee to a last minute batch of muffins.
I hope this blend becomes a staple in your kitchen the way it has in mine, filling every corner of the house with that cozy, familiar aroma.
If you give it a try, I would love to hear how you used it, so drop a comment below or share a photo of your creation.
Recommended:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe
- Gingerbread Loaf Recipe
- Apple Cinnamon Scones Recipe
