Apple Pie Spice
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. 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.
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
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
Instructions
- 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.
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.
Nutrition
Serving: 1teaspoonCalories: 6kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gPotassium: 5mgFiber: 1gCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg
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