Nothing says fall quite like Pumpkin Pie Spice, with its aromatic fragrance and comforting flavor. While you can buy it ready-made at the store, I find it’s much more convenient to make it myself!
I bet you already have all the ingredients needed to make homemade pumpkin pie spice in your pantry. No need to worry about a shortage or if you run out, you can whip this together a batch of pumpkin pie seasoning in a cinch throughout the holiday season with ease!
I have a confession though: I don’t just love all things pumpkin in the fall. Thanks to the wonders of pumpkin puree and the convenience of this pumpkin pie spice, I honestly like to enjoy the taste of fall throughout the year!
What is in pumpkin pie spice?
Pumpkin pie spice ingredients are likely already in your pantry! I know I use them in a variety of dishes and baked goods. So throwing together a batch of pumpkin pie spice is quick and easy! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cinnamon – ground cinnamon makes up the majority of this homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe. It’s warmth and spice is the perfect addition to all things pumpkin!
- Ginger – ground ginger packs a bit of heat, and the pungent flavor is a great compliment to pumpkin and the other spices in this recipe.
- Nutmeg – adds a lot of depth and layering of flavor!
- Ground cloves – cloves are actually the flower buds from an evergreen tree native to Indonesia. Ground cloves are just the ground up version of whole cloves.
- Allspice – I used to think allspice was a blend of other spices, but it’s actually its own, single spice! Native to Jamaica and similar in appearance to peppercorns, allspice is great in sweet and savory dishes, and a favored ingredient for pumpkin recipes.
How to make pumpkin pie spice?
Once you have all the ingredients you need for DIY pumpkin pie spice, the rest is pretty much as simple as it gets:
- Combine spices together
- Store in an airtight container
- Use!
That’s really all there is to it! You just combine the spices together and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
How much pumpkin pie spice to use?
Use in whatever measurements a recipe calling for pumpkin pie spice recommends! This pumpkin pie spice recipe is meant to replace the pumpkin pie spice blends you buy ready-made at the store.
Looking for ways to use your homemade pumpkin pie spice? Check out these favorite recipes:
- Pumpkin Casserole
- Pumpkin Spice Cookies
- Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Pie French Toast
- Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe
- Pecan Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
- Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies
- Pumpkin Buttermilk Pancakes
Allspice vs. pumpkin pie spice:
Allspice is often mistaken as a spice blend — I also thought it was a blend of spices up until a few years ago! While it has great depth and layered flavor, it’s all from one single spice.
Allspice is native to Jamaica. The seasoning is made from the dried and ground berries of the allspice tree; the berries look similar in shape and color to peppercorns.
Allspice has similar undertones to several other spices often used in tandem with it — which might be part of why it’s mistaken for a spice blend. It shares similarities with nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper.
Pumpkin pie spice, on the other hand, is a true blend of various spices that work well and compliment one another, as well as being the perfect complement to pumpkin flavoring.
Allspice is a component of pumpkin pie spice, along with cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger (all of which are so complimentary because they have similar undertones and flavor layers).
Is pumpkin pie spice safe for dogs?
Since pumpkin pie spice is a blend of various different spices, let’s take a look at each individual component to determine the safety of it for your canine friend.
Cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but can cause irritation if your dog is sensitive. It can also cause your furry friend to cough and have difficulty breathing if inhaled in powder form.
Ginger is also safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, but in powdered form can still cause discomfort and breathing difficulties if inhaled.
Nutmeg is dangerous to dogs in large amounts. Typically, the amount that would be found in any recipe isn’t enough to harm your pooch, but it’s good to be aware that the spice can be toxic.
Cloves and allspice both contain eugenols, which are toxic to cats and could be dangerous to dogs. That being said, the amounts of the spices typically used in baking are unlikely to cause harm. But it’s good to know the risks!
More Autumn Recipes You’ll Love…
Whether it’s the holiday season or the heat of summer, you really can’t go wrong with pumpkin treats, and this pumpkin pie spice recipe makes it all the more simple! There are so many different ways to incorporate pumpkin pie spice and the comforting flavor and warmth it brings to any recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Nothing says fall quite like Pumpkin Pie Spice, with its aromatic fragrance and comforting flavor. The perfect spice to use in Fall recipes!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together.
- Store in airtight container in cool, dry place (with your other spices).
Photos & Text Updated: August 24, 2021
Nicole
Saturday 4th of October 2014
I've always just tried to eyeball it when I'm out of pumpkin spice and make do with the separate ingredients. Thanks for doing the measuring for me! :)
Margaret
Friday 3rd of October 2014
I love to have spice recipes. It is so helpful when I run out of something, because I usually have all the spices I just need proportions. Thanks, pinning.