The short answer: Pumpkin pie spice is a warm blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves, and you can mix your own in 2 minutes from spices you probably already have. Stir together 3 tablespoons of cinnamon, 2 teaspoons each of ginger and nutmeg, and 1½ teaspoons each of allspice and cloves. That makes about ⅓ cup, enough for three or four pumpkin pies.
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Below are the recipe, a single-teaspoon substitute, a scaling chart, 20 ways to use it and how to store it so it stays fragrant all season.
I love the seasons and the holidays, and a jar of homemade pumpkin pie spice is one of the small things that makes fall baking feel like fall.
Homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe
Makes about ⅓ cup (about 16 teaspoons). Prep 2 minutes.
| Ground spice | Amount | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon | 3 tablespoons | The sweet, woody base of the blend |
| Ginger | 2 teaspoons | Gentle heat and brightness |
| Nutmeg | 2 teaspoons | Rich, nutty warmth |
| Allspice | 1½ teaspoons | A peppery note that tastes like several spices at once |
| Cloves | 1½ teaspoons | Deep, strong flavor (a little goes a long way) |
- Measure each ground spice into a small bowl, leveling the spoons.
- Whisk with a fork for 30 seconds, breaking up any clumps of ginger or cloves.
- Funnel the blend into a clean, dry spice jar and label it with the date.
If you don't have allspice, use 1 teaspoon of extra cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of extra cloves. For a milder blend that kids may prefer, cut the cloves to 1 teaspoon. Allspice shows up in savory cooking too: it is one of the main spices in Jamaican jerk chicken seasoning.
Pumpkin pie spice substitute for 1 teaspoon
When a recipe calls for a measured amount and you don't want a whole jar, mix only what you need.
| Recipe calls for | Cinnamon | Ginger | Nutmeg | Allspice or cloves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ teaspoon | ¼ teaspoon | ⅛ teaspoon | A pinch | A pinch |
| 1 teaspoon | ½ teaspoon | ¼ teaspoon | ⅛ teaspoon | ⅛ teaspoon |
| 1½ teaspoons | ¾ teaspoon | ⅓ teaspoon | ¼ teaspoon | ⅛ teaspoon |
| 2 teaspoons | 1 teaspoon | ½ teaspoon | ¼ teaspoon | ¼ teaspoon |
| 1 tablespoon | 1½ teaspoons | ¾ teaspoon | ⅓ teaspoon | ⅓ teaspoon |
Apple pie spice is a close cousin (mostly cinnamon with nutmeg and allspice), so it works in a pinch, but the pie will taste less gingery.
How much pumpkin pie spice to use
| Recipe | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| One 9-inch pumpkin pie | 1½ to 2 teaspoons |
| Pumpkin bread (one loaf) | 1½ to 2 teaspoons |
| A dozen pumpkin muffins | 1½ teaspoons |
| Pumpkin spice latte (one mug) | ¼ to ½ teaspoon |
| Batch of pancakes or waffles | 1 teaspoon |
| Pot of oatmeal for four | 1 teaspoon |
| Roasted sweet potatoes or squash (2 pounds) | 1 teaspoon with salt and olive oil |
For the full pie, follow our how to make pumpkin pie guide and use 1½ to 2 teaspoons of this blend in place of the separate spices.
20 ways to use pumpkin pie spice
Drinks
- Homemade pumpkin spice latte
- Spiced hot chocolate (set it out on a hot cocoa bar)
- Stirred into coffee grounds before brewing
- Chai-style spiced milk
- Apple cider warmed on the stove
Breakfast
- Pumpkin pancakes or waffles
- Oatmeal or overnight oats
- French toast batter (try it in our French toast recipe)
- Greek yogurt with honey and granola
- Cinnamon rolls with pumpkin pie spice in the filling
Baking
- Pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake
- Pumpkin bread and muffins
- Snickerdoodles or sugar cookies
- Apple crisp topping
- Sweet potato pie
Snacks and savory
- Roasted pecans or almonds with maple syrup
- Roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes
- Popcorn tossed with melted butter and a little sugar
- Whipped cream for pie
- Glazed carrots on the holiday table
How to store pumpkin pie spice
Keep the jar tightly closed in a cool, dark cupboard, away from the stove and dishwasher steam. Ground spices are shelf-stable pantry foods, as the USDA explains in its guide to shelf-stable food, so they don't spoil the way fresh food does. They slowly lose their aroma instead, so a homemade blend tastes best within about 6 months. Give it a sniff before baking; if it smells faint, add a little extra. The FDA's tips on storing food safely also say to keep pantry foods away from household cleaning products and chemicals.
Plan the holiday baking
Holiday baking goes smoother when the spices, pumpkin and butter are on one shopping list, bought in one trip.
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Frequently asked questions
What is in pumpkin pie spice? Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Cinnamon is the main ingredient, and the other four spices add warmth, heat and depth.
How do you make pumpkin pie spice? Make pumpkin pie spice by whisking 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons each of ground ginger and nutmeg, and 1½ teaspoons each of ground allspice and cloves. Store it in a sealed jar for up to about 6 months for the best flavor.
What can I substitute for 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice? Substitute 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, ⅛ teaspoon of nutmeg and ⅛ teaspoon of allspice or cloves. If you only have cinnamon and nutmeg, use ¾ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg.
How much pumpkin pie spice goes in a pumpkin pie? Use 1½ to 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice in one 9-inch pumpkin pie. Start with 1½ teaspoons if your blend is fresh or heavy on cloves, and use 2 teaspoons for a bolder, spicier pie.
Is pumpkin pie spice the same as allspice? No, pumpkin pie spice is not the same as allspice. Allspice is a single spice from a dried berry, while pumpkin pie spice is a blend that usually includes allspice along with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
Is pumpkin pie spice the same as pumpkin spice? Yes, pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin spice are usually the same blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Pumpkin spice is the shorter name used for drinks and snacks, and neither one contains pumpkin.
Can I use apple pie spice instead of pumpkin pie spice? Yes, you can use apple pie spice instead of pumpkin pie spice in equal amounts. Apple pie spice has more cinnamon and usually no ginger or cloves, so add a pinch of ground ginger for a closer match.
Does pumpkin pie spice go bad? Pumpkin pie spice doesn't spoil like fresh food, but it loses aroma and flavor over time. A homemade blend tastes best within about 6 months; if it smells faint, use a little more or mix a fresh batch.
How much does a homemade batch make? This recipe makes about ⅓ cup, or roughly 16 teaspoons, of pumpkin pie spice. That's enough for three or four pies plus some lattes, oatmeal and roasted vegetables.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice in savory dishes? Yes, pumpkin pie spice works in savory dishes like roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, glazed carrots and spiced nuts. Use about 1 teaspoon per 2 pounds of vegetables and balance it with salt and a little fat.
Can I add other spices to pumpkin pie spice? Yes, you can add a pinch of black pepper, cardamom or mace to pumpkin pie spice for a more complex blend. Add them in small amounts, about ¼ teaspoon per batch, so cinnamon stays the main flavor.
How do I plan my Thanksgiving baking? Plan Thanksgiving baking with the Meal Planner & Grocery List: Thanksgiving Edition from HomeBase Paper Co. ($4.99), which puts the menu, the baking schedule and the grocery list on printable pages. Bake pies a day or two ahead and refrigerate them so the oven is free for the main meal.
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Sources
- USDA FSIS: Shelf-stable food safety fsis.usda.gov
- FDA: Are you storing food safely? fda.gov