Cozy Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Rows of gleaming orange pumpkins, crisp autumn afternoons, brilliantly colorful leaves, and an azure blue sky. Don’t you just love this season? How long it takes: 5 minutes Equipment you’ll need: measuring spoon, small jar Servings: makes about 1/4 cup And of course, there’s the food: mulled cider, cinnamon sugar-dusted apple cider doughnuts, and pumpkin everything. That’s where this homemade pumpkin pie spice blend enters the picture. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and more, you’ll find yourself adding this spice blend to beverages, baked goods, breakfast foods, and more. It just tastes like fall!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Recipe
Better quality spice. Making your own seasoning mixes is budget-friendly and tastes way better than store-bought. This homemade pumpkin pie spice is easy to customize to your tastes, and it’s free of any additives or preservatives. Easy ingredients. Will you need to buy a bunch of spices to make your own pumpkin spice? Nope! Chances are, you already have what you need in your pantry. 5 simple spices and 5 minutes is all it takes. Perfect for fall. When the days turn cool and crisp, use pumpkin pie spice in all your favorite fall recipes. This homemade spice features in everything from my healthy pumpkin bread to pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, homemade pumpkin pie, and more. Keep reading for easy ways to use pumpkin spice!
What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice Made Of?
I’ve included some quick notes on the short list of spices you’ll need to make your own pumpkin spice. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card below the post with the full ingredient amounts and recipe details.
Cinnamon: Sweet and warm, ground cinnamon is the foundation of the blend. Nutmeg: Store-bought ground nutmeg works fine. But, I promise, once you try freshly grated nutmeg, you’ll never go back! The flavor of pre-ground just can’t compare. Buy whole nutmegs (they look like a hard, round nut in the dry goods section) and use a fine zester or grater to scrape off the amount you need. Ginger: Another warming spice, ground ginger packs a zesty punch reminiscent of gingersnaps. Allspice: Despite the name, allspice is just one spice. It’s a dried berry, also called Jamaica pepper, found with the other spices in the spice aisle. Cloves: You may be more used to whole cloves, but you’ll need ground cloves for this pumpkin spice blend. This dark brown spice has a powerful flavor, so use it sparingly. Take a sniff and if you’re not sure about it, start with a half teaspoon and add more to taste.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice
Making pumpkin pie spice is almost embarrassingly easy. Use a measuring spoon to measure out each ground spice into a jar or container, put the lid on, and shake it. You can also stir the spices together in a bowl before transferring the mixed spice to a storage container.
Tips and Variation Ideas
This simple pumpkin spice recipe is so straightforward, it’s destined to become a pantry staple. Here are some final tips for making your own spice blend:
Use fresh spices. There’s no need to buy a bunch of brand-new spices for this recipe, just as long as yours haven’t been sitting in the cupboard for 10 years. If they have, my advice to you is to start fresh. You won’t be sorry! Store your pumpkin spice airtight. I like to recycle old spice jars to put my homemade spices in. I write up a quick label, draw a pumpkin on it because I’m a dork (and a terrible artist), and date it before stashing it in the pantry. See below for detailed storage instructions. Double or triple the recipe to make more pumpkin pie spice mix. Just keep the ratio the same. If you’re not fond of a particular ingredient, simply omit it. You can also substitute extra cinnamon, or another warm sweet spice, such as cardamom.
Ways To Use Pumpkin Pie Spice
I’m sure you’ll find loads of ways to use pumpkin pie spice in all your favorite recipes! Here are a few of my own ideas to get you started. Pumpkin spice adds the perfect taste of fall to anything you make.
Pumpkin Pie. Of course! Your homemade pumpkin pies just got a whole lot more homemade, right down to the pumpkin spice throughout. Fall baking. There are so many fall desserts and baked goods that call for pumpkin spice! Try pumpkin poke cake or these healthy pumpkin bran muffins. Snacking. Pumpkin spice candied walnuts are the perfect cozy snack with your pumpkin spice latte! Or, make this easy pumpkin dip. Breakfast. Add a dash of this spice blend to your bowl of oatmeal. A teaspoon or so mixed in with your pancake or waffle mix will taste like fall. Hot drinks. Skip the lineup at the local coffee house and make your own homemade pumpkin spice lattes, hot apple cider, and more. Ice cream. Mix pumpkin pie spice into vanilla ice cream or use it to flavor homemade whipped cream. Savory. Add a sprinkle of warm spice to roasted sweet potatoes and other winter vegetables, like butternut squash.
How to Store
It’s important to store spices and dried herbs airtight in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, like inside a pantry or cupboard. Also, make sure to keep spices away from heat, like the stove. This pumpkin pie spice will keep fresh for two to three years, if stored properly.
Quick-Start Guide!
