Are you looking for a way to add warmth and flavor to your fall baking? Look no further than homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice! Made with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and some optional cardamom, this spice mix is perfect for adding to your favorite pumpkin recipes, from pies to loaves of bread to lattes. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make at home, with just a few simple ingredients.
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What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin Pie Spice is a blend of warm spices commonly used in pumpkin-based desserts and baked goods. The traditional blend usually includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. These spices combine to create a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin's sweet, earthy flavor. Pumpkin Pie Spice is an essential ingredient in many fall recipes, from pumpkin pies to muffins, bread, cookies, and even lattes.
While you can buy pre-made Pumpkin Pie Spice at the store, it's also easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Making your own allows you to adjust the flavor and intensity to your liking, and you can also experiment with adding other spices like cardamom, mace, or even black pepper for a unique twist.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Ground Saigon cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm, sweet spice often used in baked goods. Saigon cinnamon, in particular, is a variety of cinnamon known for its robust and bold flavor. It adds warmth and depth to the Pumpkin Pie Spice and is critical in creating the traditional pumpkin pie flavor.
- Ground ginger: Ginger is a spicy, pungent root that adds a zingy, slightly peppery flavor to the Pumpkin Pie Spice.
- Freshly grated nutmeg: Nutmeg is a sweet, aromatic spice with a slightly nutty flavor. Freshly ground nutmeg has a more intense flavor than pre-ground nutmeg and adds a warm, slightly spicy note to the Pumpkin Pie Spice.
- Ground allspice: Allspice is made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant. It has a complex flavor combines notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and adds a warm, slightly sweet flavor to the Pumpkin Pie Spice.
- Fresh ground cloves: Cloves are a pungent, aromatic spice with a strong, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor. They add a warm, spicy note to the Pumpkin Pie Spice, and their distinct flavor is a hallmark of many fall and winter desserts.
- Ground mace or Cardamom, optional: Mace is a spice from the same nutmeg plant with a similar flavor profile. It is slightly sweeter than nutmeg and has a more delicate flavor. On the other hand, Cardamom is a sweet and aromatic spice with a slightly floral flavor. Both spices can add an extra layer of complexity to the Pumpkin Pie Spice, but they are optional and can be omitted.
Tools you'll need
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Container
- Measuring Cups
How to make Pumpkin Pie Spice
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Mix all ingredients. Store the pumpkin pie spice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Cinnamon: If you don't have Saigon cinnamon, you can use another variety of ground cinnamon, such as Ceylon or Cassia cinnamon.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger can be substituted with an equal amount of ground ginger, or you can omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Nutmeg: If you don't have fresh nutmeg, you can substitute it with an equal amount of ground nutmeg.
- Allspice: Allspice can be substituted with an equal amount of ground cinnamon, or you can try using a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cloves: If you don't have ground cloves, use an equal amount of ground cinnamon or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Mace or cardamom: If you don't have mace or cardamom, you can omit them from the recipe or substitute them with an equal amount of another warm spice, such as ground coriander or anise.
Variations
- Add a pinch of black pepper: Black pepper adds a slightly spicy, earthy flavor that pairs well with pumpkin. Add freshly ground black pepper to your Pumpkin Pie Spice for an extra kick.
- Use different varieties of cinnamon: Several varieties are available, each with its unique flavor profile. Try experimenting with different types, such as Ceylon, Cassia, or Korintje cinnamon, to see which you like best.
- Use different spices: While the classic blend is perfect for pumpkin recipes, you can experiment with other warm spices to create your mix. Consider using ground cardamom, coriander, or anise for a unique twist.
- Adjust the ratios: If you prefer a more substantial or milder flavor, you can adjust the ratios of the spices to your liking. Try increasing or decreasing the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to achieve your desired flavor.
- Add a citrusy note: To add a bright, citrusy note to your Pumpkin Pie Spice, try adding a small amount of dried orange or lemon zest.
How to Serve
Pumpkin Pie Spice is a versatile spice blend that can be used in various ways to add warmth and flavor to your fall recipes. From classic pumpkin pie to muffins, bread, and cookies, this spice mix is perfect for adding a warm, comforting flavor to your baked goods. You can add a spiced twist to warm drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Add a pinch of Pumpkin Pie Spice to your oatmeal or granola for a warm, comforting breakfast in the morning. And if you're a fan of pumpkin spice lattes, you can make your own at home by adding Pumpkin Pie Spice to your coffee and a bit of pumpkin puree and sweetener.
How to Store
Storing Pumpkin Pie Spice is very easy. Once you've mixed the spices, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place for up to three months. This will help preserve the flavor and aroma of the spices, ensuring that they remain fresh and flavorful.
Make-Ahead
Making Pumpkin Pie Spice ahead of time is a great way to ensure you always have the spice blend on hand whenever needed. To make the spice blend ahead of time, mix the spices as per the recipe, transfer them to an airtight container, and store them in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cabinet. By doing so, you can have your Pumpkin Pie Spice ready for all your fall baking needs, and it will stay fresh for up to three months.
Then, when you're prepared to use the make-ahead Pumpkin Pie Spice, measure out the amount you need and use it as directed in your recipe. There's no need to heat or reconstitute the spices, as they will be as flavorful as when mixing them.
Tips for Making The Best Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Use fresh, high-quality spices: Fresh, high-quality spices will give your Pumpkin Pie Spice the most vibrant, flavorful taste. Check the expiration dates on your spices and replace any old or stale ones.
- Grate your nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg has a more intense flavor than pre-ground nutmeg, so it's worth grinding it yourself.
- Experiment with ratios: Everyone's taste preferences are different, so feel free to experiment with the proportions of the spices in the recipe until you find the blend you like best.
- Toast the spices: Toasting the spices before mixing them can help to enhance their flavors. Heat the spices in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant, then remove from heat and let cool before mixing.
- Store in an airtight container: Storing the Pumpkin Pie Spice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place will help to preserve its flavor and aroma.
- Label and date your container: Be sure to label your container with the date you made the Pumpkin Pie Spice to help you keep track of its freshness.
FAQ
How can I tell if my Pumpkin Pie Spice is still fresh?
Over time, the flavors of the spices in Pumpkin Pie Spice may start to fade or change. If your spice blend smells less fragrant or has lost its vibrant color, it may be time to replace it.
How much Pumpkin Pie Spice should I use in a recipe?
The amount of Pumpkin Pie Spice you should use in a recipe will depend on the recipe and your taste preferences. As a general rule of thumb, start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
Can I use Pumpkin Pie Spice in savory dishes?
While Pumpkin Pie Spice is traditionally used in sweet dishes, it can also be used in savory dishes to add a warm, spiced flavor. Try using it for seasoning roasted vegetables, meats, or soups.
Can I make Pumpkin Pie Spice without cloves?
You can make Pumpkin Pie Spice without cloves. Instead, omit the cloves from the recipe or substitute them with an equal amount of another spice, such as ground coriander or allspice.
Is Pumpkin Pie Spice gluten-free?
Pumpkin Pie Spice is typically gluten-free, as it is made from a blend of spices and contains no gluten-containing ingredients. However, it's always a good idea to check individual spices' labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy.
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Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Ground Saigon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground cloves
- 3 teaspoons ground mace or cardamom , optional
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients. Store the pumpkin pie spice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. Enjoy!
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.