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There’s something special about a freshly mixed pumpkin spice blend. The moment you combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and the other warm spices, you can smell the difference.

Spoon with a ground spice, above a small bowl.

WHY MAKE YOUR OWN?

Freshness: Freshly combined spices have a more pronounced aroma and flavor than an old, forgotten jar of premixed spices.
You control the balance of spices: Store-bought pumpkin spice blends can vary quite a bit. Making your own lets you decide whether you want more cinnamon, extra ginger, a stronger clove flavor, a little spice with white pepper, or a gentler, more balanced blend.
No fillers, additives, or unnecessary ingredients: Just the spices you choose.
Customization: Adjust the balance to your taste: more cinnamon, extra ginger, less clove, or perhaps you enjoy cardamom. Make it just like you like it.
You can make exactly as much as you need: Instead of buying a large container that sits in the pantry until next fall, make a small batch for a recipe or a larger batch to have on hand throughout the season.
Cloves and nutmeg: Get the best out of cloves and nutmeg by grinding them freshly.
It isn’t just for pumpkin recipes: Make it once and use all season. Use it far beyond pumpkin pie or cheesecake: in smoothies, French toast, quick breads, cookies, pumpkin sponge cake, granola, whipped cream, roasted nuts, or baked apples.

SPICES IN PUMPKIN SPICE

Cinnamon
Ginger
Nutmeg
Allspice
Cloves
Cardamom (optional)
White Pepper(optional)

GRIND THE CLOVES & GRATE THE NUTMEG

Pre-ground cloves can lose their potency and flavor quickly. That’s why I like to grind my own using a small coffee grinder. Fill the grinder, and pulse the coffee grinder until cloves are pulverized. Then sift the ground spice thru a fine mesh sieve.

Half of the nutmeg, grated nutmeg and microplane zester on a marbled counter.

Nutmeg tastes the best when freshly grated with a microplane zester.

PUMPKIN SPICE BLEND

In a mixing bowl, combine all the spices. Sift thru a fine mesh sieve to get rid of any large bits.

Store in an airtight jar, preferably glass, in a dark, dry spot.

PUMPKIN SPICE FAQ

does it taste like pumpkin?
what spices actually belong in pumpkin spice?
is allspice the same thing as pumpkin spice?
can I make pumpkin spice blend without cloves?
how much pumpkin pie spice should I use?
why does my pumpkin spice taste too strong/bitter?
how long does homemade pumpkin spice last?
how should I store homemade pumpkin spice?

Does it taste like pumpkin?

No. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices, typically used to flavor pumpkin pie. They contribute warmth, and there is no pumpkin flavor in the pumpkin spice blend.

What spices actually belong in pumpkin spice?

While there is a core family of warm spices, there is no single required formula. Cinnamon is usually dominant, with ginger, nutmeg, and cloves complementing the flavor. Small amounts of allspice, mace, cardamom, or even white pepper can also be used.

Is allspice the same thing as pumpkin spice?

No. Allspice is a single spice: the dried berry of Pimenta dioica. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend that may include allspice and other spices.

Can I make pumpkin spice blend without cloves?

Cloves have an assertive flavor profile and you can adjust the blend to taste, including skipping cloves if you don’t like them. In place of cloves you can use allspice, though the flavor won’t be the same.

Ground and whole cloves on a parchment paper.

How much pumpkin pie spice should I use?

Start with the amount specified by your recipe. If you’re replacing individual spices, add their quantities together and use that total amount of pumpkin spice.

Why does my pumpkin spice taste too strong/bitter?

Start with half of the cloves in the recipe, and then add more if needed. Cloves, especially when freshly ground, are very aromatic and can easily overpower the blend. Use it in small quantities.

How long does homemade pumpkin spice last?

Homemade pumpkin spice doesn’t suddenly become unsafe when it reaches a particular date, but ground spices gradually lose their aroma and flavor. For the best flavor, make a batch small enough to use while the spices are still fragrant. It keeps well for 6 months to a year.

How should I store homemade pumpkin spice?

Store it in an airtight glass jar, away from direct light, moisture, and heat (don’t store it above the stove).

Print Pin

5 from 2 votes

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend.

Makes about 5 tablespoons, about 14-15 teaspoons

1 serving = 2 teaspoons

Course Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin spice cake

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings 7 servings

Author Hani

Ingredients

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PIE SPICE MIX

3½ tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
1¼ tsp Fresh zested Nutmeg, packed (or use 1¾ pre-ground nutmeg)
1½ tsp ground Allspice
3/4 tsp Fresh ground Cloves (or use 1 tsp pre-ground cloves)

Instructions

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PIE SPICE MIX

Using Pre-Ground Spices

Into small mixing bowl pour cinnamon (3½ tablespoons), ginger (2 teaspoons), nutmeg (1¾ teaspoons), allspice (1½ teaspoons) and cloves (1 teaspoon).
Stir well to combine.

Using Fresh Ground Spices

Grind whole cloves in a coffee grinder, and sift thru a fine mesh sieve. Grate the whole nutmeg with a Microplane zester.
Into a small mixing bowl, pour cinnamon (3½ tablespoons), ginger (2 teaspoons), nutmeg (1¼ teaspoons), allspice (1½ teaspoons), and cloves (¾ teaspoon).
Stir well to combine and sift thru a fine mesh sieve.

Storage

Store pumpkin pie spice mix in an airtight container in a dry, dark spot. It will last for one to two years.

Video

Notes

HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PIE SPICE LAST? – Stored in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and moisture it will last for one to two years.