Pumpkin Pie Spice is perfect for Fall baking and beyond. It's a blend of warm seasonal spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. A flavorful combination that will make your cookies, bread, pies, and cakes taste just delicious.
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There’s something truly magical about fall. The world turns golden, mornings feel crisp, and cozy aromas fill the air. This is the season of pumpkins—and the sweet, warming spices that make fall baking so irresistible. My kitchen comes alive with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, all blending together into my favorite mix of the season: Pumpkin Pie Spice.
This classic pumpkin spice blend combines cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice—the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. I love using it to flavor pumpkin pie, lattes, oatmeal, and all kinds of fall desserts and treats. It instantly adds that signature autumn flavor we all crave.
But this homemade pumpkin spice mix is more than just delicious—it’s naturally aromatic and filled with spices known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. A spoonful adds not only cozy fall vibes but also a touch of wellness to your favorite seasonal recipes.
What is Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin Pie Spice is a classic fall spice blend made from a mix of warm, aromatic spices that perfectly capture the flavor and scent of autumn. Despite the name, there’s no pumpkin in it—just a cozy combination of sweet and earthy spices that give pumpkin pie (and so many other fall desserts) its signature taste.
This homemade pumpkin spice mix is incredibly easy to make and uses just a handful of pantry staples. Each spice brings its own unique aroma, flavor, and even health benefits. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients used
- Ceylon cinnamon. Also known as “true” cinnamon, this fragrant spice is sweet, mild, and incredibly flavorful. It’s rich in powerful antioxidants with natural anti-inflammatory properties. (1, 2) Cinnamon may help reduce total cholesterol and blood sugar levels while keeping your “good” HDL cholesterol stable. (3)
- Ginger. Warm, zesty, and slightly spicy, ginger is one of the healthiest spices on the planet. It’s packed with bioactive compounds that support digestion, fight inflammation, and boost immunity. (4) I use ground ginger for a smooth, even flavor throughout the blend.
- Nutmeg. Made from the seeds of a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia, nutmeg adds a sweet, nutty depth to this mix. Beyond its comforting aroma, it offers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. (5) I use ground nutmeg for convenience.
- Cloves. These small, aromatic flower buds bring a rich, sweet-spicy warmth that ties the blend together. Cloves are incredibly high in antioxidants and have natural antibacterial properties. (6) I use ground cloves for easy mixing.
- Allspice. Despite its name, allspice isn’t a mix of spices—it’s a single, highly aromatic spice made from dried pimento berries. It adds a subtle peppery sweetness that rounds out the pumpkin spice blend beautifully.
How to make Pumpkin Pie Spice
Making your own Pumpkin Pie Spice at home couldn’t be easier — and the best part is, you can adjust the flavors exactly to your liking. Whether you love a stronger cinnamon note or a bit more zing from the ginger, this DIY pumpkin spice blend gives you complete control over the taste and freshness.
Here’s how to make it step by step:
- Measure your ingredients. Prepare and measure all the spices using measuring spoons or cups. Accuracy ensures a balanced blend, but feel free to experiment and tweak the ratios to suit your taste.
- Mix the spices together. Add all your measured spices — cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice — into a small mixing bowl. Use a spoon or a small whisk to stir everything together until the mixture looks uniform and well combined. The aroma at this stage will instantly remind you of freshly baked pumpkin pie!
- Transfer to a jar. Carefully pour the pumpkin spice mix into a clean, dry glass spice jar or airtight container. A small funnel helps avoid spills. Label your jar so you can easily grab it for all your fall baking and autumn drinks.
- Store properly. Keep your homemade pumpkin pie spice in a cool, dark, and dry place — like a pantry or cupboard — away from heat and moisture. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and aromatic for up to six months.
Ways to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin Pie Spice isn’t just for pumpkin pie! This warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger adds cozy fall flavor to just about anything. From your morning coffee to roasted veggies, it’s the perfect way to bring autumn into your kitchen. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Add it to coffee or make a Pumpkin Latte.
- Mix it into coffee creamer.
- Mix it into a Pumpkin Smoothie.
- Season vegetables like winter squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots when roasting.
- Stir it into pancake batter and make Pumpkin Pancakes.
- Dash it over popcorn.
- Make spiced nuts.
- Use to make special pumpkin muffins or pumpkin bread.
Don't forget, this spice mix is very flavorful, so a little goes a long way when using it.
Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon nutmeg ground
- 1 ½ teaspoon allspice ground
- ½ teaspoon cloves ground
Instructions
- Prepare and measure all ingredients using measuring cups.
- Put all the spices in a small bowl and mix using a spoon or a whisk.
- Transfer the spice mixture to a spice glass jar. Seal it with a lid.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Notes
Nutrition
Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe FAQs
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm, aromatic spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. These spices are mixed together to create the signature flavor used in pumpkin pie and other fall desserts. The blend combines sweetness, warmth, and a hint of spice, making it perfect for baking, coffee drinks, and seasonal recipes.
If you prefer not to make a full jar, use the following mix: For 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, mix ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and add a dash of nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
The main difference between pumpkin pie spice and apple pie spice is the use of cloves. Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves, giving it a deeper, warmer flavor. Apple pie spice usually includes cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes cardamom—but no cloves—resulting in a slightly lighter, fruitier taste that pairs better with apples.
The main difference lies in the spice balance. Pumpkin pie spice is cinnamon-forward, with supporting notes of nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves, giving it a sweet and mellow warmth. Gingerbread spice, on the other hand, has a bolder mix of ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves, often with extra ginger and sometimes black pepper or cardamom for a spicier, more robust flavor.
No, pumpkin pie spice doesn’t contain pumpkin. It’s a blend of warm, aromatic spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves—traditionally used to flavor pumpkin pie and other fall desserts. The mix complements pumpkin’s natural sweetness but includes no pumpkin itself.
Homemade pumpkin pie spice stays fresh for about 6 months when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry, and dark place away from heat and moisture. For the best flavor, make small batches.
Yes. Pumpkin pie spice adds depth and warmth to many savory recipes. Try sprinkling it over roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or squash, or stirring it into soups, curries, and marinades for a subtle autumn twist. The cinnamon and ginger complement earthy vegetables and meats beautifully.
Yes. You can easily double, triple, or scale this pumpkin pie spice recipe for gifting. Simply multiply each ingredient by the same amount to keep the flavor balanced. Store the blend in small airtight jars or spice containers, add a ribbon or label, and you have a beautiful, homemade fall gift that stays fresh for up to six months.
Making homemade pumpkin pie spice lets you control the flavor, quality, and freshness of your ingredients. Store-bought blends often lose aroma over time or include fillers. By mixing your own, you get a more fragrant, customizable, and cost-effective spice blend that can be adjusted to your taste.
Nancy says
I love that you shared this pumpkin pie spice. Thanks for the easy recipe.
Keri says
I'm an American that lives in England, and we don't have pumpkin pie spice blends here, so I really appreciate this!
Genevieve says
I love making my own homemade pumpkin pie spice and add it to nearly everything, especially my morning cofee. This looks delicious!