Easy Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

The first time I really paid attention to the spices in a pumpkin pie, I was at my grandmother’s house, and the scent of her baking filled every corner. Her pie was legendary, but one year I tasted a friend’s version that had this little something extra, a warm, almost floral note I couldn’t place. It haunted me, in the best way possible.

That little mystery sent me on a mission. I started mixing my own spices instead of buying the pre-made tins from the grocery store. After a lot of tinkering in my kitchen, with little jars of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg spread all over the counter, I finally found the secret. It was a pinch of cardamom.

That one addition transformed the familiar comfort of pumpkin pie spice into something truly special. It brightens the whole blend and adds a layer of complexity that makes people lean in and ask, “What is in this?” This homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe is the result of that discovery, and it’s been my secret weapon for all things fall ever since.

Skip to My Special Recipe!

Why This Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe Works

Pumpkin pie spice has a surprisingly long history. Companies like McCormick started pre-blending spices for pumpkin pies back in the 1930s to make things easier for home bakers. The classic blend usually includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. It’s a combination that instantly signals autumn, comfort, and holiday gatherings.

The blend is popular for a reason. Cinnamon provides a sweet warmth, ginger adds a zesty kick, nutmeg contributes a deep, nutty flavor, and allspice ties it all together with notes of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg all in one. Ground cloves are often included too, lending a pungent, almost medicinal warmth that is essential to that traditional taste.

This recipe honors that classic foundation. We use all those wonderful, familiar spices that you know and love.

But what makes my recipe stand out is the addition of ground cardamom. This is my little twist that elevates the entire blend. Cardamom has a complex flavor profile that is slightly sweet, floral, and a little bit citrusy. It cuts through the deep, earthy flavors of the other spices and the richness of pumpkin, adding a bright, aromatic lift.

It doesn’t overpower the blend. Instead, it makes the other spices sing. It creates a more well-rounded and sophisticated flavor that makes every bite more interesting. Once you try your Pumpkin Pie Spice with cardamom, you will find it hard to go back to the basic version. It truly makes everything you bake taste professionally crafted.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Spice

Making your own spice blend is all about controlling the quality and the ratios. Using fresh, high-quality ground spices will make a world of difference in your final baked goods. Here is what you will need for my special version of this fall classic.

• 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon: This is the backbone of the blend. I recommend using a good quality cinnamon. Ceylon is a bit more delicate and sweet, while Cassia is more robust and what you typically find in stores. Either works beautifully.
• 4 teaspoons ground ginger: Ginger provides a lovely, gentle heat and a bit of zest that balances the sweetness of the other spices. Make sure your ground ginger is fragrant, not dull.
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg: If you can, grate your own nutmeg. The flavor is so much more vibrant and aromatic than pre-ground nutmeg, which can lose its potency quickly. A whole nutmeg and a microplane are all you need.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice: Allspice berries taste like a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which is how they got their name. It’s a wonderful supporting player in this blend.
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom: This is my secret weapon! Ground cardamom adds a unique, slightly floral and citrusy note that makes this Pumpkin Pie Spice blend truly memorable. It’s what gives it that little something extra.
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Cloves are powerful, so a little goes a long way. They add that deep, pungent, classic holiday flavor that is absolutely essential for an authentic taste.

The magic is in the balance. The cinnamon leads, the ginger and nutmeg support, and the allspice and cloves provide depth. Then the cardamom comes in to brighten everything up. It’s a simple list, but together these ingredients create a truly exceptional spice mix.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Pumpkin Pie Spice

Creating your own spice blend is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do in the kitchen. It takes just a few minutes, and the payoff in flavor is enormous. There is no cooking involved, just a simple mixing process.

Step 1: Combine All Spices

Your first step is to gather all your measured spices. You can combine them in a small bowl or, for an even easier cleanup, measure them directly into a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. I prefer using a glass jar because it won’t absorb any of the spices’ odors and I can see everything mixing together. A small funnel can be really helpful here to avoid spilling any of that precious spice.

Just add the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, freshly grated nutmeg, ground allspice, ground cardamom, and ground cloves to your chosen container. Double check your measurements to ensure the ratios are just right.

Step 2: Whisk or Shake Vigorously

Now it is time to mix! If you are using a bowl, take a small whisk or a fork and stir everything together thoroughly. You will want to continue whisking until the color is completely uniform. You should not be able to see any individual streaks of cinnamon or lighter patches of ginger. It should look like one cohesive, beautifully colored spice.

If you used a jar, simply screw the lid on tightly and give it a good, vigorous shake. I like to pretend I’m a bartender mixing a fancy drink. Shake it up, down, and all around for about 30 seconds. This method is quick, effective, and contains all the mess.

Step 3: Store Properly

Once your Pumpkin Pie Spice is perfectly blended, it is ready for storage. Transfer it to a small, airtight container. A spice jar with a shaker top or a small glass mason jar works perfectly. Label the jar with the name and the date you made it. Spices lose their potency over time, so this helps you keep track of freshness.

Store the container in a cool, dark place away from heat and direct sunlight, like a pantry or a spice cabinet. Do not store it above your stove, as the heat will degrade the flavor much faster. For the absolute best and most vibrant flavor, try to use it within 6 months.

How To Use Pumpkin Pie Spice

Of course, the most obvious use for this blend is in a pumpkin pie, and it will make the best one you have ever had. But do not stop there. This versatile spice mix can bring a touch of autumn warmth to so many other dishes, both sweet and savory. I keep a jar on my counter all season long and find myself sprinkling it on everything.

Thinking beyond the pie crust is where the fun really begins. It is amazing how a little dash of this spice can transform an everyday meal or drink into something special. Here are some of my favorite ways to use my homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice:

• In Your Morning Coffee: Stir a quarter teaspoon into your coffee grounds before brewing or add a pinch directly to your latte or cappuccino. It is so much better than sugary syrups.
• Sprinkled on Oatmeal or Yogurt: Elevate your breakfast by sprinkling this spice blend over a warm bowl of oatmeal, a cup of Greek yogurt, or even cottage cheese. Add some maple syrup and pecans for a perfect start to your day.
• In Baked Goods: Think beyond pie! Add it to pumpkin bread, muffins, scones, cookies, and even coffee cake. I use about 2 teaspoons for a standard loaf or a dozen muffins.
• For Roasting Vegetables: This might sound surprising, but it is delicious on roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or carrots. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, and a generous sprinkle of this spice before roasting.
• As a Flavor for Whipped Cream: Add a half teaspoon to your heavy cream before whipping it to create a lightly spiced topping for pies, hot chocolate, or fruit crisps.
• In Savory Dishes: A small amount can add surprising depth to savory recipes. Try adding a pinch to a chili recipe, a pork roast rub, or a hearty lentil soup. The warmth of the spices complements rich, savory flavors beautifully.

Get creative with it. The warm, aromatic notes of this blend are welcome in so many places. It is your secret ingredient for making the entire fall and winter season taste absolutely delicious.

How To Store Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Once you have mixed up a batch of this wonderful spice blend, you will want to store it properly to keep it as fresh and flavorful as possible. Ground spices do not spoil in the way fresh food does, but they do lose their potency and aroma over time. Proper storage is key to extending their life.

The enemies of your spice blend are air, light, heat, and moisture. Your goal is to protect your Pumpkin Pie Spice from all four. The best way to do this is with the right container and the right location. An airtight container is non-negotiable. I recommend a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, as glass will not absorb flavors or odors. Many specialty spice jars also have a shaker top which is very convenient.

After you have sealed it up, find a cool, dark, and dry place for it to live. A pantry or a cabinet away from the stove is ideal. Storing spices in a rack right next to or above the stovetop is a common mistake. While convenient, the constant exposure to heat and steam will zap the flavor from your spices in no time.

I always make sure to label my jar with the name of the blend and the date I made it. This helps me keep track of how old it is. While the spice blend will be safe to eat for years, it will have the best, most vibrant flavor within the first six months. After a year, you will notice a significant drop in its aromatic quality.

How can you tell if your spice blend is past its prime? Use your senses. Open the jar and give it a sniff. If the aroma is faint and dull, it is lost much of its flavor. You can also rub a small amount between your fingers. If the scent does not bloom with the warmth of your hand, it is time to mix up a fresh batch.

Substitutions & Variations For Pumpkin Pie Spice

One of the best things about making your own spice blends is the ability to customize them to your exact liking. This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to think of it as a template. You can adjust the ratios or swap ingredients based on your personal taste or what you happen to have in your pantry.

If you find you are out of one of the spices, do not fret. There are often easy substitutions you can make. Here are a few common swaps and fun variations you can try with this Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe:

• No Allspice? If you do not have ground allspice, you can make your own approximation by mixing equal parts ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. Since our recipe already has those, you could simply increase each of them slightly to compensate.
• Nutmeg Swap: Mace is the lacy covering of the nutmeg seed and has a similar but more delicate flavor. You can substitute it for nutmeg in a 1:1 ratio.
• Cinnamon Choices: As I mentioned, there are different types of cinnamon. If you find Cassia cinnamon too strong, try using Ceylon, which is lighter and has more complex, floral notes.
• For a Peppery Kick: Add a quarter teaspoon of finely ground black pepper or white pepper to the mix. It sounds unusual, but it adds a surprising and pleasant warmth that pairs wonderfully with ginger.
• Add a Touch of Citrus: For a brighter flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of dried orange peel powder. It complements the cardamom and ginger beautifully and adds a lovely zesty note.
• Make it Your Own Ratio: Do you love the spicy bite of ginger? Feel free to increase it. Prefer a more cinnamon-forward blend? Adjust the ratios until you find your perfect personal mix. That is the true joy of DIY spice blends.

Do not be afraid to experiment. The core of this Pumpkin Pie Spice is the warm embrace of cinnamon, but the supporting players can be changed to orchestrate your own perfect autumn symphony of flavor. Have fun with it and create a blend that is uniquely yours.

5 FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Spice

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe.

What is in pumpkin pie spice?

At its core, pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices designed to complement the flavor of pumpkin. The most traditional and essential ingredients are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Cinnamon forms the sweet, woody base and is usually the most prominent ingredient in any blend. Ginger adds a bright, zesty heat that cuts through the richness of pumpkin puree.

Nutmeg provides a deep, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor, while allspice contributes complex notes reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all at once. Finally, cloves add a very strong, pungent, and almost medicinal warmth that is characteristic of holiday baking. My personal recipe includes all of these classic components but adds ground cardamom. Cardamom introduces a unique floral, citrusy, and slightly sweet element that makes the entire blend feel more aromatic and sophisticated. It rounds out the other flavors beautifully.

Can I make pumpkin pie spice without cloves or allspice?

Yes, you absolutely can make a delicious pumpkin pie spice blend even if you are missing one or two ingredients. Cloves have a very strong and distinct flavor that some people find overpowering, so you might even prefer a version without it. If you leave out the cloves, the blend will be a little less pungent and “traditional” tasting, but still wonderfully warm and flavorful. You could add a tiny bit more cinnamon or ginger to compensate if you like.

If you do not have allspice, you can also leave it out or create a substitute. Since allspice tastes like a mix of other spices, you can simply increase the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves already in the recipe. For this specific recipe, if you are out of the 1 ½ teaspoons of allspice, I would suggest adding an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a tiny pinch more of cloves. The key is to taste and adjust until you are happy with the flavor profile. The beauty of a homemade blend is its flexibility.

How is pumpkin pie spice different from apple pie spice?

This is a great question, as the two spice blends are very similar and share several key ingredients. Both are built on a foundation of warm cinnamon. However, the supporting spices and their ratios are what set them apart. The primary difference is in the intensity and the specific flavor notes that are emphasized.

Pumpkin Pie Spice is generally more robust and pungent. It almost always contains cloves and sometimes allspice, which give it that deep, classic “holiday” flavor profile designed to stand up to the earthy flavor of pumpkin. My version is built on this powerful base. Apple pie spice, on the other hand, is often a bit more delicate. It typically features cinnamon and nutmeg but often omits the strong flavor of cloves. Instead, it frequently includes cardamom (like my pumpkin spice!) and sometimes a hint of citrus zest to complement the bright, fruity flavor of apples. In short, think of pumpkin pie spice as deeper and spicier, while apple pie spice is often lighter and more floral.

How much homemade pumpkin pie spice should I use instead of store-bought?

You can generally substitute homemade pumpkin pie spice for a store-bought version using a 1:1 ratio. So, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, you can use 1 tablespoon of your homemade blend. However, there is an important consideration to keep in mind. Your homemade spice blend, especially if you have used very fresh spices and freshly grated nutmeg, is likely to be much more potent and flavorful than a pre-made blend that has been sitting on a store shelf for months.

Because of this, I recommend a little bit of caution the first time you use your homemade mix in a familiar recipe. You might want to start by using slightly less than the recipe calls for, maybe about three-quarters of the amount. You can always taste the batter or filling and add more if you think it needs it. After you have used your blend once or twice, you will get a better feel for its strength and will know exactly how to substitute it perfectly for your tastes.

Does pumpkin pie spice go bad?

Pumpkin pie spice does not “go bad” or spoil in the traditional sense, meaning it will not become unsafe to eat. However, it definitely loses its flavor, aroma, and potency over time. This is especially true for ground spices, as they have more surface area exposed to air, which causes their volatile oils to evaporate more quickly. These oils are what give spices their wonderful scent and taste.

For the best and most vibrant flavor, you should aim to use your homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice within six months of making it. It will still be good to use for up to a year or even longer, but you will notice a significant decline in its quality after that point. You will find you need to use more of an older blend to achieve the same flavor impact. The best way to check for freshness is to use your nose. A fresh, potent spice blend will have a strong, complex aroma. If it smells faint, dusty, or like nothing at all, it is time to whip up a new batch.

Recipes Using Pumpkin Pie Spice

Now that you have this incredible homemade spice blend, here are a few of my favorite recipes from the site to put it to good use.

• Pumpkin Spice Pudding Pie: A wonderfully creamy and easy pie that is the perfect showcase for your new spice mix.
• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer: Make your morning coffee a special treat with this delicious, dairy-free creamer.
• Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake: A moist, tender cake that is bursting with fall flavor and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting.

I hope you enjoy making all your autumn treats even more special with this simple recipe.