Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
There’s something so cozy about fall, and nothing says fall in the kitchen like the warm, comforting aroma of pumpkin pie spice. Whether I’m baking a batch of cookies or whipping up pancakes, this homemade blend has become my go-to secret ingredient. Plus, making your own is super easy and so much better than store-bought! One of my favorite things about this pumpkin pie spice is how versatile it is. It’s not just for pies—you can sprinkle it on oatmeal, stir it into your coffee, or even mix it into savory dishes. It makes everything feel festive! And since you’re making it yourself, you get to control the flavors exactly how you like them. I also love that this blend makes the perfect gift. Whether you’re packing it up in cute little jars for a holiday gift basket or handing it to a neighbor, it’s such a thoughtful and practical homemade gift. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love a gift that’s useful and delicious?
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Quick and Easy Magic: This recipe comes together in just a couple of minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Perfect for Gifting: Homemade gifts are always so personal, and this pumpkin pie spice is no exception. It’s a great addition to gift baskets during the holidays or for friends who love to bake. Just pop it in a cute jar, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift that everyone will appreciate. It Lasts for Ages: The best part about this blend is that it keeps for a long time! If stored in an airtight container, it can last up to a year. Super Cost-Effective: Buying pre-made pumpkin pie spice at the store can be expensive, especially for such a small jar. By making your own, you’re saving money and getting a larger quantity. Plus, you’ll avoid any unnecessary additives or preservatives that some store-bought versions might have.
Getting the right balance of spices· Pro Tip: The beauty of making your own spice blend is that you can adjust it to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a little more. Love the warmth of ginger? Bump it up a bit! Start with the base recipe and tweak it until it’s perfect for you. Keeping the blend fresh· Pro Tip: Store your spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (like a pantry). This will keep the spices fresher for longer, ensuring that every use packs a punch of flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: The base of any pumpkin pie spice. It brings a sweet warmth and depth to the blend. Ground Ginger: Adds a spicy zing that complements the cinnamon perfectly. Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg gives the blend a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that rounds out the spice mix. Ground Allspice: Adds complexity and richness to the spice blend with its clove-like flavor. Ground Cloves: This spice has an intense, warm flavor, so a little goes a long way. It gives the blend a nice punch of heat.
Food Allergy Swaps
Cinnamon Allergy: If you or someone you’re cooking for is allergic to cinnamon, try substituting with ground cardamom for a different but still warm and aromatic flavor. It adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of citrus that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and fall desserts. You can adjust the quantity to match your taste preferences, but starting with half the amount of what you’d typically use for cinnamon is a good rule of thumb.
Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 – Combine
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Step 2 – Store
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 – 2 years. Pro-Tip: The key is storing them properly in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in airtight containers. Spices don’t really “go bad,” but they do lose their potency over time, which means your recipes might not be as flavorful. To check if your spices are still good, rub a small amount between your fingers. If the aroma is faint or weak, it’s probably time to replace them.
How to Scale Down Your Spice Blend
To make smaller quantities of your Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend (1 teaspoon, 2 teaspoons, and 1 tablespoon), we can scale down the proportions of each ingredient to match these measurements.
Start with fresh spices! Buy all the spices at once to ensure equal freshness. Storage. Ground spices generally maintain their best flavor for about 1 to 2 years, while whole spices can last 3 to 4 years. The key is storing them properly in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in airtight containers. Spices don’t really “go bad,” but they do lose their potency over time, which means your recipes might not be as flavorful. Always label your jar with the date you made it to keep track of freshness. To check if your spices are still good, rub a small amount between your fingers. If the aroma is faint or weak, it’s probably time to replace them.
For 1 Teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend: Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon + Ginger: ⅛ teaspoon + Nutmeg: ⅛ teaspoon + Allspice: ⅛ teaspoon + Cloves: ⅛ teaspoon. For 2 Teaspoons of Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend: Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon + Ginger: ¼ teaspoon + Nutmeg: ⅛ teaspoon + Allspice: ⅛ teaspoon + Cloves: ⅛ teaspoon. For 1 Tablespoon (3 Teaspoons) of Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend: Cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons + Ginger: ½ teaspoon + Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon + Allspice: ¼ teaspoon + Cloves: ¼ teaspoon.
Variations & Additions
Add Cardamom: For a slightly exotic twist, add a pinch of ground cardamom to your blend. It’s a bit more floral and will give your spice mix a unique depth. Spicy Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground black or white pepper to the mix for a spicy kick. For an extra hint of vanilla, you could add a tiny pinch of vanilla powder to the blend.
Uses Suggestions
Sprinkle your pumpkin pie spice blend on anything! It’s great in classic pumpkin pies, but don’t stop there. Stir it into your morning coffee, mix it into pancake or waffle batter, or even sprinkle it on roasted vegetables for a surprising twist. It’s also amazingly stirred into whipped cream or added to buttercream frosting for cakes and cupcakes.
Storing Instructions
Store your pumpkin pie spice blend in a small, airtight container in a cool, dark place like a pantry. It’ll keep its flavor for up to a year or two. Pro-Tip: The key is storing spices properly in airtight containers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Spices don’t really “go bad,” but they do lose their potency over time, so your recipes might not be as flavorful.
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