This Substitute for Pumpkin Pie Spice is easy to make and tastes just like store-bought pumpkin pie spice. You can make your own spice blend with a simple combination of individual spices you already have in your spice cabinet…so you don’t have to run to the store at the last minute again. This warm and cozy blend of spices will work in savory dishes or sweet recipes that call for pumpkin pie spice.
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I always keep this homemade pumpkin pie spice blend in an airtight jar in my spice drawer. Anytime a recipe calls for a teaspoon pumpkin spice, I use my own pumpkin pie spice substitute with delicious results. Oh, and you should know, fall recipes aren’t the only time of year this spice blend comes in handy.
Not only do I use this in all the pumpkin desserts, like pumpkin cake, pumpkin donuts and pumpkin pie but I also prefer my homemade pumpkin spice mix for all the delicious snacks like pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins and pumpkin spice balls.
Why you’ll love it
- Save money: DIY spice blends are less expensive than buying them already mixed in the store.
- Save time: This is the BEST pumpkin pie spice substitute when you don’t want to run to the supermarket in the middle of a recipe.
- Perfect for all your favorite pumpkin recipes.
- Use it as a substitute for Apple Pie Spice in a pinch.
- Made with common spices you already have in your pantry.
- Store in an airtight container in a dry place and it will last 1-2 years.
What’s the difference between Pumpkin Pie Spice and Apple Pie Spice?
Although they have many similar ingredients, Pumpkin Pie Spice contains cloves and Apple Pie Spice includes cardamom. Otherwise, they both have some cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and sometimes allspice.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cinnamon: No, it’s not a typo, the amount of cinnamon is 5 times the amount of any of the other spices…it’s the main ingredient, and there is no substitute in this recipe for the ground cinnamon. Though, if you have whole cinnamon sticks, you can use a microplane to produce some powder.
- Ground ginger: Substitute with just one teaspoon allspice since it has such a strong flavor.
- Ground cloves: If you only have whole cloves, use a spice grinder to break them down into a powder.
- Nutmeg: One teaspoon ground nutmeg may be too strong for some, but I think it brings out all the flavors of fall. You can reduce the amount or a good substitute would be half teaspoon cardamom.
- Pepper: Just a touch of black pepper helps to bring out the warm flavor of the other spices. The best substitute would be white pepper.
How to make it
- Place all ingredients in a small jar and mix well with a spoon or cover and shake well until ingredients are well distributed.
- You can also use a small bowl and a whisk to thoroughly combine ingredients.
- You can find spice jars with lids that will fit easily in your spice cabinet.
- That’s it! You can double or even triple the recipe to always have some available for your favorite pumpkin recipes.
Debra’s Pro Tips
- For recipes that call for one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, use one teaspoon of this homemade spice mix.
- Make a simple pumpkin spice latte by blending a teaspoon of your own pumpkin spice blend with 2 Tablespoons almond milk…add to your morning coffee.
- Be sure to check the expiration dates on the individual spices you use to make this spice mixture for the longest shelf life.
- Make sure your jar is perfectly clean and dry before transferring spice blend.
How to use DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Use this homemade spice blend in equal amounts for store-bought pumpkin pie spice.
- This will work as a substitute for Apple Pie Spice too.
- A small amount will go a long way in savory dishes like Vegan Beef Stew or Hearty Lentil Soup.
- Add one tablespoon to pumpkin puree to create canned pumpkin pie filling.
More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Substitute Pumpkin Pie Spice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients and place in an airtight container. Mix well.
- Store in a cool dry place for up to a year.
Notes
Nutrition
Note
The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.
Gloria
I love pumpkin spice everything. I always have a blend available year-round. So easy and so delicious.
Elizabeth
Such a great option for the upcoming holiday season! This spice always sells out so it’s nice to have this. Thanks for sharing!
Debra Klein
Ah…yes, the seasonal sell out! Another great reason to make your own spice mixes.
Elizabeth
I’m out of pumpkin pie spice and this was exactly what I needed! Made a batch and it will hopefully last me all season. 🙂
Debra Klein
Great. I always think mine will last…but there are just so many great recipes to use it with!
Jerika
Can’t wait to make my own Pumpkin Pie Spice!:) Thank you for the useful tips on how to make your own Pumpkin Pie Spice, it’s really is useful to have one. Thanks!:)
Mary
This is like an emergency “break glass in case of fire” copycat spice blend for when pumpkin pie spice sells out. It is really a nice blend of all my favorite spices. I did decrease the cloves down to just 1 teaspoon for my Dad’s taste. The little bit of black pepper is brilliant!
Debra Klein
Love that analogy…exactly how I have felt in years past when I didn’t buy the pumpkin pie spice early enough in the season. No more!
Natalie Perry
This pumpkin spice mix was definitely better than any premixed I’ve used before. I will forever use this recipe. Thank you
Debra Klein
You’re welcome…I love this blend too.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
I tried this and compared it to my store bought blend. This one is so much better!! The black pepper is a perfect addition that adds so much subtle flavor.. I won’t be buying it premade anymore!
Debra Klein
Awesome!
Elizabeth
This spice always sells out where we are so it was great to have a way to make it myself! Bookmarked this to make again and again.
Debra Klein
That’s the way to do it!
nancy
perfect blend to make at home and i can add to drinks and cakes
Debra Klein
Oh yes….adding to drinks is another great use for this amazing spice blend.
Swathi
Pumpkin pie spice homemade is always best. I make too.
Patricia. A Lamy
Debra
Debra, thank you ever so much for sharing how to blend spices to make your own pumpkin spice. I have made my own Bell’s seasoning and will add your pumpkin spice recipe. In one of your posts you mentioned that there was a combination of spices that were Jewish and Polish, I think that were called something like Kubaba. Could you tell me the correct spices and the correct name please
. Thanks again.
Patti Lamy
Debra Klein
Hmmm…nothing comes to mind with regard to the spice you’re looking for. Glad the pumpkin pie spice recipe is working well for you!