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 pie 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 pumpkin pie spice is less expensive than buying it in the grocery store already made.
- 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.
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 your own Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute
- 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.
Pumpkin Pie Spice FAQs
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.
Some recipes for Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice call for both allspice and cloves. Allspice is made from a dried brown berry that tastes very similar to a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and black pepper. So, a recipe that includes just cloves, but also nutmeg and black pepper means that the allspice would be redundant.
More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Substitute Pumpkin Pie Spice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp 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.
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!:)