Essential Pumpkin Pie Spice

Making pumpkin pie spice blend is easy, and I bet you have everything you need to make it already sitting in your spice cabinet! Use this spice blend and add a warm, toasty flavor to muffins, quick breads, cakes, coffee drinks, savory dishes, and my favorite, pumpkin pie! Jump to the Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

What is Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix Made Of?

You can buy pumpkin pie spice at the store, but we typically make our own. Again, you probably already have everything you need in your spice cabinet to make it.

Our essential blend combines the following:

• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Cloves

We use these three spices when making our favorite pumpkin pie and are beyond happy with them, but you can include one or more of the following spices to make the spice blend a little more complex:

• Nutmeg is bittersweet, warm, and earthy. I prefer freshly grated nutmeg, but ground works.
• Allspice is the dried berry of the Pimenta dioica tree and tastes like a combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.
• Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat to the blend. A small amount does the trick.
• Black pepper adds a little heat and complexity.

How to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice

Use this blend whenever a recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice or use it as a substitute for cinnamon.

• Sprinkle over oatmeal or add to baked oatmeal
• Stir into baked goods like cakes, muffins, and quick bread
• Make a homemade pumpkin spice latte
• Make pancakes, waffles or French toast
• Add a pinch to creamy savory recipes like macaroni and cheese
• Sprinkle over root vegetables, pumpkin, and winter squash

Recipes with Pumpkin Pie Spice

Here are some of our most popular recipes that call for pumpkin pie spice:

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

The Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

Easy Pumpkin Cupcakes from Scratch