Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe—Plus Other Substitutes and Uses

If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice bread, lattes, and muffins, you might have a bottle of pumpkin spice (aka pumpkin pie spice) in your cabinet. But if you’re a superfan, you may want to consider making your own—customized for your unique taste. Try our easy pumpkin pie spice recipe and keep it on hand year-round. Plus, learn more about this popular spice blend, ways to substitute for it, and how to use it in your food.

What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Ironically, there is no actual pumpkin in pumpkin pie spice. Pumpkin pie spice is usually made from a combination of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. The popular blend has pumpkin in its name because it's often used in pumpkin recipes.

Allspice vs. Pumpkin Pie Spice

The main difference between allspice and pumpkin pie spice is that the latter is a spice blend that includes ginger, while allspice is not a blend. Allspice is made from the dried unripe berries of a plant named Pimenta dioica.

Also known as Jamaica pepper, allspice gets its name because its flavor profile resembles cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. When allspice is combined with ginger and other warm spices, you get pumpkin pie spice.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 6 tablespoons

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 tsp ground ginger
• 3 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground allspice

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl.
2. Using a whisk, mix the spices together.
3. Using a funnel, transfer the mixture to a small jar. Seal the jar with a lid and label.

Substitutes for Pumpkin Pie Spice

If you don't have the necessary ingredients to make our pumpkin pie spice recipe, don't worry. There are ways to get that great flavor by using other spices or omitting some altogether. In a pinch, try the following:

• Use ground cinnamon or nutmeg on their own for a pumpkin pie spice flavor.
• Mix together any of the above spices that you have on hand (and leave out what you don't).
• Try equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Add a few drops of vanilla extract in place of the pumpkin pie spice.
• Incorporate some canned pumpkin or canned pumpkin pie filling in place of the spice blend.

How Long Does DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice Last?

Your pumpkin pie spice blend should keep fresh for two to three years. However, this largely depends on the freshness of each spice used in the recipe. Check if spices are expired before making your pumpkin spice blend, and be sure to store it in an airtight container to help it last longer.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Uses

There are many ways to use pumpkin pie spice to add flavor to various recipes. You can, of course, use the blend in your favorite pumpkin dishes—from desserts to savory recipes—and other fall recipes. Pumpkin spice can also be used to flavor many Thanksgiving sides.

And don't forget about adding a dash to your oatmeal, coffee, or hot chocolate for those chilly mornings. If you're a fan of these flavors, you can use pumpkin pie spice in just about anything—and year-round. Try these recipes that work wonderfully with a bit of pumpkin pie spice.

Maple Pumpkin Pie

Using store-bought pie crust cuts down on this recipe's cooking time. Plus, pumpkin pie is a perfect opportunity for using your homemade pumpkin pie spice.

Pumpkin Leek Soup

Ready in under an hour, this combination of pumpkin and leeks is a welcome addition to your dinner menu plan. Try it with a dash of pumpkin pie spice, which pairs perfectly with the soup's comforting taste.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

With only 25 minutes of hands-on time required, this cheesecake is perfect for serving guests or for an easy family dinner dessert. Adding pumpkin pie spice to the filling enhances the fall flavor.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

This turkey and pumpkin chili provides a hearty and comforting meal any time of the year. To increase that all-fall flavor, sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice in your bowl when serving.

Pumpkin Martini

Pumpkin pie spice gives this fall cocktail a cozy flavor. It's an easy drink to mix and ready in just five minutes.