Spice blends are all over the aisle at the grocery store to save us time. But, did you know you can make your own? This Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix is a cozy blend of all the classic fall spices. I love, love, love using it in baked goods and sweet treats!
It feels like the old TV public service announcement, but this time it’s for the cooks. “Do you know what’s in your spice mix?” When you make it yourself, you can. And, bonus, when you make it yourself, you can make it exactly how you want it to be!
This recipe for pumpkin pie spice mix captures the warmth of the classic spices in a balance that I adore. The first thing I made with it was this layered pumpkin coffee cake. Just swap a tablespoon for the spices in the pumpkin filling.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
I like to sneak in just a pinch of cardamom to my spice mix. I first fell in love with cardamom when my sister showed me how she adds it to her daily coffee. It has become a treat that I treasure.
I will warn you that once you learn how to make this at home, there’s no going back. You’ll feel the achievement any time you put the finished label on a jar. And, then it’s yours to play with year-round. Just opening the jar reminds me of pumpkin pies and warm apple crisps.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Cinnamon – With its immediately recognizable warmth and sweetness, I love the way that cinnamon makes this spice blend feel so familiar.
Nutmeg – This spice will forever remind me of my grandma’s waffle sauce. Buy it whole and use a microplane to grate it fresh, and the aroma alone will blow your mind. But yes, you can swap in ground nutmeg if you must.
Ginger – This spice has a little bite to it. Almost peppery, you’ll find that it helps balance the warm and sweet flavors of the others.
Allspice – It’s not quite any of the others, but it does taste a lot like what you get with nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. There’s just that little something more that keeps you coming back to taste it again.
Cloves – Oh, if I could only explain to you the childhood reason why cloves and I have a tense relationship. I use half a teaspoon of ground cloves here for its aroma and distinctive flavor. If my brother Miles should ever chance upon this recipe: it’s half a teaspoon, bro. NOT A HALF CUP OF WHOLE CLOVES.
Cardamom – I’m telling you, if you’ve been sleeping on cardamom, you have got to try it. It is complex, almost floral and minty, while still staying on the “warm” side of the cabinet. This is the secret ingredient that takes this mix over the top, for me. But, you can omit it, if it isn’t your thing.
Notes on Equipment
- Measuring spoons. Over the past 15 years, I have built up quite the drawer full of various measuring cups and spoons, but I reach for these more frequently than any other. I have an intense dislike of spoons that don’t actually fit inside of spice jars. And, that’s why this rectangular design has become my hands-down favorite. (It also doesn’t hurt that they’re quite the bargain!)
- Small jar with a lid
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice
Mix
Mixing the Spices: I measure the cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg into a small jar with an airtight lid. Shake them to combine.
Using: This spice mix goes great with any number of fall and pumpkin desserts, but is also excellent for making homemade pumpkin spice lattes, and even sprinkling over cool whip or ice cream.
Expert Tip
The beauty of mixing spices at home is that it’s typically a cheaper option and you can tailor the mix to your taste. Are you one of the handful of people who don’t like cloves because once when you were a teenager, your brother misread a recipe card and used 48 times as much as the recipe called for, but since they were whole cloves your mom just picked them out and made you eat the meal anyway? Good news! You can lower the amount.
Want more cinnamon (without a compelling true story just waiting to be turned into a hallmark movie)? You can add more! I strongly encourage you to play with this mix and make it exactly the way you like it.
Shake It Up – I don’t want to go all Sir Isaac Newton on you, but gravity makes these kinds of blends settle as smaller particles find their way to the bottom. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle. Give that jar a gentle shake just before using it for best results.
Store It Right – To store these spices for as long as possible, keep everything sealed in airtight jars in a cool, dark place. I’ve got a spice drawer that does the job quite well. Just make sure you avoid keeping them too close to the stove.
Label the Date – A simple sticker on the lid with the date you jarred the mix can go a long way toward making you feel more comfortable using after you find it tucked into the back of the drawer, forgotten. Don’t ask me how I know. That said, these spice mixes will last a very long time. As long as it’s still fragrant, I will happily use it.
Ways To Use This Spice Mix
The jar comes out first thing in the morning in the fall. I often shake it into my pumpkin pie oatmeal or use it with this pumpkin baked oatmeal. Both are a great way to welcome the day on a crisp, cold fall morning. If it’s a weekend brunch, then you can use it in pumpkin spice waffles or these pumpkin muffins.
For desserts, you can’t go wrong with a classic pumpkin pie. And this cheesecake pumpkin pie is also a Thanksgiving favorite. A quick pumpkin mousse is a simple dessert that’s easy to throw together ahead of time. No matter what you make, one jar covers the whole season.
Make Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead: I love prepping a jar of pumpkin pie spice mix to use in my fall desserts and treats. It easily lasts through pumpkin season.
How to Store: This mix will keep well in an airtight container. For the best flavor, I recommend using it within a year.
More Seasoning Mix Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course! That’s essentially the whole point of a homemade seasoning blend. For me, I don’t especially care for the taste of cloves and allspice, so I keep them subtle in this mix. If your tastes vary, you should always make it your way.
There’s really no wrong way to use it. If you want what you’re making to taste like the sweet, pumpkin-y goodness of fall, reach for this. It’s good on baked goods, breads, oatmeal, muffins, donuts, beverages, frozen treats, smoothies, and so much more.
They’re similar, but not the same. Apple pie spice typically gives cinnamon a starring role and has less ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
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Mix spices together and store in an airtight container. Use as desired.
Spice mix recipe may be multiplied as desired.
{originally published 9/12/13 – recipe notes and photos updated 9/26/26}