Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Pumpkin pie spice, also called pumpkin spice, is a cinnamony spice blend traditionally used to flavor pumpkin pie. It doesn’t contain actual pumpkin — the name just describes what the seasoning is for. My version combines cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves, with no sugar, starch, or fillers.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my pumpkin pie spice recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

• Ground Cinnamon – This makes up most of the blend, giving it a warm, lightly sweet aroma without adding any sugar.
• Ground Nutmeg – Adds a deep, nutty warmth, and it’s one of the main flavors that separates pumpkin pie spice from plain cinnamon. It’s commonly found in baked goods and eggnog. You can grate nutmeg fresh, but the flavor is stronger that way, so I recommend using less in that case. Ground mace is the closest substitute because it comes from the same fruit, but its flavor is a little more delicate.
• Ground Ginger – For a brighter, gently spicy note that keeps the blend from tasting flat. Make sure you’re using dried ground ginger, not fresh ginger.
• Ground Allspice – Despite the name, allspice is one spice, not a mixture. It tastes warm and slightly peppery.
• Ground Cloves – Cloves are strong, so a little goes a long way and I don’t like to add very much. Some people don’t like them at all, so if that’s you, replace them with the same amount of additional allspice. The blend will be milder and a little less pungent.

Ways To Use Pumpkin Spice

Now that you know how to make pumpkin pie spice, you can use it anywhere a recipe calls for the store-bought stuff. Here are some of my favorite ways:

• Pies – It’s a staple in the pumpkin pie filling of my crustless pumpkin pie and sugar-free pumpkin pie, but you can use it in any pumpkin pie recipe you love.
• Fall baking – I love this homemade pumpkin pie spice for baking pumpkin rolls, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin bread. It also works well with apples, like crispy apple chips!
• Breakfast and drinks – I sprinkle a little into coffee, oatmeal, or yogurt, or use it in a pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin smoothie. Start lightly when sprinkling it directly, because the flavor is concentrated.