Name: Pumpkin Pie Spice
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground allspice; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

The smell and taste of pumpkin spice is the definition of fall. And the butt of many jokes. But do you know how easy it is to whip together this homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe?

Ye Olde Pumpkin Spice

The phenomenon of “pumpkin spice” is a relatively new thing. While the combination of complementing spices has been around for nearly 3,500 years, it wasn’t commercialized, jarred and sold together until about the 20th century.

It was first produced by McCormick in 1934 as an “original spice” but not seen in published recipes until 1936 when the Washington Post called for it in a spice cake.

Nowadays, it is a regular ingredients and some don’t even realize that it is just a blend of other commonly known and used spices. Apple pie spice falls into the same category.

Jarred

Premixed pumpkin spice will run you about $5 and yield about 3 tablespoons (just over 1 ounce). When you are whipped up a storm in your kitchen, that goes super fast!

The other thing to consider with any ground jarred spice is the shelf life. If you aren’t planning on using the whole container, the once pungent aroma and flavors will start to disintegrate. Starting at about 6 months, they gradually decline and recipes will need to be compensated with an increased amount.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Which is why I prefer to make my own at home and fresh when I need it. As a rule, I buy the smallest containers of any spice (unless it is whole) and then make my own. This ensures nothing is sitting in the pantry for extended periods of time and keeps the most delightful of flavors.

I even mark the lids with freezer tape and a marker of the date it was opened so I know when to start adjusting volumes in a recipe or just plain replace them.

Further extend the shelflife by putting them in the freezer- they will last up to 1 year.

PRO TIP: Grading or grating your own whole spices, like nutmeg, cinnamon or cloves, will add loads of flavor to your custom spice blend!

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice takes only a few minutes to whip up and is made with spice you most likely already have in the pantry.

What is in pumpkin pie spice?

Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Ground allspice
Ground cloves

Make It!

Now all you have to do is whisk or shake together these 5 ingredients. It is really that simple.

And you get to pick and choose the pallette you like the best and adjust accordingly. For example, I prefer less clove in a pie, but more in a cheesecake.

slice of pumpkin cheesecake — Pumpkin Cheesecake

Five ingredients, that’s all!

Uses & Substitutions

While it is mostly used in sweet recipes, don’t be afraid to add a sprinkle to savory dishes too. Sweet potato casserole, breads, roasted veggies, rubs on chicken, pork or turkey. Even make it into a compound butter.

This homemade spice mix can be used to make so many different recipes beyond your classic pumpkin pie.

Here are a few more that use fall spices…

Now, for REAL Pumpkin Too

If you are going to the trouble of making your own Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice, you should also spend the time to make your own Homemade Pumpkin Puree. It is super easy and uses only 1 ingredient: REAL PUMPKIN!

Plus, learn the different between pumpkins (yes, there is only 1 type of pumpkin that makes a good pie!). Also learn about different types of cinnamon and the 1 that has the most healthy benefits.

As a Gift

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice is also perfect to give as gifts. Just head to your local craft store and find some adorable glass bottles and customizable labels, maybe even some colored string.

More recipes that use pumpkin:

Pumpkin Waffles

Homemade waffles don't get much better than these Pumpkin Waffles! Full of fall flavor and perfect for breakfast or brunch! Homemade waffles don't get much better than these Pumpkin Waffles! Full of fall flavor and perfect for breakfast or brunch!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

There is no better gooey brownie recipe than these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies! Fudgy brownies, pumpkin cheesecake and a gooey layer of chocolate.There is no better gooey brownie recipe than these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies! Fudgy brownies, pumpkin cheesecake and a gooey layer of chocolate.

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Parfaits