To make pumpkin pie spice, blend cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with allspice and clove. Cinnamon leads by a wide margin, the rest follow in smaller measures, and the result warms pie, lattes, oatmeal, and almost anything baked in autumn.
What is pumpkin pie spice?
Pumpkin pie spice is a warm baking blend, not a pumpkin flavor at all. It is the mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and clove that seasons the pie, and on its own it carries the entire feeling of autumn baking.
Cinnamon does most of the work, with the others adding warmth and depth in smaller doses. Mixing it yourself is cheaper than buying a small jar once a year, and it lets you keep it as fresh and cinnamon-forward as you like.
What goes in pumpkin pie spice?
- ·3 tsp ground cinnamon
- ·1 tsp ground ginger
- ·1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ·1/2 tsp ground allspice
- ·1/2 tsp ground clove
Cinnamon is roughly three times any other spice, which is what keeps the blend warm rather than sharp. Ginger and nutmeg come next, with allspice and clove as small, potent accents. Adjust the clove down if you find it dominating.
How do you make pumpkin pie spice?
- Measure all the ground spices into a small jar.
- Seal and shake until evenly blended.
- Use about a teaspoon and a half per pie, or a pinch in drinks and oatmeal.
- Store airtight, away from light and heat.
What should you know before making pumpkin pie spice?
- Keep it cinnamon-forward. Cinnamon is the base note; the rest are accents.
- Go easy on clove. It is the most powerful spice here and turns bitter in excess.
- Use fresh nutmeg if you can. Freshly grated nutmeg lifts the whole blend.
- Scale for the season. Make a small batch; ground spices fade within months.
Where did pumpkin pie spice come from?
Pumpkin pie spice is an American baking blend that long predates its modern marketing, descending from the warm spice mixes used in spiced pies since colonial times. The named, packaged version simply bottled a combination home bakers had used for generations.
What can you use pumpkin pie spice on?
Common questions.
What is in pumpkin pie spice?
Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and clove. Cinnamon makes up the largest share, with the others in smaller amounts.
Is there pumpkin in pumpkin pie spice?
No. It is named for the pie it seasons, not for any pumpkin content. It is purely a warm spice blend.
What is a substitute for pumpkin pie spice?
Cinnamon alone covers a lot of it. For closer flavor, add a pinch each of ginger and nutmeg to the cinnamon.
What can I use pumpkin pie spice for?
Pumpkin pie, of course, plus lattes, oatmeal, muffins, quick breads, pancakes, and roasted squash or sweet potato.
How long does pumpkin pie spice keep?
Several months in an airtight jar, though ground spices fade, so a small fresh batch each autumn is ideal.