This Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice is a cozy, aromatic blend of warm spices that elevates pumpkin pie, cookies, oatmeal, lattes and more. It comes together in minutes using common pantry spices and can be stored in the pantry for up to three months. Making your own gives you complete control over the flavor balance so you can customize it to your taste.
One fall I went to bake pumpkin muffins and realized I was out of pumpkin pie spice. A quick search showed me the basic ingredients were all staples in my pantry, so I mixed my own blend. Since then, this Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice has been my go-to for seasonal baking. I like a mix that emphasizes cinnamon, ginger and cloves with only a touch of nutmeg for a warm, rounded flavor that complements pumpkin desserts and breakfast dishes.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Packed with warm, cozy flavors perfect for fall baking and beverages.
- Easy to make with everyday spices you likely already own.
- Customizable: control the ratios to emphasize the spices you prefer.
- Stores well for up to three months in an airtight container.
Recipe ingredients
This blend uses common spices that are easy to keep on hand so you can whip up a batch whenever you need it for seasonal recipes.
- Cinnamon — the backbone of the blend, offering sweet, warm spice.
- Ground ginger — brings a lively, slightly peppery warmth.
- Ground cloves — aromatic and sweetly intense, used sparingly.
- Allspice — adds depth and a rounded, complex warmth; omit or substitute with mace if unavailable.
- Nutmeg — adds a subtle nutty, woody note to finish the blend.
Quantities and the full recipe are provided in the recipe section below.
How to make this pumpkin spice mix
This homemade pumpkin pie spice is quick to prepare and easily tailored. Whisk the spices together until uniform and store the mix in a sealed jar for convenient use across many recipes.
Pro tip: Adjust the ratios to your preference — add more cinnamon for sweetness or increase ginger for a brighter kick. You can also experiment by adding cardamom or mace for a unique twist.
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Whisk thoroughly until there are no lumps and the mixture is uniform.
- Transfer to an airtight jar and store in a cool, dark place.
Recipe FAQs
Pumpkin pie spice typically includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Some people add cardamom or mace for variation. Ratios vary by preference — many prefer a cinnamon-forward mix with less nutmeg and a boost of ginger for a subtle heat.
Store homemade pumpkin pie spice in an airtight container away from heat and light. Kept in a cool, dark pantry, it retains best flavor for up to three months.
If you don’t have the full blend, ground cinnamon alone can work in a pinch. Alternatively, combine cinnamon with a pinch of ginger and nutmeg or any other warm baking spices you have available.
Ways to use pumpkin spice
This blend is versatile — use it anywhere a warm, spiced flavor is desired. Some favorite uses include:
- Pumpkin bread and muffins
- Pancakes and waffles
- Overnight oats, steel-cut oats or other breakfast cereals
- Cookies and quick bread recipes
- Seasoning for granola or protein granola
- Stirred into lattes, hot chocolate or spiced coffee drinks
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: Make the spice mix your own — try small additions of cardamom, mace or a pinch of a chai spice blend for different profiles.
- Keep the mix in an airtight jar at room temperature, away from sunlight, for up to three months.
- If you don’t need a large amount, reduce the recipe by half to suit your usage.
More homemade spice blends you’ll love!
- BBQ rub or chicken rubs
- Blackened seasoning
- Homemade chai spice blend
- Jerk seasoning
- Homemade taco seasoning
Did you try this recipe? If so, leave a review and share how you used the spice. Tag any photos you share with your own social posts so others can find inspiration.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Servings: 21 (approximate teaspoons)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Place all spices in a small bowl.
- Whisk thoroughly until evenly combined and no lumps remain.
- Transfer the spice blend to an airtight jar. Use within three months for best flavor.
Notes
- Adjust ratios to taste: increase cinnamon for sweetness, add more ginger for spice, or reduce nutmeg if you prefer.
- Try small additions of cardamom or mace for a different flavor profile.
- Store in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
Nutrition (per 1 teaspoon)
Approximate: 6 kcal, 2 g carbohydrates, minimal protein and fat; values are estimates for informational purposes only.
Author: Marcie
Note: This recipe was originally published in October 2018 and has been updated with expanded information and tips.