Pumpkin pie spice is the warm, cozy blend behind some of our favourite seasonal bakes—from classic pumpkin pie to lattes, cookies, pancakes, and even roasted nuts. The best part? You don’t need to buy a store-bought version to get that nostalgic flavour. Making your own pumpkin pie spice at home is quick, easy, and allows you to tweak the flavour to suit your taste.
Here’s how to make your own batch with pantry staples.
The Basic Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
The standard pumpkin pie spice is a mix of five ground spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Each brings its own warmth and depth to the mix.
Ingredients (makes about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Method
- Combine all the spices in a small bowl.
- Stir well to evenly distribute.
- Store in an airtight container (like a small spice jar or sealed tin) at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Customise It to Your Taste
- For extra warmth: Add more cloves or allspice.
- For a mellow blend: Reduce the cloves and use more cinnamon.
- For a fresh kick: Use freshly grated nutmeg for a bolder aroma.
- For chai vibes: Try adding a pinch of ground cardamom.
How to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice
- In baking: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons to pumpkin bread, cookies, or muffins.
- In drinks: Stir a pinch into your coffee, chai, or hot chocolate.
- In breakfast: Mix into oatmeal, smoothie bowls, or yoghurt.
- In savoury dishes: Sprinkle over roasted pumpkin or sweet potatoes for a spicy twist.
Once you’ve made it yourself, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the pre-mixed version. Bonus: it also makes a thoughtful little gift for fellow bakers when packed in a cute jar.
Now go forth and spice everything!
