With just 4 ingredients, this homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe couldn't be easier to make (or taste more like the original!). This pumpkin spice blend is based on my all-time favorite — McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice.
The balance of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice makes a perfect addition to all your fall baking, including pumpkin bread, banana bread, pumpkin pie, and even curries. Plus, it’s inexpensive and it makes a great holiday food gift.
Creating your own pumpkin pie spice blend is not only economical but also allows for customization based on your flavor preferences. Enjoy adding a touch of autumn to your favorite dishes!
I developed this recipe based on necessity. When I was leaving NYC to live in Chengdu, China, I took a suitcase full of spices including two containers of McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice. I used the spice for fall baking classes and when the last bottle was almost empty, I developed this homemade pumpkin spice using McCormick's original blend for a direct comparison.
The Goal: Get as close as possible to the flavor of McCormick’s -- and I'm pleased to say, I couldn't be happier with how identical it turned out. I hope you try it for yourself next to a bottle of the original and see for yourself!
Jump to:
- What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients
- How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Ingredient Notes for Making a Better Substitute Pumpkin Spice Recipe
- Storage
- Top Tips
- How to Customize Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Equipment
- How to Use Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 📖 Recipe
What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin Spice or Pumpkin Pie Spice is a combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice typically used for adding flavor to pumpkin pies, cakes, and other fall desserts.
Sometimes you'll find a blend that may also include cloves, cardamom, or even mace, but none of these ingredients is in McCormick's Pumpkin Spice blend.
These mostly Indonesian spices made their way to the New World when The Dutch East India Trading Company took control of the Spice Islands in the early 17th century. This is where the first spice blends that we think of today as "pumpkin spice" come from.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Anyone looking to capture that iconic pumpkin spice flavor without reaching for a store-bought blend can easily make their own with a few common spices. Here’s a straightforward guide to whipping up a homemade pumpkin pie spice substitute.
- It's a perfect substitute for McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice
- You probably already have the ingredients in you pantry
- Kids can make this recipe
- It tastes almost 100% identical to the original
- Not a fan of cloves? Don't worry, this blend does not use them
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients
The great thing about making your own pumpkin pie spice mix is that you can add ground cloves or a little more ginger or nutmeg to suit your taste. If you're a fan of McCormick's pumpkin pie spice use this copycat recipe for all your holiday baking and spiced lattes.
Essential Spices
To mimic the warm, cozy essence of pumpkin pie spice, combine these pantry staples:
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice is the cornerstone of any pumpkin pie spice blend. Its sweet and slightly spicy flavor provides a warm, comforting base.
- Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a hint of nuttiness and an aromatic spiciness, elevating the complexity of the blend.
- Ground Ginger: Often overlooked, ground ginger contributes a subtle heat and zing that balances the sweetness of cinnamon and nuttiness of nutmeg.
- Ground Allspice: This unique spice comes from the dried pimento berries and while it carries the flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg it is actually only a single spice made from this berry native to Jamaica.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Creating your own pumpkin pie spice blend at home is easy and requires just a few common pantry spices. If you're a fan of McCormick's use this copycat pumpkin pie spice recipe for all your holiday baking and spiced lattes.
- Gather Your Ingredients: Ground cinnamon, Ground ginger, Ground nutmeg, Ground allspice
- Combine the Spices: In a small bowl, whisk together ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Ensure all spices are evenly mixed.
- Store the Blend: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Shake the container gently to combine the spices thoroughly. Store in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
This spice blend can be used in sweet or savory recipes, adding warmth and a hint of spice to your cakes, pies, cookies, dairy-free milk alternatives, or curries. You'll enjoy making delicious fall treats with this easy-to-make blend!
Ingredient Notes for Making a Better Substitute Pumpkin Spice Recipe
Creating a substitute pumpkin spice blend at home is easy and allows you to customize the mix to suit your taste. Here is what each spice brings to the overall blend.
Ground Cinnamon
- Flavor Profile: Spicy-sweet with a warm, earthy undertone.
- Role: Provides the warmth and depth crucial to pumpkin spice.
- Tip: Opt for high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor impact.
Ground Ginger
- Flavor Profile: Warm with a bit of zing that complements the nuttiness of nutmeg and sweetness of cinnamon.
- Role: Enhances the overall harmony of the spice mix.
- Tip: Much like cinnamon, you'll want to use high-quality ground ginger.
Ground Nutmeg
- Flavor Profile: Slightly nutty with a hint of sweetness and warmth.
- Role: Adds complexity and a subtle touch of nuttiness to the blend.
- Tip: Freshly ground nutmeg elevates the flavor vs using pre-ground nutmeg.
Ground Allspice
- Flavor Profile: Rich and aromatic
- Role: Enhances the overall harmony of the spice mix.
- Tip: A little goes a long way.
By combining these spices, you create a versatile pumpkin spice blend perfect for a variety of recipes, from baked goods to beverages. Adjust the ratios according to your taste to make the blend truly your own.
Storage
To keep your homemade pumpkin pie spice blend fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:
- Use an Airtight Container
Ensure your spice blend stays potent by keeping it in an airtight container. Options include:- Glass jars with tight-fitting lids (or old spice bottles)
- Plastic containers with secure seals
- Mason jars or Weck jars for a classic touch (these are my favorite to use)
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Light and heat can degrade the spices, so it's best to store them in:- Kitchen cabinets or pantry shelves away from the stove
- Drawers dedicated to spices
- Spice racks with opaque containers
- Label and Date Your Blend
For optimal use, label your container with the date you made the blend. Homemade spice mixes can lose their potency over time, generally lasting up to 6 months, but longer if added to the freezer.
Additional Tips
- Avoid Moisture: Make sure your container and mixing equipment are dry before you store the blend to prevent clumping and spoilage.
- Regularly Check Freshness: If the spices lose their aroma or flavor, it's time to make a new batch. If you don't use a lot of this spice from one year to the next, pop the jar into the freezer to help maintain its freshness for longer.
Following these guidelines will help you enjoy your homemade pumpkin pie spice blend at its best for months to come. Happy baking!
Top Tips
So, you're ready to elevate your culinary creations with a homemade pumpkin pie spice blend. Here are some expert tips to ensure your spice mix reaches its full flavorful potential:
Usage
Use this homemade blend in the same proportions as you would for any recipe calling for pumpkin pie spice. For savory recipes, a little goes a long way, so start with small quantities and adjust according to taste.
Enhance Your Favorite Beverages
- Perfect for Coffee: Add a sprinkle of your pumpkin pie spice blend to your morning coffee or latte. This simple addition can bring a delightful touch of autumn to your daily brew.
Opt for Freshness
- Grind Your Own Spices: For a fresher, more robust flavor, consider grinding your whole spices like cinnamon sticks and nutmeg seeds at home. Freshly ground spices often provide a more intense and aromatic experience compared to pre-ground varieties.
Add a Unique Twist
- Incorporate Vanilla: Boost the complexity of your spice mix by adding a small amount of vanilla bean powder. This will impart a subtle vanilla note that enhances the overall blend and complements the other spices beautifully.
Fine-Tuning Your Blend
- Experiment with Proportions: Feel free to adjust the ratios of spices in your blend to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you can add cloves if you prefer a more peppery kick, or more ginger for added warmth.
Storage Tips
- Preserve Freshness: Store your homemade pumpkin pie spice blend in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and heat. This will help maintain its potency and flavor for a longer period.
How to Customize Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
There are lots of ways to customize homemade pumpkin pie spice. Here are a few ideas to help you build your own house blend. Be sure to taste and measure as you go, recording the amounts used so your next batch will be even easier to make.
- add ¼ teaspoon Vanilla bean Powder to give pumpkin pie spice a hint of sweet vanilla
- add ⅛ teaspoon Cardamom to add intense, sweet floral notes (don't add too much because it can become stringent)
- add ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon ground Cloves if you love the warm spicy directness of cloves
Equipment
Creating a delightful pumpkin pie spice blend is easy when you have the right tools. Here’s a comprehensive list of equipment you'll need:
- Mixing Bowls: Use various sizes to accommodate different quantities of spices.
- Measuring Spoons: Precision is crucial for consistent flavor; make sure to have a full set.
- Mason Jars, Weck Jars, or Airtight Containers: Ideal for storing the spice blend and keeping it fresh.
- Small Whisk or For, For thoroughly mixing the spices together.
These basic tools ensure you create a perfectly balanced and flavorful pumpkin pie spice blend every time.
Absolutely, you can double this pumpkin pie spice recipe with ease. Here are some tips to make it even simpler:
Bulk Spices: Purchasing spices in bulk from brands like McCormick or Simply Organic can help you save money and ensure you have enough ingredients on hand.
Storage: Use airtight containers to store the larger quantity. This helps maintain freshness and flavor. I prefer to use glass jars over plastic or metal.
Measurements: Double or quadruple each ingredient measurement precisely to keep the balance of flavors just right.
With these steps, you'll have a plentiful supply of pumpkin pie spice ready for all your baking needs year-round.
Yes, this spice blend is perfect for meat. Whether you’re grilling steak, roasting chicken, or sautéing pork, this blend will elevate your dish .For an extra punch, try adding freshly ground black pepper. For an extra punch, try adding freshly ground black pepper.
Steak: Rub the blend generously over both sides before grilling.
Chicken: Mix with olive oil and marinate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Pork: Combine with a bit of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
The shelf life of spices and seasonings varies, but most can maintain their potency for about 1 to 2 years if stored correctly. To ensure your spices stay fresh:
Keep them in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing spices near your stove or other heat sources, which can cause them to lose their flavor more quickly.
Store in airtight containers. This prevents moisture and air from degrading the quality.
Over time, spices may lose some of their flavor and aroma. Ground spices, like cinnamon or turmeric, tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to whole spices like cloves or peppercorns.
Pro Tip: Use older spices in baked goods and cooked dishes where their slightly diminished potency won't be as noticeable. Fresh spices are best reserved for recipes where their flavor stands out, such as marinades, rubs, and vinaigrettes.
How to Use Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Although Pumpkin Pie Spice is perfect for pumpkin and apple desserts of all kinds, it can be used in so many other desserts and even in a good Indian-inspired curry. Here are a few of our favorite ideas to help inspire your next pumpkin-spiced kitchen project.
Perfect Pairings for Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute
Looking for dishes to serve alongside your pumpkin pie spice creations? Here are some treats that complement the warm, spicy flavors perfectly:
- Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
- Pumpkin Spice Apple Fritters
Creative Pumpkin-Spiced Desserts
Beyond the classics, try these unique and delicious options:
- Spice up a White Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake
- Kabocha Pumpkin Pie Tart w/Pecan Crunch (from scratch)
- Spice up Fall Meringue Cookies
- Very Berry Frutti di Bosco Muffins (w/Crackle Top)
- Apple Rum Cake with Pecan Crunch
- Bakery Style Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin Bread (w/Toasted Walnuts)
- Granny’s Perfect Pumpkin Bread w/Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (a Vintage Recipe)
Let's get started!
Print📖 Recipe
McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice Copycat (Best Ever)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Jar 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
With just 4 ingredients, this homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe couldn't be easier to make (or taste more like the original). This pumpkin spice blend is based on my all-time favorite — McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice. The balance of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice makes a perfect addition to all your fall baking, including pumpkin bread, banana bread, pumpkin pie, and even curries.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Measure the spices and add to a small bowl.
- Whisk the spice blend until combined.
- Seal it in a jar or other airtight container and use it for making pies, cakes, lattes, or even as a substitute for Garam Masala in your favorite curry, Enjoy!
Notes
Ways to customize Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
- add ¼ teaspoon Vanilla bean Powder to give pumpkin pie spice a hint of sweet vanilla
- add ⅛ teaspoon Cardamom to add intense, sweet floral notes (don't add too much because it can become stringent)
- add ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon ground Cloves if you love the warm spicy directness of cloves
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Spice Blends
- Method: Mix & Stir
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
Made the Recipe? Tell Us What You Think!