With just 4 ingredients, this homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe couldn't be easier to make (or taste more like McCormick's original!).
The perfect balance of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice makes this the ultimate substitute for pumpkin pie spice that works beautifully in all your fall baking, from pumpkin bread to pumpkin pie, and even savory dishes like curries.
Creating your own pumpkin pie spice blend is not only economical but also allows for customization based on your flavor preferences.
So rather than paying a premium for a tiny bottle of commercial pumpkin pie spice (or pumpkin pie spice extract) that you'll barely use, learning how to make homemade pumpkin pie spice means you can create exactly the amount you need from pantry staples you likely already own.
It's inexpensive and it makes a great holiday food gift.
Jump to:
- Why You Can Trust This Pumpkin Spice Recipe
- What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients
- How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients Guide
- How to Store Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Top Tips
- How to Use Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- How to Customize Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Equipment
- FAQ
- 📖 Recipe
- The History of Pumpkin Pie Spice
- What Can I Use as an Allspice Substitute?
Why You Can Trust This Pumpkin Spice Recipe
I developed this recipe based on necessity. When I was moving from NYC to Chengdu, China, I took a suitcase full of ingredients and spices that I knew I wouldn't be able to easily find (if at all).
This included two containers of McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice which I used for my fall baking classes and for a few desserts we sold in the café.
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: Create a pumpkin spice recipe that tastes as close as possible to McCormick’s without the sulfiting agents in their blend - 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!
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my easy homemade vanilla extract or using this pumpkin spice in this quick apple pecan rum cake or my favorite pumpkin cheesecake recipe.
What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Wondering what spices are in pumpkin pie spice?
Pumpkin Spice or Pumpkin Pie Spice is a combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, typically used for adding complementary flavor to pumpkin pies, cakes, and other fall desserts. It contains no pumpkin whatsoever!
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, so you won't find them in this copycat recipe.
Anyone looking to capture that iconic pumpkin spice flavor without reaching for a store-bought blend can easily make their own DIY pumpkin spice with a few common pantry spices.
This post is a straightforward guide to whipping up the best homemade pumpkin pie spice substitute.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a perfect substitute for McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice
- You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry
- It tastes nearly identical to McCormick's original
- Costs less than buying pre-made pumpkin pie spice
- Not a fan of cloves? Don't worry, this is a pumpkin pie spice recipe without cloves— just like McCormick's original
- A massive fan of cloves? You can easily add it to the blend if you want
- Perfect for holiday food gifts or as a Thanksgiving host/hostess gift for your baker friends
- Kids can make this recipe
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 Pumpkin Spice Ingredients
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 Ginger: Often overlooked, ground ginger contributes a subtle heat and zing that balances the sweetness of cinnamon and nuttiness of nutmeg.
- Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a hint of nuttiness and an aromatic spiciness, elevating the complexity of the blend.
- Ground Allspice: This unique spice comes from 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.
See recipe card for quantities.
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 your holiday baking, overnight oats, or spiced lattes.
Step 1. Whisk together ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice in a small bowl. Transfer pumpkin spice to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place away from sunlight, Enjoy!
Find detailed instructions for how to customize the blend including how much cloves to add to your pumpkin spice mix.
Hint
Use high-quality, fresh spices for the best flavor. Check expiration dates before mixing — old spices lose their potency and won't give you that vibrant taste you're looking for.
This spice blend can be used in sweet or savory recipes, adding warmth and a hint of spice to your pumpkin bread, apple cakes, cherry pies, sugar cookies, dairy-free milk alternatives, or Thai or Indian curries.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients Guide
Creating a substitute pumpkin spice blend at home is easy! And it allows you to customize the mix to suit your taste.
Here are some spice notes for Making a Better Pumpkin Spice Substitute Recipe including 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.
How to Store Pumpkin Pie Spice
To keep your homemade pumpkin pie spice fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:
Tip 1: 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 (repurposed glass jars or old spice bottles)
- Mason jars or Weck jars for a classic touch (these are my favorite to use)
- Plastic containers with secure seals (I'm not a fan of plastic storage containers, but if it's all you've got, use it)
Tip 2: 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 (preferably glass)
- Freezer in a sealed glass jar for long-term storage without losing potency
Tip 3: 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 Spice 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:
- Use Fresh Spices: Check expiration dates and give them a good sniff — spices lose their potency over time
- Grind Your Own Spices: For fresher, more robust flavor, consider grinding whole spices like cinnamon sticks and nutmeg seeds at home (I always use freshly grated nutmeg because its flavor is tastes nothing like preground nutmeg)
- Make Small Batches: This recipe makes about ¼ cup — perfect for using up in one season while the flavors are at their peak
- Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container away from heat and light to maintain potency
- Double or Triple the Recipe: Make larger batches for gift-giving during the holidays
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
Looking for dishes to serve alongside your pumpkin pie spice creations?
Use this homemade blend in the same proportions as you would for any recipe calling for pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin spice, or as a 1:1 substitute for cinnamon.
For savory recipes, a little goes a long way, so start with small quantities and adjust according to taste.
Here are some treats that complement the warm, spicy flavors perfectly:
- Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte with homemade pumpkin seed milk
- Pumpkin Bread
- Banana Bread
- Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
- Pumpkin Spice Apple Fritters
- French Toast with pumpkin spice
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Oatmeal or overnight oats
- Coffee or hot chocolate
- Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and carrots
Enhance Your Favorite Beverages
Perfect for Coffee: Add a sprinkle of your pumpkin pie spice blend to your morning coffee or dairy-free latte. This simple addition to your daily brew can make even the worst Monday more tolerable!
How to Customize Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
There are lots of ways to make your own homemade pumpkin pie spice. Here are a few ideas to help you build your own house pumpkin spice blend.
Be sure to taste and measure as you go, recording the amounts you use so your next batch will taste just the way you want it.
- 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 thoroughly mixing the spices together.
These basic tools ensure a perfectly balanced and flavorful pumpkin pie spice blend every time.
FAQ
Absolutely, you can double or quadruple this pumpkin pie spice recipe with ease. Here's how:
Storage: Use airtight containers to store the larger quantity. This helps maintain freshness and flavor. I prefer to use glass jars or metal jars over plastic.
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 adds wonderful warmth to savory dishes beyond just desserts. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice creates complex, warming flavors that complement many ingredients beautifully. For an extra punch, try adding freshly ground black pepper.
Here's how to use pumpkin pie spice for savory dishes:
Chicken: Rub the blend under the skin with olive oil and roast for a fragrant, golden bird with subtle autumn spices.
Curry: Add 1-2 teaspoons to your favorite curry base - the warm spices blend naturally with traditional curry flavors.
Roasted Butternut Squash: Toss cubed squash with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of the spice blend before roasting until caramelized.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Slice sweet potatoes and dust with the spice blend, then roast until tender and slightly crispy on the edges. Or boil sweet potatoes (with skin on), peel them, add a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, salt, and a pat of butter.
Roasted or Pan-Seared Carrots: The natural sweetness of carrots pairs beautifully with these warming spices - toss with olive oil and the blend before cooking until golden.
The key is using it as you would other warm spice blends - start with small amounts and adjust to taste, as the sweetness of cinnamon and warmth of ginger create depth without overwhelming the dish.
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.
Pumpkin pie spice, also known as pumpkin spice, is an American spice mix, originally developed for flavoring the filling of a (pompkin) pumpkin pie. It does not include pumpkin as an ingredient.
When it first originated, it was generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice and is similar to the British and Commonwealth mixed spice, and the medieval poudre-douce (or sweet powder).
However, the first commercial blend (which this copycat recipe is based on) was produced and sold in 1934 by McCormick's. The terms "pumpkin spice" and "pumpkin pie spice" are used interchangeably to describe the same warming spice blend
When deciding how much pumpkin pie spice to substitute for individual spices, all you have to do is Add up the total amounts of cinnamon and any other spices called for in your recipe, then use the same total amount of pumpkin pie spice instead. For example, 2 teaspoons cinnamon + ½ teaspoon nutmeg + ½ teaspoon ginger = 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.
And this blend also works as a direct 1:1 substitute for store-bought pumpkin pie spice in any recipe.
More Pumpkin and Pumpkin Spice Recipes
This homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe works in all kinds of pumpkin and apple desserts. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use it;
- White Chocolate Salted Caramel Cheesecake With Oreo Cookie Crust
- Spooky Caramel Cheesecake w/Ghostbuster Meringues
- Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chestnut Graham Cracker Crust
- A Better Graham Cracker Crust
- Candied Pecans Anyone Can Make (Easy, Crunchy, Party Nuts)
- Pumpkin Pie Mascarpone Tart With Pecan Crunch and Biscoff Crust
- Easy Apple Rum Cake with Pecan Crunch
- Easy Deluxe Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
- Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe (Extra Fluffy + Video)
- Easy Pumpkin Seed Milk (Dairy-Free Milk Recipe)
- Bakery-Style Pumpkin Spice Blueberry Muffins (No-Mixer Needed)
- Pumpkin Walnut Bread (Super Moist & No Mixer Needed)
Let's get started!
Print📖 Recipe
McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice Copycat (Best Ever)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ¼ cup pumpkin pie spice 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This 4-ingredient 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. With the option to add cloves, vanilla, or even cardamom if you want!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice in a small bowl. Transfer pumpkin spice to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place away from sunlight, Enjoy!
Notes
How 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
- Calories: 8
- Sugar: 0.04g
- Sodium: 0g
- Fat: 0.16g
- Saturated Fat: 0.08g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 0.12g
- Cholesterol: 0g
The History of Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice is an American blend of warming spices originally created to enhance pumpkin pie fillings.
Despite its name, the mix contains no actual pumpkin—instead, it combines spices that complement pumpkin's natural flavor.
The spice combination has ancient roots. Medieval cooks used similar blends called "sweet powder" that mixed ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Early American recipes from the late 1700s called for comparable spice combinations in pumpkin desserts, using mace, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice to create the familiar autumn flavors we know today.
The commercial version we recognize was first produced by McCormick & Company in 1934, making the convenient pre-mixed blend available to home bakers nationwide.
What Can I Use as an Allspice Substitute?
Despite its name suggesting a blend of spices, allspice is actually a single spice made from dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree.
The berries get their distinctive name because their flavor profile resembles a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg - which makes creating substitutes relatively straightforward using these individual spices.
Top Allspice Substitute: Three-Spice Blend
The most effective allspice substitute combines the three spices that allspice naturally tastes like. Mix together:
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
This combination can replace 1 teaspoon of allspice in any recipe.
Alternative Blend Ratios:
For a cinnamon-forward blend, try 2 parts cinnamon to 1 part each of cloves and nutmeg. If you're missing one spice, you can make a two-spice substitute using ¾ teaspoon cinnamon with ¼ teaspoon of either nutmeg or cloves.
Single Spice Options:
Cinnamon alone works as the simplest substitute, though it lacks allspice's complexity. Use equal amounts and add a pinch of black pepper for savory dishes to mimic allspice's slight bite.
Ground cloves can work but use only half the amount and adjust as needed since cloves have a much stronger flavor than allspice.
Spice Blend Alternatives:
Pumpkin pie spice often contains allspice along with other warming spices, making it a convenient 1:1 substitute. For savory applications, add a pinch of black pepper to the pumpkin pie spice.
Five-spice powder provides similar warmth and complexity, containing cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel, and ginger or pepper.
When substituting, start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste, as some alternatives have stronger flavor profiles than allspice itself.
Val C. says
Perfect copycat! I was skeptical at first, but this tastes exactly like the McCormick's version, maybe even a little better? I've been using it in everything - pancakes, muffins, roasted sweet potatoes, even stirred into my oatmeal. Made several small jars to give as gifts with some homemade pumpkin cookies. Everyone loved them!
ClambakeCarl says
I won't ever be buying a bottle of this again (thanks for that)! This is a perfect substitute. I made a small batch of it to get me through the holidays and I'll do the same next year. Appreciate the recipe.
Kian says
Thanks for the recipe, it actually tastes like mccormicks which is what we use for pumpkin pie. But we also added a little to hot chocolate and it was tasty😊.
Kelly says
Hi Kian! Amazing - warm spice hot chocolate! So happy you're getting creative with its uses😍. Thanks for trying it out!
Kelly says
Glad you're enjoying the spice, Kian! I add it to my coffee and hot chocolate in the fall and winter months too!❤️
Brian says
I'm going to make a big batch to give away for the holidays! Thanks, it's a perfect substitute👍🏼.
Kelly says
Brian, that's awesome! Your friends will love you!😍 Appreciate your feedback!
Nelle says
Perfect substitute for pennies!❤️
Kelly says
Nelle, thanks so much! This is part of why I love this recipe so much too🤗. Those little containers are only getting more expensive every year and unless you're a really big baker, you likely won't use a whole bottle for your thanksgiving and christmas recipes. This recipe allows you to make what you need (scale it up or down).
Brent says
So glad I found this recipe...I've shared it with a few friends and family who bake a lot during the holidays and it's been well received. Simple and saves us money.
Kelly says
And this is why I love food blogging, Brent! Actually saving families money even if it's a little bit - it all adds up in the long run😉. So glad you like the recipe!
Mathias says
We gave this a try and I'm glad we did. Our local store was out of pumpkin spice, we had a pie that needed to get baked for a potluck and so we went for it. We could not tell any discernible difference in the flavor (maybe it was better?). If your luck runs out at the holidays and need pumpkin spice, this more than did the trick for us. Thanks for the recipe.
Kelly says
Mathias, this is great! Thank YOU for trying it out and letting me know what you though:) I LOVE when people enjoy a recipe as much as we do😊.
Jacelyn says
This stuff tastes just like the real deal! (I'm making some and giving it as gift to my baker friends for the holidays). I used it for an apple and a pumpkin pie and it was perfet.
It may not be something you need to make if you're not a serious holiday baker but I use a lot of it in the Fall (and I already have all of these individual spices on hand anyway).
Kelly says
I do the same thing, Jacelyn!🤗 So nice to hear you're spreading the love (plus gifting it in cute bottles is a lot of fun and practical). Happy you love it!
Tasha says
Made this and used it for the holidays..it was perfect! Thanks
Kelly says
Tasha, that's super cool! Thanks for trying it and letting me know what you thought!❤️
Charlene says
Thanks for the recipe! I'll never go back to buying it again:)
Kelly says
Charlene, this is what I love about having a food blog - when something actually (genuinely) saves a family time and/or money! I'm so happy you're enjoying it this much:) Thanks
Horacio says
I think this is actually better than McCormicks, but my family couldn't tell the difference..just use the freshest spices you have. Good recipe.
Kelly says
Wow, Horacio!☺️ That makes me SO happy! I love it when people actually enjoy a recipe as much as we do. We really love this spice blend and I say that as a full on loyal fan of McCormick's pumpkin pie spice.
Oscar says
This was so easy and spot on, it's got me thinking about what other spice blends I can make:) Great recipe - total McCormick's pumpkin pie spice dupe!
Kelly says
Thanks Oscar! Glad you loved it!🤗 BTW, I felt the same way when I first started making my own spice blends. Plus, when you make them from scratch, you know it's pure spices without anti-caking agents added - a win-win! If you want a couple more good ones to try, this bbq spice rub and shawarma seasoning are both really good (at least we love them)!
Carla W. says
This saved me a trip to the store when I was halfway through making pumpkin pie. Tastes identical to the name brand! Really can't tell the difference between this and McCormick's other than it doesn't cost me an arm and a leg. Great recipe, Thanks!
Kelly says
This makes me so happy, Carla! 🤗 I love saving people money!💪 This is the one and only pumpkin pie spice everyone (including my family) in the South used. I love it that you found it so close to the original!
Roberta S. says
Finally found a recipe that doesn't go overboard on the nutmeg and my pumpkin bread came out amazing with this blend. It tastes exactly like the store-bought version! Thanks!😍
Kelly says
Hey Roberta! We feel the same way about nutmeg (the pre-ground kind specifically)! I'm also not a fan of cloves in my pumpkin pie spice, although cloves in moderation in other dishes can be delicious.