Need 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice but don't have any in the pantry? This easy homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe combines cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to make exactly one tablespoon of pumpkin spice mix in about 5 minutes for all your fall baking.
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This recipe is perfect when a recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice and you don't want to buy a whole jar. Use it as a 1:1 substitute for store-bought pumpkin pie spice in Smoked Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Spice Smoothie, Ninja Creami Pumpkin Ice Cream, Pumpkin Pancakes, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, and all your favorite fall recipes.
I also use it to make Pumpkin Spice Cranberry Scones, Pumpkin Sourdough Discard Bread, and Pumpkin Cream Chai.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Makes exactly 1 tablespoon. No big batch of leftover spice to store.
- Only 5 ingredients. Everything is made with common baking spices.
- Ready in 5 minutes. Just measure, mix, and use.
- Works as a substitute. Use it 1:1 anywhere a recipe calls for store-bought pumpkin pie spice.
- Easy to customize. Adjust the cinnamon, ginger, or cloves to suit your taste.
What Is In Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin pie spice is a warm blend of baking spices commonly used in pumpkin desserts and fall recipes. Despite the name, there isn't actually any pumpkin in it.
For my homemade blend, you'll need five ground spices:
- Cinnamon. This makes up most of the blend and gives it that familiar warm, sweet flavor.
- Ginger. Adds warmth and a slightly spicy kick.
- Nutmeg. Adds a warm, nutty flavor that works especially well with pumpkin.
- Allspice. Despite its name, allspice is a single spice. It has a warm flavor reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cloves. A little goes a long way. Ground cloves give the blend a deep, warm flavor.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
How to Make 1 Tablespoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice
Making your own pumpkin pie spice couldn't be easier.
Step 1: Measure the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cloves into a small bowl or jar.
Step 2: Stir with a spoon or small whisk until evenly combined. You can also put the lid on the jar and shake until blended.
That's it! You now have one tablespoon of homemade pumpkin pie spice ready to use.
Tip: If you're making this because a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, use the entire batch.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute for 1 Tablespoon
If your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice and you've run out, this homemade blend is an easy substitute.
Use the entire batch in place of:
1 tablespoon store-bought pumpkin pie spice = 1 tablespoon homemade pumpkin pie spice
There's no need to change any of the other ingredients in your recipe.
How to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice
This spice blend isn't just for pumpkin pie. Use it anywhere you want that warm fall flavor.
Try it in my 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Fluff, Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust, Pumpkin Pie Fudge, or Crustless Pumpkin Pie.
You can also add a pinch to your morning oatmeal, coffee, lattes, French toast, whipped cream, or roasted sweet potatoes.
How to Make a Larger Batch
If you use pumpkin pie spice frequently, simply double, triple, or quadruple the recipe.
For the freshest flavor, I prefer making smaller batches rather than mixing a huge jar that might sit in the pantry for years and lose flavor.
Jeri's Top Tips
- Use fresh spices. Your pumpkin pie spice will only taste as fresh as the individual spices you use.
- Mix thoroughly. Make sure the cloves and other strongly flavored spices are evenly distributed.
- Adjust it to your taste. Add a little more cinnamon for a sweeter, cinnamon-forward blend or reduce the cloves for a milder flavor.
- Label the container. If you're making extra, label and date the jar before putting it in your spice cabinet.
- Keep it away from heat and light. A cool, dark pantry or cupboard is the best place to store ground spices.
Storage
Store homemade pumpkin pie spice in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place.
For the best flavor, use it within about 6 months. It may remain usable longer, but ground spices gradually lose their aroma and flavor over time. There's no need to refrigerate it.
Recipe FAQs
No. Allspice is a single spice made from dried allspice berries. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of several spices, usually including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes allspice.
Yes. Use this homemade pumpkin pie spice as a 1:1 substitute. If a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, use the entire batch.
You can leave it out and slightly increase the cinnamon or nutmeg. The flavor will be a little different, but you'll still have a warm fall spice blend.
Yes. Cloves have a strong flavor, so you can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder pumpkin pie spice.
This recipe makes 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, which is perfect when a recipe calls for a small amount and you don't want to make a large batch.
Because some of the measurements become very small when dividing this recipe into thirds, it's easier to make the full tablespoon, use 1 teaspoon, and store the remaining 2 teaspoons for another recipe.
More Pumpkin Recipes
Put your homemade pumpkin pie spice to good use in:
Printable Recipe
1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Add ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves to a small bowl and mix to combine. Alternatively, add all ingredients to a small jar and shake to combine.
- Store in an air-tight container or jar for up to 6 months. Use as a 1:1 substitute for store-bought pumpkin pie spice.
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Notes
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Spices lose their potency after 6 months.
- Reuse an empty pumpkin spice tin by adding your homemade pumpkin spice.
- Store your pumpkin spice mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- A small batch ensures it remains fresh and flavorful.
- Label and date the jar to keep track of freshness.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Melinda says
Perfect timing!! I’ve never made my own pumpkin pie spice but now I sure will. Thank you for sharing!