When pumpkin spice season rolls around, I always make a batch of this homemade pumpkin pie spice to keep in my pantry. It’s a cozy, fragrant spice mix made with simple ingredients like ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves—all the classic flavors of fall wrapped into one easy blend.

Making your own pumpkin spice blend at home is so much more flavorful (and affordable) than store-bought versions. You can adjust the flavor balance to your liking—add more cinnamon for warmth, extra ginger for spice, or an extra pinch of cloves for a deep, bold aroma. Plus, when you mix it yourself, you know your individual spices are fresh and at peak potency, giving your fall baking that rich, nostalgic scent that fills the kitchen.

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine all the spices. Whisk or stir until the mixture looks even in color and fully blended. Transfer to a small jar or airtight container, label it clearly, and store it in a dry place like a cupboard or drawer away from direct sunlight. This keeps the spice blend fresh for up to six months at room temperature.

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Notes and Substitutions

If you’re missing something, don’t worry—this blend is flexible:
No allspice? Add ½ teaspoon more cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon cloves.
No cloves? Use extra nutmeg or allspice instead.
Maybe even consider adding a dash of white pepper to give it a little kick!

Use Fresh or Unique Spices

To enhance the aroma, try grating fresh spices like whole nutmeg or cloves just before mixing. For an added twist, include ¼ teaspoon cardamom for a light citrusy note, or a tiny pinch of black pepper or cayenne to balance the sweetness in your favorite fall treats.

How to use it

Use about 1½ to 2 teaspoons of this pumpkin spice blend per 9-inch pie. It’s also delicious sprinkled over overnight oats, morning oatmeal, pumpkin bars, or stirred into cinnamon sugar for French toast. Try adding it to whipped cream for topping pecan or apple pie spice desserts too—it instantly transforms anything into a cozy fall baking dish.

Storage

Keep your pumpkin pie spice sealed in an airtight container or spice jar and stored in a cool, dry place like your pantry. Proper storage helps preserve the oils in the spices and prevents them from losing potency. Check expiration dates on your basic spices before mixing to ensure everything is fresh.

Similar Recipes

This spice is ideal for any of my pumpkin recipes. Try it with Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Roll, Sweet Potato Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. It’s perfect for all of these recipes!

This cozy pumpkin spice mix is the secret to bringing that comforting, bakery-style aroma into your kitchen. Keep a jar handy all autumn long—it’s one of those delicious recipes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again!

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Camila Hurst

A cozy homemade pumpkin pie spice made with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves—perfect for fall baking, pies, cookies, and pumpkin bread.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings tbsp

Calories 6 kcal

Ingredients

3 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground nutmeg
1½ tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

Combine all the spices in a small bowl or jar.
Whisk or shake until thoroughly mixed and uniform in color.
Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Notes

Adjusting flavor balance: For a warmer, cozier blend, add a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg. For a spicier kick, increase the ginger slightly. For a deeper, bolder flavor, add a touch more cloves or allspice.

If you’re missing something:

No allspice: use an extra ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon cloves.
No cloves: add a bit more allspice and nutmeg to deepen the flavor.
No nutmeg: substitute with mace if available—it has a similar warmth.

For Fresher Flavor: Grate whole nutmeg or grind whole cloves and allspice berries just before mixing.

Usage: Use 1½ to 2 teaspoons of this blend per 9-inch pumpkin pie, or sprinkle it into oatmeal, lattes, muffins, pancakes, or whipped cream.

Cardamom: For a hint of brightness, add ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom to the blend. It gives a light floral and citrusy note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin desserts.

Warmth: For subtle warmth, include a tiny pinch of cayenne. It won’t make the spice blend hot but will enhance the depth and balance the sweetness in pies, lattes, and cookies.