Warm, aromatic, and incredibly easy to make, homemade pumpkin spice is a simple blend of classic fall spices that can instantly add seasonal flavor to your favorite recipes. With cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, this versatile mixture is perfect for pumpkin pie, muffins, cookies, pancakes, coffee, oatmeal, and more.
Making your own pumpkin spice also allows you to adjust the blend to your taste and keep a jar ready for all your fall baking.
Easy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend
You only need five ground spices and a few minutes to make this classic fall seasoning. This recipe makes approximately ⅓ cup, so you'll have plenty to use throughout the season.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground allspice
Instructions
1. Measure the Spices
Measure the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice into a small mixing bowl.
Accurate measurements will help keep the stronger spices, particularly cloves and nutmeg, from overpowering the cinnamon.
2. Whisk Together
Use a small whisk or spoon to thoroughly combine the spices.
Continue mixing until the blend has a consistent color and there are no visible clumps.
3. Transfer to a Container
Pour the pumpkin spice mixture into a clean, dry spice jar or airtight container.
A small funnel can make transferring the mixture easier and help prevent spills.
4. Store
Seal the container tightly and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
For the strongest flavor and aroma, use your homemade pumpkin spice while the individual ground spices are still fresh.
How to Use Pumpkin Spice
Once you have a batch prepared, there are plenty of ways to use it throughout the fall season.
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Add 1–2 teaspoons to pumpkin bread or muffins.
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Mix it into pancake or waffle batter.
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Sprinkle it over oatmeal or yogurt.
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Stir a small amount into coffee or lattes.
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Use it to season roasted pumpkin or squash.
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Add it to homemade granola.
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Mix it into cinnamon roll filling.
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Sprinkle it over whipped cream.
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Use it in pumpkin pie, cookies, cakes, and other fall desserts.
Why This Recipe Works
Cinnamon makes up the majority of the blend, providing the familiar sweet and woody flavor associated with fall baking. Ginger adds warmth and a subtle sharpness, while nutmeg brings a deeper, slightly nutty character.
Cloves and allspice are used in smaller quantities because of their stronger flavors. Together, the five spices create a balanced mixture that can be used across a wide variety of sweet and savory recipes.
Despite the name, pumpkin spice doesn't actually contain pumpkin. It's a spice blend traditionally associated with pumpkin-based desserts and other seasonal recipes.
Tips for the Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice
- Use fresh spices for a stronger aroma and more pronounced flavor.
- Whisk thoroughly to evenly distribute the stronger spices throughout the mixture.
- Adjust the blend to your preference by increasing the cinnamon or reducing the cloves.
- Make a larger batch if you frequently bake during the fall.
- Label your container so it's easy to identify in your spice collection.
- Keep the mixture dry by always using a clean, dry measuring spoon.
- Store away from heat and sunlight to help maintain the flavor of the spices.
Explore our selection of high-quality spice grinders to quickly combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice into a smooth, evenly blended homemade pumpkin spice mix.
