About Pumpkin Pie Spice
“Pumpkin spice” is the combination of spices frequently added to pumpkin baked goods and desserts to give them more flavor. Why? On its own, pumpkin doesn’t really have a ton of flavor! It needs the spices to liven it up!
What is in pumpkin pie spice?
Real Talk: there’s no dictionary-definition standard recipe for pumpkin spice.
Instead, pumpkin spice is often a combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, and sometimes black or white pepper.
Depending on the recipe, the ratios of each spice will vary. However, most pumpkin spice recipes tend to be “cinnamon-forward.”
How To Make Pumpkin Pie Spice
For the recipe below, here’s everything you need:
- 12 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
The recipe makes 1.75 ounces (50 grams) pumpkin pie spice, enough to fill a 2-ounce spice jar (I used this one, but also recommend this one). That’s around 4 slightly heaping tablespoons!
To make the pumpkin pie spice, whisk the spices in a small bowl. Pour into an airtight container with a lid. I recommend using a spice funnel. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
That’s it!
How Much Pumpkin Pie Spice To Add To Pumpkin Pie
It really depends on the recipe!
However, one of the most famous pumpkin pie recipes—Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe—uses the equivalent of 1 ¾ teaspoon.
The Best Pumpkin Recipes on Hummingbird High
Want A Fun Pumpkin Bread Recipe? Try This Pumpkin Spice Pull-Apart Bread Recipe OR This Pumpkin Pie Spice Pull Apart Knots Recipe!
Craving A Fall Flavored Breakfast? Try This Overnight Pumpkin French Toast!
Want Some Delicious Pumpkin Cookies? Try This Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe, This NOT CAKEY Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe, OR This Pumpkin Neapolitan Cookies Recipe!
Craving A Pumpkin Quick Bread/Loaf Cake Situation? Check Out This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe OR This Pumpkin Chai Bread Recipe!
Need Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Recipes? Check Out This Elevated Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe OR My Best Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe!
Want Fall Muffin Recipes? Try This Small Batch Pumpkin Muffins Recipe OR This Small Batch Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin Recipe!
Substitutes and Customizations
There are many ways you can substitute pumpkin pie spice for flavors you prefer. Here are some of my favorites:
- Vanilla Pumpkin Pie Spice. Add 3 Tablespoons vanilla bean powder to the recipe below.
- Chai Pumpkin Pie Spice. Add 6 ¾ teaspoons ground cardamom and 2 ½ teaspoons to the recipe below.
- “Actually Spicy” Pumpkin Pie Spice. Add 6 ¾ teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground white pepper, and ½ teaspoon ground allspice to the recipe below.
Get the Recipe: Best Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipes: Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 12 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Make the pumpkin pie spice. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until combined.
- Serve and store. Use a spice funnel to transfer the spices into an airtight jar with a lid. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.Use as instructed in any recipe that calls for pumpkin pie spice.
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Weeknight Baking:
Recipes to Fit your Schedule
Over the past several years of running Hummingbird High, I kept a crucial aspect of my life hidden from my readers: I had a full-time, extremely demanding job in the tech world. In my debut cookbook, Weeknight Baking, I finally reveal the secrets to baking delicious desserts on a tight schedule.
