This easy Allspice Substitute has a flavor and aroma so close to real allspice that most people can’t tell the difference. In fact, this blend is often what’s sold in stores as “allspice.” It’s a favorite for bakers because it’s simple, affordable, and made with spices you likely already have in your pantry – no need to make an emergency trip to the store!

Allspice Substitute

If you’re anything like me, the holidays roll around and you reach to your spice rack for allspice, only to realize you don’t have any of this rarely used spice. Or rarely used for me, at least.

But today, I’ve got you covered. Allspice is one of those spice blends that you can mimic easily at home without a trip to the store.

Whether you’re planning to make Jamaican Jerk chicken or cooking up a cozy pumpkin pie (more likely at my house), this simple sub for allspice saves the day.

Plus, it uses up some of those other holiday spices that you probably already own and rarely use (again, is it just me?).

What is Allspice?

Allspice is a single, unique spice made from the dried, unripe whole berries of the Pimenta dioica tree, native to the Caribbean, Central America, and southern Mexico. Sometimes it’s called Jamaican Allspice.

Despite the name, it’s not a blend of spices – it’s a single spice that has the flavor of a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all in one.

It’s used in both sweet dishes and savory dishes, from pumpkin pie and gingerbread to Jamaican jerk seasoning and hearty stews. It has a unique flavor that packs a punch and a teaspoon of ground allspice goes a long way!

Fun fact: sometimes the “ground allspice” sold in grocery stores is not allspice at all – it’s actually a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves – just like we’re going to make today. If you’re going to buy Allspice, check the label to make sure you’re getting the real deal.

Why You’ll Love This Substitute for Allspice

Flexible and Convenient. This allspice substitute is made from a mix of spices you likely have on hand, which means no last-minute store runs or mysterious pantry scavenging. It’s super convenient for those unexpected cooking moments when you want to keep going without a trip to the grocery store.

Authentic Flavor Profile. By combining cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in just the right proportions, this substitute allspice captures the warm, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor of real allspice. It keeps your dishes flavorful and balanced without feeling like a compromise.

Versatile Spice. Whether you’re baking desserts, seasoning savory recipes, or making Hot Apple Cider, this allspice replacement easily lends the flavor of allspice in your recipe.

It’s a great substitute that still gives you the complex flavor of whole allspice berries. You can even use this substitute as a substitute… it works great in any recipe that would normally use pumpkin pie spice, for example.

Tools Needed

Small Bowl
Stirring Utensil

Allspice Ingredients

You’ll need equal amounts of the following three spices to make the best allspice substitute. You can adjust these amounts as needed, either by reducing them if you don’t require much or by multiplying the recipe for larger quantities of allspice seasoning.

1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon Ground Nutmeg
1 Tablespoon Ground Cloves

How to Make Allspice Substitute

I dare call this combination of spice a “recipe”, but here are the instructions to make an allspice alternative just in case.

Combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a small bowl.
Stir until fully combined.
Store in a spice jar for up to 2 months.

Pro Tips

I do not recommend freezing this as the excess moisture will ruin it.
Store any unused spice in a cool, dry place. I like to use moisture absorbing packets in airtight container (like spice jars with lids) to store my freshly ground spices as it keeps them fresh longer.
The quality of your spices makes all the difference when it comes to the taste and potency outcome. I got my cinnamon from Costco and got my other spices from The Spice Way on Amazon.
Use this with any recipe that calls for allspice. You do not need to change the amount your recipe calls for.
If you have whole spices on hand (whole cloves or cinnamon sticks), you can use a spice grinder or dedicated coffee grinder to make your own ground spices.
Don’t want to have to store leftovers? Only need a teaspoon of allspice? Cut down the recipe to a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a teaspoon of ground nutmeg and a teaspoon of ground cloves – then you end up with just 1 Tablespoon of this excellent substitute and you won’t have to feel guilty about waste or tossing the leftovers.

This allspice substitute is one of those little kitchen hacks that quickly becomes a favorite once you try it. It’s reassuring to have a reliable mix ready whenever you’re in a pinch, keeping your recipes tasting just right. Plus, making it yourself adds a cozy, homemade touch that’s hard to beat.

So go ahead, embrace this handy blend of homemad allspice and enjoy the delightful aromas it brings to your cooking adventures. Your pantry – and your taste buds – will thank you.

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