Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute

Fall is the perfect season for baking delicious treats, and pumpkin pie spice is a must-have ingredient to make your treats extra special. If you're all out of pumpkin pie spice, you can easily make a homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute with just a few basic pantry items and you won't know the difference!

This pumpkin spice substitute is the perfect solution for any home baker. With just a few basic pantry staples, you can quickly make your own pumpkin pie spice homemade that will add a unique flavor to your baked goods.

It may not be the McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe, but it might be better!

Whether you're making a pumpkin pie, cookies, pumpkin cupcakes, muffins, or a pumpkin cake, this substitute pumpkin pie spice is sure to elevate your creations and impress your guests. Knock their socks off with this Pumpkin Bread Bottom Cheesecake.

Jump to:

• Why make your own substitute for pumpkin spice?
• Is there pumpkin in pumpkin pie spice?
• What is Pumpkin Spice made of?
• Ingredients
• Shop here:
• What if I don't have all the spices?
• How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute
• How to Use Your Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice in Your Fall Baking
• Storage directions
• FAQs 
• Tools needed to make the recipe 
• More Pumpkin Recipes...
• Recipe

Why make your own substitute for pumpkin spice?

Well, maybe because you forgot to buy any?! Ha! But seriously, why settle for store-bought pumpkin pie spice when you can make your own at home? There are several reasons why you should consider making your own pumpkin pie spice.

Firstly, it's easy to do, and making your own DIY pumpkin spice allows you to have full control over the flavors and the intensity of the spices. You probably already have pumpkin spice spices in your pantry!

While store-bought pumpkin pie spice blends may contain a generic combination of spices, making your own gives you the freedom to customize the blend to suit your taste preferences.

If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor or want to add a little extra nutmeg, you can easily adjust the proportions of the spices to achieve the desired taste.

Secondly, making your own pumpkin pie spice is cost-effective. Store-bought pumpkin pie spice blends can be quite pricey, especially if you bake frequently or use it in large quantities.

By making your own, you can save money and still enjoy the same delicious flavors. Plus, since you probably already have the individual spices in your pantry, there's no need to run to the store!

Additionally, making your own pumpkin pie spice ensures that you are using fresh spices. Store-bought blends may sit on the shelves for months, leading to a loss in flavor and potency.

By making your own homemade spice blend, you can use freshly ground spices, which will result in a more vibrant and flavorful mix. And you can avoid any potential additives or preservatives that may be present in store-bought blends. Win-win-win!

Is there pumpkin in pumpkin pie spice?

Ah, the million-dollar question: Does pumpkin spice actually have pumpkin in it? The answer is no.

Despite its name, pumpkin spice does not actually contain any pumpkin. Pumpkin spice is a blend of warm and aromatic spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. These spices come together to create that familiar and beloved flavor that we associate with pumpkin treats.

So why the name? Well, pumpkin spice got its name because it is commonly used to flavor pumpkin-based desserts, like pumpkin pie. But fear not, even though pumpkin spice doesn't have pumpkin in it, it still pairs perfectly with pumpkin puree to create those delectable autumn flavors.

So now that you know that...

What is Pumpkin Spice made of?

If you've ever wondered what exactly goes into pumpkin spice, you're not alone. This iconic blend of spices is what gives pumpkin pie and other fall treats their distinct flavor.

Pumpkin spice, also known as pumpkin pie seasoning with the popular brand being McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice, typically consists of a combination of warm, aromatic spices that complement the flavor of pumpkin.

The key ingredients in pumpkin spice are ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. These spices come together to create a warm and cozy flavor profile that is synonymous with the fall season.

While the exact ratios may vary depending on personal preference and recipe, a typical pumpkin spice blend will contain larger parts cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, with smaller amounts of allspice and cloves.

Cinnamon is the star of the show in pumpkin spice. It adds a sweet and woody flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of pumpkin. Ginger brings a subtle heat and warmth, while nutmeg adds a slightly nutty and earthy flavor. Allspice contributes a complex and peppery note, and cloves provide a rich and aromatic essence.

So, now that we've got all that figured out - let's see how to make it!

Ingredients

If you're looking for a pumpkin spice substitute or alternative, you can easily create your own DIY pumpkin spice blend. All you need is a few common spices that you probably already have in your pantry.

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves

This is the blend and proportions that I use but now that you know what pumpkin spice is made of, you can experiment with different ratios and combinations to find your perfect spice mixture.

Whether you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor or want to add more nutmeg for a spicier kick, you can customize your pumpkin spice to suit your taste. With your homemade pumpkin spice blend in hand, you'll be set for all of your fall baking!

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Ground Cinnamon

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Ground Allspice

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Ground Cloves

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Ground Ginger

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Ground Nutmeg

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What if I don't have all the spices?

No worries if you don't have all the spices on hand to make your own pumpkin pie spice blend! Pumpkin pie spice vs individual spices will vary among brands anyway, so mix up a pumpkin pie spice alternative.

If you're missing one or two spices from the recipe, you can still create a delicious pumpkin spice substitute by using the spices you do have.

For example, pumpkin pie spice has more cinnamon than anything else so if you must, use all cinnamon in your recipe.

If you're out of ginger, simply increase the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg in the blend. Cardamom is another fall-flavored spice that you could try in your own mixed spice.

Or if you don't have cloves, you can add a touch more allspice to compensate. The key is to play around with the proportions and adjust to your taste until you find a pumpkin spice alternative you're happy with!

Another option is to substitute individual spices with pre-made spice blends that you may already have in your pantry.

For instance, in a pinch, you can use apple pie spice blend as a sub for pumpkin pie spice. Just keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!

The beauty of making your own alternative to pumpkin pie spice is that it's highly customizable. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different spice combinations. The goal is to create a blend that suits your taste and elevates your fall baking.

So even if you don't have all the spices, don't let that stop you from enjoying the warm and comforting flavors of pumpkin spice.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute

1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together until well blended.
2. Store in an airtight container, such as a jar or bowl with a lid!

You now have your very own homemade pumpkin pie spice blend ready to use in your fall baking. Wasn't that easy? Now you can say goodbye to store-bought blends and hello to a personalized pumpkin spice experience.

How to Use Your Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice in Your Fall Baking

Now that you have your homemade pumpkin pie spice blend ready to go, it's time to explore all the delicious ways you can use it in your fall baking.

One of the most obvious uses for your homemade pumpkin pie spice is, of course, in pumpkin pie. Simply follow your favorite pumpkin pie recipe and add the appropriate amount of pumpkin pie spice to the filling.

But don't limit yourself to just pumpkin pie. Your homemade pumpkin pie spice substitute can also be used in a variety of other fall treats.

Try adding it to your pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffins for an extra layer of flavor. Spice up breakfast by adding pumpkin spice to your pancakes, waffles, or syrup!

You can also sprinkle a little pumpkin spice on top of your latte, hot chocolate, or even add a pinch to your morning oatmeal for a cozy and indulgent start to your day.

When it comes to how much pumpkin pie spice to use, it really depends on your personal preference and the recipe you're making. You will use this recipe exactly as you would store-bought pumpkin pie spice.

It's so easy: 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice = 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice substitute. Easy-peasy!

Storage directions

• Storage: Store your DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice in a clean, dry, airtight container at room temperature. Keep it in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Pumpkin Pie Spice should last for up to 6 months.
• Freezing: If you made a large amount, you can freeze this pumpkin pie substitute in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label it with the date you made it and it should be good for up to a year.

FAQs 

Tools needed to make the recipe 

• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Storage Jar

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