How to Make Apple Pie Spice Seasoning

Making an apple pie spice recipe at home is quick, affordable, and packed with warm, cozy flavor. This simple blend combines common pantry spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice into one jar that’s perfect for fall baking and more.

I started making it myself when I realized how often I was buying tiny jars of pre-mixed spice, and how much better it tasted fresh. Whether you’re prepping pies, oatmeal, or even applesauce, this homemade mix is a must-have in any from-scratch kitchen.

You can find more pantry staple recipes like this on my Cooking from Scratch page.

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What is Apple Pie Spice and Why Make Your Own?

Apple pie spice is a warm blend of spices that has a cinnamon base. It is lighter and sweeter than pumpkin pie spice, although they do share ingredients!

When you make your own apple pie spice blend, you’re getting a fresher, customizable, and healthier seasoning. There’s no risk of additives or extra ingredients that you don’t want. Store-bought apple pie blends are typically only cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, so making your own is going to give a deeper flavor because it has a few more spices added.

Apple Pie Spice Blend Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons ground cinnamon– The star of the blend—warm, sweet, and comforting. It forms the base of nearly every apple spice recipe.
• 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg– Adds a nutty, slightly sweet note with a subtle bitterness that deepens the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice– Tastes like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—perfect for tying all the spices together.
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger– Brings a gentle heat and zesty bite that cuts through sweetness and adds brightness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom– Slightly citrusy and floral, cardamom adds a unique, aromatic twist to the blend.
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves– Strong and bold—just a small amount adds intensity and warmth that lingers.
• Funnel– Helps to get the spice blend into your container without spilling.
• 4 oz Jar– A canning jar, a mini mason decorative jar, or a flip top jar, they will all work.

How to Make Apple Pie Spice Blend

Making your own spice blend is ridiculously difficult. Ready? Measure out the spices that you want to use, and mix them together. *PHEW* are you okay after that one? 😆

Make your life easier and use a funnel to get the mixed spices into a container. A 4 oz jar or small canning jar will work for this recipe, and if you’re making more to give away, double or triple the recipe. Label your jar and store it in a cool, dry place. Label it with the name and date so you know

How Long Will Spice Blends Last?

Spice blends are generally at their best if used within 6-12 months, slowly losing their potency after about 6 months. Spices will stay good longer if they are in an air-tight container, stored in a moisture-free, cool, dry place, and if the spices used were newer to begin with.

How to Use Apple Pie Spice

Apple pie spice can be used in all sorts of recipes, apple pie of course, as well as oatmeal, pancakes, lattes, roasted apples, and more! Here are a couple of our favorites:

• Unsweetened Applesauce– spice up this plain applesauce, and can it, too!
• Apple Pie Filling– a canning recipe to preserve your apple harvest.
• Apple Butter– a warm spread that you’re going to love this fall.

Apple Pie Spice Substitutes

If you’re missing one of the spices in this apple pie spice blend, don’t worry—you can still make a delicious version with what you have. For example, if you don’t have cardamom, simply leave it out or add a pinch of extra cinnamon or nutmeg to round out the flavor.

Prefer a warmer, spicier blend? Add a bit more cloves or ginger. Want it sweeter and more mellow? Dial back the cloves and allspice. This recipe is easy to customize, so feel free to tweak the ratios to match your personal taste or the recipe you’re using it in.

Explore More Homemade Spices

Looking for a homemade gift to give? Grab a few different spice blends and put them in a cute basket. It’ll make a great housewarming or hostess gift.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice– You already have the spices so you better make this one too!
• Taco Seasoning– This one isn’t for fall treats, but it’s still delicious.

FAQs: Apple Pie Spice Tips