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How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend: The Perfect Fall Flavor

Homemade Pumpkin Spice is a staple when it comes to fall flavors. Having your own recipe in your back pocket is a great way to personalize your fall baking and drink recipes.

My family’s favorite pumpkin spice recipe is my Pumpkin Pie with a Pecan Crumble Top. It combines a traditional pumpkin pie with a crunchy pecan crumble that tastes so delicious.

Try this recipe and more on our From Scratch Cooking page.

pumpkin pie spice with a cinnamon stick and crocheted pumpkins.

What is Pumpkin Spice? (And is Pumpkin Pie Spice Different?)

Pumpkin spice is a blend of a few spices that you probably already have in your cabinet! I always try to use organic when possible. It typically includes cinnamon, gingler, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and sometimes black pepper.

Pumpkin pie spice is essentially the same thing as pumpkin spice! Different recipes will have slightly different amounts of each spice. The beauty of homemade pumpkin spice is that you can customize it!

Once you try the recipe I’ve included, you can alter it based on your preferences. Add a little more of one seasoning and a little less of another and experiment until you find your perfect blend.

Ingredients and Supplies Needed

Grab these spices out of your cabinet and get to making your homemade seasoning

  • 2-2.5 tbsp Cinnamon– The star of pumpkin spice; Ceylon cinnamon is preferred for its delicate, sweet flavor (more on that later!).
  • 1.5 tsp Ginger– Adds a warm, zesty kick that balances the sweetness of cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • 1 tsp Nutmeg– Brings a rich, nutty depth with slightly sweet undertones.
  • 1/2 tsp Cloves– Strong and aromatic, they provide that signature “spiced” intensity.
  • 1/2 tsp Allspice– Tastes like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all in one, rounding out the mix.
  • pinch Black Pepper (optional)- Just a pinch adds subtle heat and enhances the other spices.
  • Mini Mason Jars– Great for your own spice cabinet or for making homemade gifts.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Recipe & Storage

Mix all the spices in a small bowl and you’re all set! Make as much or as little as you’d like and put it in a cute little jar. Finish it off with an adorable label and you’re ready for a great fall and winter season making your favorite homemade pumpkin spice desserts, drinks, smoothies, and more!

homemade pumpkin spice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, ginger

Storing spices is super easy! Just make sure they are in an airtight container, store in a cool, dark place, and they should stay fresh for 6-12 months. You can check the freshness dates on the spices that you’re using for the blend and that will give you a good idea of how long the blend should be stored.

Here’s a tip: when you’re making the blend, smell the spices. If they are losing their aroma, they are probably on the older side and should be replaced! You don’t want dull spices in your blend.

Pumpkin Spice Recipes to Try

There are so many delicious recipes to try using your homemade pumpkin spice. Explore them all and don’t forget to pin the ones that you want to save. Remember that this pumpkin spice blend can be for savory recipes too, not just for sweets and lattes.

When using your homemade pumpkin spice in a recipe you can use it as a 1:1 substitute for any other pumpkin spice blend. You can also use it to replace all of the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and ginger in the recipe. If the recipe calls for a total of 2 tbsp of spices combined, just use 2 tbsp of your pumpkin spice blend.

homemade pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie, pecan crumber

Health Benefits of the Spices

Cinnamon can be great for heart health, digestive health, and to help regulate blood sugar. It is anti-inflammatory and is full of antioxidants. There are two types of cinnamon, Ceylon and Cassia.

Ceylon has a milder flavor and has lower levels of coumarin, which can be toxic and damaging to the liver in high levels. Ceylon is safer to use regularly and to help maximize the health benefits. If you’re used to using Cassia cinnamon, you may want to add a bit more of your Ceyon to match the flavor!

Ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice have a variety of health benefits as well! Here are some of the benefits that these spices offer:

  • digestive aid
  • regulate blood sugar
  • boost your immune system
  • anti-inflammatory
  • antioxidant properties
  • could help with pain relief
  • mood-boosters

FAQs about Pumpkin Pie Spice

What is pumpkin pie spice made of?

Pumpkin pie spice is a warm, fragrant blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Some recipes add a pinch of black pepper for extra depth.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices in recipes?

Yes! If a recipe calls for several of the spices in pumpkin spice, you can usually substitute the blend. For example, if a recipe lists cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, you can replace them with pumpkin pie spice in equal total amounts.

Is there actual pumpkin in pumpkin pie spice?

Nope! Despite the name, pumpkin pie spice doesn’t contain pumpkin. It’s a spice blend traditionally used in pumpkin pie and other fall treats.

How long does homemade pumpkin pie spice last?

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard, your blend will stay fresh for about 1 year. For best flavor, make small batches and refresh yearly.

Can I adjust the spice ratio?

Absolutely. Homemade blends are flexible—if you love cinnamon, add more. Prefer stronger cloves or nutmeg? Adjust to taste. The beauty of DIY spice mixes is customizing them to your preference.

What recipes can I use pumpkin pie spice in other than pie?

It’s delicious in lattes, cookies, quick breads, oatmeal, pancakes, smoothies, and even homemade body scrubs or candles for a cozy fall aroma.

Is Ceylon cinnamon better than regular cinnamon?

Ceylon (sometimes called “true” cinnamon) has a milder, sweeter flavor compared to cassia cinnamon, which is more common in stores. Either works, but Ceylon is often preferred in homemade spice blends for its delicate taste.

Can I make this blend without allspice or cloves?

Yes, but the flavor will change slightly. If you don’t have allspice, use a little extra cinnamon and nutmeg. If you leave out cloves, your blend will be a bit less bold but still tasty.

Giving the Gift of Homemade

I love giving homemade gifts and this one is great to add to my list of things to give away at Christmas time or to hosts of fall get-togethers. You can put it in a mini mason jar or one with a flip lid like this. Both of these small jars come with a little funnel to help with filling and labels!

You can include a recipe or two that it can be used for. You could give a bundle of homemade seasoning blends and include Apple Pie Spice and Taco Seasoning Blend.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice is an easy blend of spices that you can make at home. When you make your spice blends you have control over the quantity and quality of the ingredients, ensuring there aren’t any preservatives or filler ingredients that don’t need to be there.

You can experiment with flavors and customize your blends based on your preferences and recipes. I hope you really enjoy this homemade pumpkin spice recipe!

Pumpkin Spice

This homemade pumpkin spice blend combines warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to bring cozy fall flavors to your baking and drinks. Perfect for pies, lattes, and seasonal treats!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2-2.5 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1.5 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp allspice

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, add all spices and mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

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