Homemade pumpkin pie spice is quick to make in about five minutes. This simple, gluten-free blend adds warm fall flavor to desserts, drinks, savory dishes, pies and more.
Pumpkin pie spice is the seasoning many of us associate with autumn flavors, but it doesn’t actually contain any pumpkin. Instead, it’s a warm blend of ground spices designed to recreate the cozy, spiced flavor of pumpkin pie. Making your own at home is easy, economical, and lets you control the exact balance of spices to suit your taste.
What is pumpkin pie spice made of?
Traditional pumpkin pie spice is a blend of common ground spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger and cloves. The usual proportions create a balanced warm profile: cinnamon is typically the dominant spice, with smaller amounts of nutmeg and ginger for warmth and allspice and cloves for depth. Using freshly ground spices will give the brightest flavor, but pre-ground spices work well too.
How to store it
Store your pumpkin pie spice in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dark pantry. Ground spices retain flavor the longest when kept away from heat, light and moisture. While properly stored blends can remain usable for up to 2–3 years, they will be most aromatic within the first year. Label the jar with the date you mixed it so you can track freshness.
Is pumpkin pie spice gluten free?
Yes—plain pumpkin pie spice made from whole ground spices is naturally gluten free, vegan and low in calories. When preparing a homemade blend, you avoid the fillers or anti-caking agents sometimes found in commercial mixes. If you purchase pre-mixed spice blends, check the label for any added ingredients if you need to avoid gluten.
What is it used for?
Pumpkin pie spice is versatile and can be used in sweet or savory applications. Add it to muffins, breads, cookies, pancakes, lattes, smoothies, oatmeal, roasted vegetables, BBQ rubs, chili, and soups to give dishes a warm, autumnal flavor. It pairs especially well with pumpkin, sweet potato, apples, pears, cinnamon-sugar pastries and creamy desserts.
Savory ideas
- Pumpkin chili — a teaspoon or two adds comforting warmth
- Slow-cooked pulled pork — a small amount enriches the savory glaze
- Roasted squash and root vegetables — sprinkle before roasting
Sweet ideas
- Cookies and cookie cups with salted caramel — usually 1–2 teaspoons per batch
- Pumpkin cheesecake swirled brownies — 1–2 teaspoons for the filling
- Pumpkin smoothies and toast — a pinch to 1 teaspoon depending on taste
- Quick breads, muffins and cupcakes — 1–5 teaspoons depending on recipe size
- Pumpkin cinnamon rolls and brookies — typically 1–3 teaspoons
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Prep Time: 5 minutes · Total Time: 5 minutes · Servings: about 20 teaspoons
Author: Whitney Bond
Summary: A quick, money-saving homemade pumpkin pie spice blend you can mix in minutes. It’s gluten free, low in calories and perfect for adding classic fall flavor to countless recipes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
- 3 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp ground allspice
Instructions
- Combine all spices in a small bowl or mason jar and stir or shake until evenly blended.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark pantry until ready to use.
Nutrition facts (approximate per serving)
Calories: 10 kcal · Carbohydrates: 3 g · Protein: 1 g · Fat: 1 g · Fiber: 2 g
Tips and variations
- Adjust the proportions to suit your preference: increase cinnamon for a sweeter profile or add a bit more ginger for extra zip.
- For a brighter flavor, toast whole spices briefly in a dry skillet, cool and grind them just before mixing.
- Make a larger batch and keep several jars on hand to gift or use throughout the season.
- Label and date your jar so you know when you made the blend.
Making pumpkin pie spice at home gives you a fresher, more affordable option than small store-bought containers. Keep a jar in the pantry, and you’ll always have a warm, cozy spice blend ready for everything from morning oatmeal to holiday pies.
