This Easy Homemade Spice Mix Is My Secret Fall Baking ingredient

During fall, pumpkin spice-flavored treats make their appearance just about, well, everywhere. But do you even know what’s in it? Here’s what it is and why you should make it at home. (Hint: It’s as easy as it gets!)

Is There Actually Pumpkin in Pumpkin Spice?

For years, I thought pumpkin pie spice really had pumpkin in it. But there’s no actual pumpkin in pumpkin pie spice. It’s simply a blend of the traditional spices that go into a good ol’ fashioned pumpkin pie.

Read more: Pumpkin Spice Is Not Actually What Pumpkin Tastes Like

What’s in Pumpkin Pie Spice?

If you go the store-bought route, pumpkin pie spice blends can vary by manufacturer, but typically contain the more sweet-smelling spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. Allspice and mace are also common ingredients.

What’s the Best Ratio of Spices?

The most classic blend puts cinnamon front and center, with slightly less ginger and just a pinch of allspice, cloves, mace, and nutmeg. But making the blend from scratch means you get to choose the ratio!

Go for some extra ginger, or skip the cloves if you can’t stand the flavor. Trust me, once you’ve made your own, you’ll never want to buy a commercial blend again.

Read more: What Is In Apple Pie Spice and How Can I Make It?

Why Should I Make My Own?

In addition to being able to customize it to your liking, making your own spice blend costs less than buying a big jar of something pre-made, especially if you already have most of the spices. It’s also better to make smaller batches so you use up the blend before it starts to go stale and loses its flavor.

How Do I Use Pumpkin Pie Spice?

While you can use it to flavor your morning latte, pies, and other baked goods, you can also sprinkle it over hard squash before roasting, spice up some whipped cream, or mix it into some yogurt or ice cream base — it’s quite a versatile spice blend.

Ways to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice

• Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

• How To Make Pumpkin Spice Lattes (Even Better Than Starbucks!)

• Pumpkin Spice French Toast

• How to Make an Easy, Foolproof Pumpkin Roll

• No-Churn Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

• Easy Mini Pumpkin Pies

• Lofthouse-Style Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

Before you pick up a jar of the popular spice blend, check your pantry. Chances are high you have everything you need to make it yourself.

Prep time 5 minutes

Makes2 1/3 tablespoons

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon

  ground cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons

  ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon

  ground allspice

• 1/2 teaspoon

  ground cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon

  ground mace

• 1/2 teaspoon

  ground nutmeg

Equipment

• Measuring spoons

• Bowl

• Whisk or spoon

Instructions

1. Measure. Measure out all ingredients in the order listed (to ensure you don't double up or leave one out) into a small bowl.

2. Mix. Whisk or stir to combine. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 year.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from The Contemporary Encyclopedia of Herbs & Spices by Tony Hill.