With all the pumpkin recipes on the blog, it’s about time I share this timeless, use-it-for-everything pumpkin spice recipe. All you need is 5 minutes and 5 simple ingredients. You’ll find endless ways to use this homemade pumpkin pie spice – everything from pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin smoothies, to (of course!) keto pumpkin pie. If you’re looking for a pumpkin pie spice substitute that doesn’t contain any sugar or weird ingredients, you’ll want to learn how to make pumpkin pie spice yourself! It comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner. (FYI: You don’t have to be on any special diet to use this spice blend. It works perfectly for all pumpkin recipes!)
What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
What is in pumpkin pie spice? Pumpkin pie spice mixture is a blend of spices made with a base of ground cinnamon and ginger, along with other warming spices. It can be used to flavor pumpkin pie, of course, but also cake, cupcakes, pumpkin breads… just about anything pumpkin flavored!
Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients
What spices are in pumpkin pie spice? This pumpkin pie spice blend is made up of just 5 simple spices:
Cinnamon – This is the base of the DIY pumpkin pie spice. Make sure your cinnamon is fresh so that it has all of its flavor! Nutmeg – Nutmeg has distinct flavor (you’ll recognize it!) and is slightly sweet. Found in many baked goods and eggnog. Ground ginger – Ginger has spicy and sweet notes, and used in everything from teas, to baked goods, to Asian dishes. Ground cloves – Cloves are another warming spice found in baked goods and definitely necessary in homemade pumpkin pie spice. Ground allspice – Allspice is a single spice that is often confused for a spice blend. It’s a key ingredient in Caribbean food.
The amount of each ingredient are on the recipe card below.
How To Make Pumpkin Pie Spice
It couldn’t be easier to make this pumpkin pie spice recipe. Simply stir together the 5 ingredients above! TIP: I like to use a mini whisk to stir. This helps break up any clumps of spices.
How To Store DIY Pumpkin Spice
Store this homemade pumpkin spice mixture in an airtight jar in the pantry. It will last 2-3 years.
Is there a pumpkin pie spice substitute?
If you’re looking for a pumpkin pie spice substitute, you can use cinnamon and nutmeg, or as many of the spices as you have. Basic pumpkin pie spice substitutes won’t have nearly the same complexity of flavors, but will work in a pinch. TIP: Cinnamon is the most critical component, since that makes up the majority of the spice blend.
Is pumpkin pie spice healthy? Keto friendly? Gluten-free?
Yes, because the pumpkin pie spice ingredients are just spices, it’s naturally gluten-free and keto friendly.
Does pumpkin pie spice have sugar?
No, this pumpkin pie spice mix doesn’t have any sugar. Some store-bought versions do contain sugar or sweeteners, or sometimes starches, which is one of the reasons I prefer to make my own!
How much pumpkin pie spice to use?
Most pumpkin baking recipes will use between 1-3 teaspoons for the entire recipe. That’s an estimate, but for best results, just follow the recipe you are making. On the recipe card below for this homemade pumpkin pie spice, a serving is 1/4 teaspoon, which is a common amount in a single serving of a pumpkin dessert.
10 Healthy Recipes That Use Pumpkin Pie Spice
Now that you know how to make pumpkin pie spice, here are 10 (!!) healthy ways to use it: Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too - I’d love to see it! Makes 1/2 cup spice mix. Most pumpkin baking recipes use 1-3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for a batch of cookies, muffins, cake, pie, etc.
