Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

There is something about opening a jar of pumpkin pie spice that makes it feel like fall has officially arrived.

One whiff and suddenly we're ready for cozy sweaters, crisp leaves, warm drinks, and every pumpkin recipe we can reasonably fit into the next three months.

And the good news? You don't need to buy another little jar of pumpkin pie spice at the store - especially if you already have cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves hanging out in your spice cabinet.

Just measure, whisk, and find yourself a cute little jar. That's it. Five minutes to homemade pumpkin spice happiness.

Despite its name, pumpkin pie spice does not contain any actual pumpkin. It's simply a blend of warm spices traditionally used to flavor pumpkin pie.

Here's what you'll need:

• Cinnamon: The foundation of the blend and the source of most of that familiar sweet, cozy flavor.
• Ground ginger: Adds a little warmth and a gentle spicy kick.
• Nutmeg: Brings a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Allspice: Adds depth with flavors reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
• Ground cloves: A small amount gives the blend its bold, unmistakably autumnal flavor. Cloves can quickly overpower the other spices, so this recipe uses just enough to make the blend warm and fragrant without making everything taste like a candle.

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Making your own pumpkin pie spice could not be easier:

Combine the spices

Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to a small bowl.

Whisk until blended

Whisk until the spices are thoroughly combined and no little clumps remain.

Transfer to a jar

Transfer the mixture to a small airtight jar or spice container.

Seal and store

Label the jar so it doesn't become one of those mystery spice blends hiding in the back of your cabinet.

That's the whole recipe. No cooking, grinding, or special equipment required.

One of the best things about making pumpkin pie spice yourself is that you can adjust it to match your preferences.

• For a milder blend: Reduce the cloves to ½ teaspoon.
• For extra warmth: Add another ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
• For a sweeter cinnamon-forward blend: Add an additional tablespoon of cinnamon.
• For a more complex flavor: Add a small pinch of finely ground black pepper or cardamom.

I recommend making the recipe as written the first time and then adjusting future batches once you know which flavors you'd like to emphasize.

If a recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice and you only need a small amount, there's no need to make a full jar.

For approximately 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, combine:

• ⅝ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A generous pinch each of ground cloves and allspice

Use the entire mixture in place of 1 teaspoon of store-bought pumpkin pie spice.

Pumpkin pie is only the beginning. Sprinkle this cozy spice blend into:

• Pumpkin bread
• Pumpkin cupcakes or muffins
• Pancakes and waffles
• French toast
• Oatmeal or overnight oats
• Homemade granola
• Coffee or lattes
• Hot chocolate
• Smoothies
• Yogurt
• Whipped cream
• Apple crisp
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Stir it into softened butter with a little maple syrup or honey for a very delicious situation involving warm toast.

When adding pumpkin pie spice to a recipe that doesn't already call for it, begin with a small amount. Try ¼ to ½ teaspoon, taste if possible, and add more as desired.

Store your pumpkin pie spice in an airtight jar or spice container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.

The blend won't technically spoil quickly, but ground spices gradually lose their flavor and aroma. For the best flavor, use it within six months to one year.

Before using an older batch, give the jar a little shake and smell the blend. If the aroma is faint, it's probably time to make a fresh batch.

Homemade pumpkin pie spice makes an easy and inexpensive fall gift. Spoon or funnel it into a small glass spice jar, add a label and ribbon, and pair it with a recipe card so the lucky person you're gifting it to can make it again when they run out.

It would be especially cute tucked into a fall hostess gift, teacher gift, or holiday baking basket.

Want to turn your homemade pumpkin pie spice into an extra-cute little fall gift? I made a free 4 × 6-inch printable recipe card along with decorative gift tags that you can cut out, punch, and tie around your jar with ribbon.

[Download the Free Printable 4 × 6-inch Recipe Card] (PDF)

[Download the Free Printable Gift Tags] (PDF)

Print the recipe card on white or cream cardstock such as these blank 4 × 6-inch printable postcards, then tuck it alongside the jar so the recipient has the recipe for when it's time to refill their spice jar. For the tags, simply print, cut along the edges, punch a hole near the top, and attach one to the jar with your favorite ribbon or baker's twine.

For the most accurate sizing, select "Actual Size" or 100% in your printer settings rather than "Fit to Page."