I’ve been working on this Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe since 2018; though “working on” might be a stretch. I’ve really just been making it after buying a store-bought blend that tasted like nothing but cinnamon. I decided it was time to release this recipe into the wild, just in time for full-on pumpkin season.
I use this spice blend in all kinds of cozy fall recipes, big bowls of oatmeal with apples or pears, and of course, in my favorite fall bakes. It is outstanding in a pumpkin pie, but come to think of it the last time I made my famous pumpkin pie was when we were home for the holidays in 2020. Usually we’re traveling somewhere for Thanksgiving, and the pies are already spoken for, but when I do make a pumpkin or even my early apple pie, this blend is my secret weapon.
What makes my Pumpkin Pie Spice special? It’s made with love, and with two extra ingredients I can’t live without, allspice and mace. I use both in most of my fall baking because they add a deeper, more complex flavor that makes everything taste warmer and richer.
But the real secret ingredient? Salt. Just a tiny pinch makes all the difference. It brings out the sweetness of the cinnamon, adds a subtle umami note, and helps the mixture stay fresh longer. Don’t worry, it’s such a small amount that you’ll hardly notice it’s there, except that everything will taste just a little bit better.
Let’s Talk Spices
Freshness matters , not only for this recipe, but really for every recipe. I tend to splurge a bit when it comes to spices and herbs because I want them to taste the way they’re meant to taste. I’m lucky to have a great local spice shop, Oaktown Spices, but I also have a few trusted online sources that I turn to when I’m stocking up. A few other stores I like to buy my spices at are, Barrel & Burlap, Diaspora, Daphnis and Chloe, and Curio Spice.
Most of the time, I buy my spices whole and grind them myself as the flavor payoff is worth it. But for this recipe, I use ground spices to make things quick and easy.
Cinnamon – There are so many types of cinnamon out there, but for this blend, I use Sri Lankan cinnamon. It’s more delicate, with hints of vanilla and citrus, and works beautifully in all kinds of baking.
Ginger – Bright and zippy, ginger adds a lively kick that’s wonderful in baked goods as well as savory dishes like stir-fries and curries.
Allspice – I love Jamaican allspice and use it often in my holiday baking. It’s lovely in shortbread cookies, pies, and crumbles and it’s also a key player in jerk chicken.
Mace – Mace is actually the outer covering of the nutmeg seed, but it’s softer, sweeter, and more subtle. It’s one of my favorite spices to bake with during the holidays and adds a beautiful warmth to curries, too.
Nutmeg – A classic and a must-have in every kitchen. It shines in gingerbread cookies, sprinkled over a holiday Tom & Jerry cocktail, or grated into a creamy potato gratin to make the flavors pop.
Cloves – Powerful and aromatic, cloves demand a light hand. A little goes a long way, but that little bit can truly elevate everything from baked goods to game dishes or even a sprinkle over winter citrus.
Salt – Just a sprinkle is all you need to make this Pumpkin Pie Spice blend pop. I always use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, it has the perfect texture and salinity to enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
And there you have it, my go-to Pumpkin Pie Spice blend. I really do think it’s the best, and I can’t wait for you to use it in all your cozy holiday baking!
Pumpkin Pie Spice
This homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice blend is warm, cozy, and perfectly balanced — just the right mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, mace, and a pinch of salt. It’s a fall baking essential that makes everything from pies to oatmeal taste like the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mace
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Place everything into a small jar, put the lid on, and shake. Use as you would other pumpkin pie spice in all your baked fall recipes.
Notes
High-quality spices really elevate this pumpkin pie spice blend, adding incredible flavor to your baked goods. Try sprinkling it over cocktails, hot chocolate, or even your morning oatmeal for a cozy seasonal touch.