Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute

The secret to all your favourite fall bakes - this pumpkin pie spice mix is the one you'll want on hand as soon as the weather turns crisp. A little jar of this blend adds instant Christmas vibes to pumpkin bread, cookies, pies, and even your morning coffee!

I use this exact spice mix in my favourite pumpkin bread, and it makes all the difference. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that nostalgic fall flavour that fills your kitchen as it bakes.

The best part? You can make it yourself in less than five minutes! Also, with spices you probably already have in the cupboard. Instead of buying little jars of 'pumpkin spice', you can whip up your own fresh pumpkin pie spice substitute at home.

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Why you'll love this pumpkin pie spice mix

  • Customisable - adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to suit your taste.
  • Budget-friendly - one homemade batch costs less than buying a single pre-mixed jar. Create way to use spices in your pantry to reduce your food waste.
  • Supper versatile - beyond pumpkin pie, try it in pancakes, roasted nuts, or hot chocolate.

Sugar free pumpkin pie spice

This blend is naturally sugar-free, which makes it perfect for anyone cutting back. If you like a sweeter spice mix, just whisk in 3-4 teaspoons of caster sugar or brown sugar before storing. It turns the mix into a ready-to-go shortcut for sweet recipes like cookies, quick breads, or to sprinkled over warm toast.

Ingredients

All of these spices are pantry staples - chances are you already have cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves sitting in your spice rack.

Five measured spices for pumpkin pie spice mix arranged on a blue plate and labelled – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves.
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Allspice
  • Cloves

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Making your own pumpkin pie spice substitute couldn't be easier - just these quick steps and you'll have a fresh, fragrant blend ready to use.

All the spices measured and added to a green bowl with a wooden spoon on edge.

Step 1: Place all the spices together inside a small mixing bowl.

Mixing the pumpkin pie spices in a green bowl with a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Whisk the spices gently until they are fully blended together.

Mixed ingredients for the pumpkin pie spice in a green bowl with a wooden spoon.

Step 3: The pumpkin spice mixture is now evenly combined and ready.

Pumpkin pie spice substitutes in a glass spice jar for storage.

Step 4: Transfer the finished pumpkin pie spice into a clean glass jar.

How to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice

  • Classic pumpkin pie (of course!).
  • Pumpkin bread or muffins - I love using it in my pumpkin bread with frosting recipe for a soft, fragrant loaf that tastes like autumn in every slice.
  • Pancakes or waffles - stir a little into the batter for holiday breakfasts.
  • Lattes and hot drinks - mix with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate for a cosy twist.
  • Roasted nuts or seeds - toss with honey and roast for an autumn snack.

Variations

  • Extra cinnamon-forward: double the cinnamon for a sweeter mix without added sugar.
  • More kick: increase ginger to make it spicier.
  • Chai-inspired: add cardamom for a warmer chai hit.

How to storage this pie spice mix

Store in a sealed jar or spice container in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 6 months. For the freshest flavour, try to make a new batch every season.

FAQ

What is pumpkin pie spice made of?

Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm baking spices - cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Some versions also include cardamom or mace.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice without pumpkin?

Yes! This blend works beautifully in apple pie, pear crisps, roasted nuts, hot drinks, or even sprinkled over porridge.

How much pumpkin pie spice should I use in baking?

As a guide, use 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of spice mix for every cup of flour in a recipe. Adjust to taste. (I use 3 teaspoons in my pumpkin bread.)

How long does homemade pumpkin spice last?

Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark spot, it keeps for up to 6 months. After that, the flavour starts to fade. (If the spices come from your pantry - keep in mind how old the spices were to start with.)

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

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Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute


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  • Author: Ella @myconvenientkitchen
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

I use this exact spice mix in my [pumpkin bread recipe](), and it makes all the difference. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that nostalgic fall flavour that fills your kitchen as it bakes.


Ingredients

Scale
  1. 6 teaspoons ground cinnamon (30ml)
  2. 2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  3. 2 teaspoon ground ginger
  4. 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  5. 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instacart Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

1. Mix - In a small bowl, whisk together cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves until well combined.

2. Store - Transfer the blend to a small airtight jar or spice container.

3. Use - Add to your favourite fall bakes (like my pumpkin bread or sprinkle into drinks for a warm, spiced flavour boost.

  • Prep Time: 5
  • Category: Spices
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American

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