Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute

This Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice substitute is perfect for using in pumpkin pie, giving as a DIY gift idea, and so much more. Plus, it’s so easy to customize!

Making Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix

Store-bought pumpkin pie spice is handy to have on hand, but my baked goods always end up tasting slightly different depending on which brand I purchase.

Not to mention that I often need a teaspoon or two for a recipe, and I don’t want to have to repurchase a full bottle of pumpkin pie spice just for that tiny amount! 

Enter: this pumpkin pie spice substitute. 

This homemade alternative for pumpkin pie spice is easy to customize based on your personal preferences, plus you can make as much or as little as you need! Prepare the full batch to keep in your pantry, or make enough for a single recipe. 

I most often make this substitute when making my Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, but pumpkin pie spice — despite the name! — can be used for everything from cookies to baked oatmeal to pumpkin bread. 

This post will break down how to make a pumpkin pie spice substitute using spices you already have in your pantry, as well as the many ways to enjoy this warming spice blend. 

What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice? 

As the name suggests, pumpkin pie spice is a blend of spices that’s traditionally used to make pumpkin pie. It’s typically made using a blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.

The exact spice ratios will vary from brand to brand, and recipe to recipe. The homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe I’m sharing with you today uses the ratios my family prefers! 

And know that although this is called “pumpkin pie” spice, it’s delicious in anything you’d otherwise add cinnamon or another warming spice to! 

Pumpkin Pie Spice vs Gingerbread Spice 

Pumpkin pie spice and gingerbread spice are similar spice blends that use the same blend of spices as a base (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves). 

However, the two spice blends taste different. Pumpkin pie spice has a stronger cinnamon flavor, whereas gingerbread spice is all about the ginger. 

In each spice blend, the ingredient ratios differ to showcase either the cinnamon or ginger. 

What Does Pumpkin Pie Spice Taste Like? 

When mixed together, the blend of pumpkin pie spices tastes warm, fragrant, and slightly spicy.

Cinnamon is the strongest flavor, with the additional spices lending the mixture depth and warmth. The nutmeg and allspice in particular really makes this DIY pumpkin pie spice blend stand out! 

Tools Needed to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix

DIY spice blends are very easy to prepare and can be done with just a whisk and a bowl. However, I recommend the following additional kitchen tools to make preparing and storing any spice blend easier.

• Measuring spoons — Don’t eyeball the ingredient ratios, measure them correctly! 
• Whisk — You can also use a fork. 
• Mixing bowl — You’ll need a small mixing bowl for this recipe.  
• Funnel — The easiest way to transfer the spice blend to a jar. 
• Storage container — I prefer using small mason jars or spice jars to store my homemade seasonings, but any airtight container will work.

What Spices Are in Pumpkin Pie Spice?

The spices used in pumpkin pie spice (whether homemade or store-bought) are pretty much always the same — it’s the ratios of the spices used that differ!

You’ll need the following spices to make a substitute for pumpkin pie spice:  

• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Allspice
• Nutmeg

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute

To prepare the pumpkin pie spice alternative, simply mix everything together!

You can measure out the spices using tablespoons and teaspoons, as written, or measure them in parts for an extra large batch if you plan on gifting it to friends and family. 

If making a larger batch for gifting, I recommend sifting the ingredients using a fine mesh sieve to ensure they’re blended well. 

The above is simply a quick summary of this Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix

• Make sure your spices are still good — Unless they’ve been exposed to moisture and have developed mold, spices really never go bad. However, they do lose their flavor and potency over time. To tell whether your spices are still good to use, smell them to see if they’re still “fresh.” If they smell strongly, they’re fine to use! If you can hardly smell anything, it’s time to toss them and buy a new bag. 
• Use whole spices, if possible — For the best and strongest flavor, buy whole spices (cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole nutmeg, etc.) and grind them using a spice grinder or a clean coffee grinder. 
• Store in an airtight container — An airtight container, such as a jar, helps seal in the flavors and keeps the spice blend fresh. 
• Make only as much as you need — Don’t make a batch of pumpkin pie spice so large that you won’t use it all before the spices lose their potency. Remember that you can measure in parts to make as much or as little as you need. 
• Customize as desired! Change the spice ratios to suit your personal taste. 

Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix FAQs

Got questions about how to make this recipe for pumpkin pie spice substitute? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

How Much Pumpkin Pie Spice to Use? 

Not sure how much pumpkin pie spice to use for a 9-inch pumpkin pie?

You’ll want to use 2 to 3 teaspoons per pie, depending on how strongly spiced you like your pumpkin desserts. 

For all other baked goods, I recommend adding up the total amount of individual spices called for in the recipe and substituting the total amount with homemade pumpkin pie spice.

So, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon cinnamon + ¼ teaspoon nutmeg + ¼ teaspoon allspice, you should substitute 1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice. 

How Should I Store My Spice Mix?

Store your pumpkin pie spice substitute in an airtight container to preserve its flavor. A jar with a tight lid would be perfect for this! 

Store the jar in a cool, dry place. Direct exposure to sunlight will bleach the spices and make them less potent, so don’t place them next to a window or in a sunny spot. 

How Long Does DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice Last? 

Up to 1 year! So long as the spices aren’t exposed to water, the seasoning blend will technically last forever. 

Over time, you’ll notice that the smell of the spices will decrease. This means the spice blend has gone “bad” — i.e. the flavor is essentially gone and it’s time to make a new batch.

If you don’t want to throw out the spices, try using them in a winter simmer pot to scent your home instead!  

How to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix

Although this spice blend is perfect for making pumpkin pie (duh!), it works well in many kinds of recipes. Here are some fun ideas for using your DIY pumpkin pie spice:

Add Pumpkin Spiced Flavor to Desserts 

• Brownies
• Blondies
• Vanilla cupcakes
• Pumpkin Pecan Pie
• No-bake pumpkin cheesecake jars
• No-churn pumpkin spice ice cream
• Pumpkin spice caramel sauce
• Pumpkin pudding
• Chocolate pumpkin cheesecake
• Pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies
• Pumpkin cream cheese

Create a Pumpkin Spice Winter Simmer Pot

• Add dried orange slices and 1 to 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to a pot of water to simmer and scent your house. 

Add Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute to Breakfast Recipes

• Multi Grain Pancakes 
• Healthier Waffles
• Pecan Waffles

Rim Drinks with Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute

To rim drinks, mix 1.5 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice with 3 tablespoons of sugar to rim glasses on these drinks:

• Pomegranate Apple Cider  
• Christmas Wassail 
• Cranberry Shrub Cocktail 
• Mulled Wine 
• Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate 

More Fun Uses for this Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute

• Dust on top of vanilla ice cream (or pumpkin ice cream)
• Add to hot cocoa
• Use in pumpkin oatmeal
• Add to pumpkin smoothie
• Sprinkle over your morning coffee

Try this Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe!

Next time you want to add extra warmth to a recipe, give this homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice a try! 

Did you think it was the perfect blend of spices? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this homemade spice mix!

More Homemade Spice Blends: 

Homemade Gingerbread Spice is perfect for holiday baking projects, as a DIY gift idea, sprinkling atop oatmeal, and more. Plus, it’s so easy to customize!

Homemade Southwestern Pork Rub is perfect to have on hand in your pantry. It features a mix of brown sugar, garlic powder, oregano, chili powder, cumin, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper for a flavorful spice rub.

This easy taco seasoning can be made in bulk and keeps for months if stored in an airtight container. Use it on tacos, in soups and stews, and more!

Skip store-bought spice blends and make your own instead! This homemade Greek seasoning blend can be used on pork, chicken, seafood, and so much more!

Homemade BBQ Chicken Rub is the perfect seasoning for barbecue chicken. It features a mix of brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for a flavorful homemade spice rub. Try this BBQ dry rub on your favorite cut of chicken! 

Get More Recipes via Email

Did you love this recipe for homemade pumpkin pie spice? Sign up to receive Good Life Eats Email Updates and never miss another recipe!