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Have you ever been craving the taste of fall, only to discover a recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice—something you may not have in your spice cabinet? No need to panic! Do you know that you don’t have to rely on store-bought blends to enjoy this seasonal treat? The good news is, you can easily make your own diy pumpkin spice blend with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have. Not only is it incredibly easy, but you also get to customize the flavors to suit your taste.

What is pumpkin pie spice?

Pumpkin pie spice is traditionally a blend of 4-5 spices. It actually doesn’t have pumpkin in it, it just enhances the flavor of pumpkin based dishes by adding depth and warmth. The traditional spices used in pumpkin spice are

Cinnamon
Ginger
Nutmeg
Allspice

You can easily customize your pumpkin pie spice by adjusting the amounts—if you love extra flavor from a particular spice, like cinnamon or ginger, simply add more to suit your taste!

Tips for the perfect DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice

Use fresh spices. The key to making a flavorful pumpkin spice blend is to use the freshest spices possible. Spices lose their potency over time, so if you’ve had ground cinnamon or nutmeg sitting in your pantry for a few years, it’s time to replace them.
Adjust to Taste. If you love a certain spice more than others, you can adjust the proportions in the recipe. For example, some people may prefer more cinnamon or adding clove to the mixture. Play around with the ratios until you find your perfect balance.
Experiment with other spices. While the traditional pumpkin spice mix includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, you can experiment with adding other spices to your blend. A pinch of cardamom or a dash of black pepper can add a unique twist to the mix.
Grind Whole Spices for Maximum Flavor. If you really want to take your pumpkin spice to the next level, consider grinding the whole spices yourself. Whole spices will give your blend a stronger more aromatic flavor.

How to DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out your spices. You can use pre-ground spices, or for even more intense flavors, grind whole spices yourself. If you opt for whole spices, make sure to use a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle to get a fine powder.

Step 2: Mix the Spices Together
Combine the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in a small bowl. Stir them well to ensure that all of the spices are evenly distributed throughout the blend. I like to put the spices in a small container with a lid and give it a good shake after mixing. This ensures even distribution of the spices, making sure every pinch is perfectly blended for your recipes!

Step 3: Store the Spice Mix
Once your pumpkin spice is thoroughly mixed, transfer it to an airtight container, like a small glass jar or a spice tin. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as your pantry, to preserve its freshness and flavor.

Uses for Pumpkin Spice

There are so many ways to use your homemade pumpkin spice! Here are just a few ideas:

Pumpkin Pie: The classic use for pumpkin spice. Add 1-2 teaspoons to your pie filling for that perfect fall flavor.
Lattes: Stir in a pinch of pumpkin pie spice into your coffee or milk for an autumn twist.
Baked Goods: You can use in everything from muffins and cookies to scones and candy, your pumpkin pie spice blend will add depth to all your favorite fall treats.
Oatmeal: Sprinkle some pumpkin spice over your morning oatmeal for a seasonal treat
Popcorn: Mix a little pumpkin spice with melted butter and drizzle over popcorn for a sweet and savory snack
Roasted Vegetables: For a savory use, toss root vegetables (like carrots or sweet potatoes) with olive oil and pumpkin spice before roasting.
Caramel Apples: Can you imagine a yummy caramel apple with a pumpkin spice sugar blend?!

The possibilities are endless, and soon you’ll be experimenting with so many delicious recipes that you’ll get tired of pumpkin (which is never, haha!) long before you run out of ways to use your DIY Pumpkin Pie spice!