Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Anytime you can make something from scratch, it’s just better. This homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe takes minutes to mix and gives you a fresh, flavorful blend you can use all season long—and beyond.

If you’ve ever wondered what pumpkin pie spice is or how to make pumpkin pie spice at home, you’re in the right place. This simple blend is made with warm, cozy spices you likely already have in your pantry.

Anytime you can make something from scratch, it’s just always better.  Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice is no exception to that rule.  Fresh spices, measured by you to your liking and your palate.  Doesn’t get any better than that, right?

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Sure, you can grab a jar at the store, but once you make your own, it’s hard to go back. The flavor is fresher, a little more vibrant, and you can tweak it exactly how you like it. Love cinnamon? Add a little more. Not a big fan of cloves? Pull it back a bit.

Plus, having it mixed and ready to go makes it so easy when you need a quick pumpkin pie spice substitution in a recipe. Like that one time the day before Thanksgiving, when I was making four pumpkin pies and ran out … I just mixed up more!

It’s such a simple little thing, but it really does make a difference in your baking.

What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warming spices commonly used in baking, especially in pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice desserts, and fall recipes.

The classic ingredients in pumpkin pie spice include:

• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Cloves

In this version, I also add mace, which brings a subtle citrusy warmth that really rounds everything out.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice

Making your own pumpkin spice recipe couldn’t be easier.

Just combine all of your spices in a bowl, stir, and store in an airtight container. That’s it.

It takes about 3 minutes, and you’ll have enough for multiple recipes, including your favorite pumpkin pie spice pie recipe.

Storage Instructions

Store your homemade pumpkin pie spice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from heat and sunlight. A small spice jar with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly.

For the best flavor, use within 6 months. While it won’t spoil, spices do lose their strength over time, so fresher is always better.

Be sure to label and date your container so you know exactly when you made it and so it doesn’t get mixed up with other spice blends in your cabinet.

Love it? Pin it!

If you can’t wait to make this easy recipe for pumpkin pie spice, make sure you can find it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go. 

Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitution & Replacement

If a recipe calls for individual spices, you can use this as a pumpkin pie spice replacement.

A good rule of thumb:

• Replace the spices with about 1½ to 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

This makes it an easy swap for nearly any recipe.

Pumpkin Pie Spice vs Apple Pie Spice

They’re similar, but not identical.

Apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice are very similar, and honestly, they can often be used interchangeably in a pinch.

Both blends are built around warm, cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. That’s why they each bring that classic “fall baking” flavor.

The difference comes down to a couple of key additions. Pumpkin spice typically includes ginger (and sometimes allspice), giving it a slightly deeper, warmer flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin-based recipes.

Apple pie spice, on the other hand, usually skips the ginger and leans more into cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In your blend, the addition of mace adds a subtle brightness that works beautifully with apples.

A Note on Mace

Mace is the outer coating of nutmeg and has a slightly sharper, more citrusy flavor. It’s not always included, but I love what it adds to this blend.

Pumpkin Pie Spice in Pumpkin Pie (and More!)

Fun ways to use your fresh, homemade blend.

• In pumpkin pie (of course)
• In pancakes, muffins, or quick breads
• Stirred into coffee or to make pumpkin spice lattes
• Sprinkled over oatmeal or yogurt
• Even on roasted vegetables or meats

Once you have it on hand, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all the time.

More Pumpkin Recipes to Love

Can’t get enough of pumpkin? Me either! Be sure to take a peek at these yummy recipes: Soft Frosted Pumpkin Spice Cookies, Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Bundt Cake, Pumpkin Apple Sauce, Pumpkin Butter (pictured above), Pumpkin Donuts, Pumpkin Pie Bars, Pumpkin Spice Syrup,

This is one of those recipes that’s almost too easy, but once you start making your own, you won’t go back. Fresh, customizable, and ready in minutes, it’s the perfect pantry staple for all your fall (and year-round) baking.