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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix Recipe

Homemade pumpkin pie spice in a glass jar with the ingredients around it
Image Credit:
Elena Veselova/Shutterstock
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

This homemade pumpkin spice recipe takes just minutes to prepare—with several ingredients that you may already have in your pantry! Then add this fragrant mix to pies, pancakes, roasted fall veggies, lattes, oatmeal—and even your carved pumpkin!

Oddly enough, “pumpkin” spice doesn’t contain any trace of actual pumpkin! Rather, it’s a combination of several spices that bring to mind the foods of autumn: pumpkin pie, pumpkin seeds, and so on.

Why is it so delicious? It’s no secret, really. We all associate those spice scents with homemade goods and warm memories of family gatherings and happy, cozy moments.

Pumpkin Spice Mix Recipe

To create pumpkin spice mix, combine the following:

  • 1/3 cup ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg or mace
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground allspice

Looking for an easy autumn gift? Make a gift jar of pumpkin spice and add a tag with these instructions: “For pumpkin pie, add 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons of spice mix to your other ingredients.”

Tip: Sprinkle a teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix into your carved pumpkin before lighting the candle. Your jack-o’-lantern will still look spooky, but smell delightful! Find other pumpkin carving tips and tricks, then learn how to carve a pumpkin or how to cook a pumpkin.

Try adding this pumpkin pie spice mix to our Creamy Pumpkin Pie or Blue Ribbon Pumpkin Pie!

pumpkin pie with whipped cream on top being cut into by a fork

Where did pumpkin spice come from? Enjoy the column, A Century-Long Passion for Pumpkin Spice.

Finally, see Pumpkin Recipes for even more pumpkin-flavored foods!

Pumpkin Recipes

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Tiburonsanz</span> Sat, 09/13/2014 - 09:47
Intenta buscar Pimienta de Jamaica Try looking for Pimienta de Jamaica. In case you have never seen it is like black peppercorns but bigger.
<span>Keith Cod</span> Sat, 11/16/2013 - 20:58
Probably won't help you in portugal but there is an american plant or two that can be substituted for allspice. The main one is Lindera Benzoin. Maybe go ahead and plant one so you don't have this problem next time!! :)
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Thu, 06/20/2013 - 09:45
Hi, Ana, If you don't have allspice, here's a decent substitue: Mix together equal parts nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Store any unused portion in an air-tight container.
<span>Anonymous13</span> Fri, 10/26/2012 - 14:21
Very festive for the Fall season.