How to Make Pumpkin Spice at Home (Easy DIY Blend)
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As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there is one flavour that officially announces autumn’s arrival: pumpkin spice! From coffee shop lattes to grocery store pies, this warm, cozy flavour profile is everywhere.
However, buying a tiny jar of pre-mixed pumpkin spice at the store can be surprisingly expensive. As someone who loves baking everything from scratch, I always prefer to mix my own! Creating your own DIY pumpkin spice at home takes less than 5 minutes using simple ground spices you probably already have in your pantry. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also tastes incredibly fresh and vibrant!
What is Actually in Pumpkin Spice?
Contrary to its name, pumpkin spice doesn’t contain any actual pumpkin! It is simply a medley of warm, aromatic spices designed to complement fall baking. To make this classic blend, you will need five ground ingredients:
- Cinnamon: The star of the show. This provides the sweet, woody base of the blend. (4 Tablespoons)
- Ginger: Adds a bright, slightly spicy kick. (3 teaspoons)
- Nutmeg: Brings a deep, nutty warmth. (3 teaspoons)
- Allspice: A complex flavour that tastes like a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and pepper. (2 teaspoons)
- Cloves: Highly aromatic and strong. A little goes a long way! (2 teaspoons)
Creative Ways to Use Your Spice Blend
Once you mix up a fresh jar, you will want to sprinkle it on everything to capture that cozy, autumn feeling!
- Coffee & Drinks: Stir half a teaspoon into your morning coffee grounds before brewing, or whisk it into warm milk for a homemade latte.
- Baking: Use it as a direct 1:1 substitute in any recipe that calls for “pumpkin pie spice.” It is incredible in muffins, German yeast breads, and cookies!
- Breakfast: Sprinkle it generously over warm oatmeal, yogurt, or French toast.
- Savoury Dishes: A tiny dash adds beautiful depth to roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or even an autumnal curry!
💡Pro Tips for the Best Flavour
- Check Your Expiry Dates: Spices lose their potency over time. If that jar of ground cloves has been sitting in your pantry for three years, your pumpkin spice will lack depth. Always use fresh spices for the best aroma!
- Sift the Mixture: Ground ginger and nutmeg are notorious for clumping. Sifting the spices through a fine-mesh strainer as you mix them ensures a perfectly smooth, even blend.
- Scale the Recipe: This recipe yields about 7 tablespoons of spice. If you are an avid fall baker, simply double all the measurements to last you through the season!
Recipes to Bake This Fall
Ready to put your homemade spice blend to the test? Try it out with these fall favourites:
- Pie Pumpkin vs. Carving Pumpkin (Homemade Puree): Now that you have the spice, learn how to make the freshest puree from scratch!
- Soft Fluffy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls: Add a pinch of your new spice blend to the dough for an extra layer of warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade pumpkin spice last?
If stored properly in an airtight glass jar or spice container and kept in a cool, dark place (like a pantry drawer), this DIY blend will stay fresh and flavourful for up to a year.
Can I substitute whole spices instead of ground?
Yes, and it will taste even better! If you have whole nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, or whole cloves, you can grind them yourself using a microplane or a dedicated spice grinder. Freshly ground spices have a much stronger flavour profile, so you may want to use slightly less.
Can I leave out the cloves or allspice?
Absolutely. The beauty of making your own blend from scratch is that you can completely customize it to your palate! If you aren’t a fan of the strong bite of cloves, simply cut the amount in half or omit them entirely.
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DIY Pumpkin Spice
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons ground Cinnamon
- 3 teaspoons ground Ginger
- 3 teaspoons ground Nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground Allspice
- 2 teaspoons ground Cloves
Method
- Combine the Spices: In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cloves.
- Whisk and Sift: Whisk the spices together until fully combined. If you notice any stubborn clumps (especially from the ginger or nutmeg), pour the mixture through a small, fine-mesh sieve or sifter to ensure a perfectly smooth blend.
- Store: Carefully funnel the pumpkin spice blend into an airtight glass spice jar. Store in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year. Use as a direct 1:1 substitute in any recipe calling for pumpkin pie spice!
