Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe for 1 Tablespoon (Quick Mix)

Learn How To Make 1 Tablespoon of Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice with this quick, foolproof recipe. In under five minutes you can blend a flavorful pumpkin pie spice using just a few common pantry spices.

Spices for homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe on a wooden cutting board with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.

This homemade mix is a great alternative to store-bought pumpkin pie spice and works perfectly in Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins and Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

  • More economical than pre-mixed spice blends.
  • Easy to tailor to your taste—more cinnamon, less clove, or extra ginger.
  • Scale it up easily by doubling or tripling the recipe.
  • Ideal for fall baking and warming beverages.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Only five spices are needed—most are likely already in your pantry.

The five spices needed to make DIY pumpkin spice in a white bowl and labeled.
  • Ground cinnamon – Cassia cinnamon gives a bolder, warmer flavor; Ceylon is milder.
  • Ground ginger – Adds bright, spicy warmth.
  • Nutmeg – Freshly grated nutmeg is best; mace can substitute but is stronger, so use half the amount.
  • Allspice – If you don’t have it, increase cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves slightly.
  • Ground cloves – Use sparingly; it has a strong, aromatic presence.

See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements.

How To Make One Tablespoon Of Pumpkin Pie Spice

Step-By-Step Instructions

The ingredients to make pumpkin pie spice in a white bowl.

Step 1: Combine ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves in a small bowl or jar.

The pumpkin pie spice ingredients combined in a small glass jar.

Step 2: Stir with a spoon or fork until evenly mixed, or put the lid on the jar and shake to blend.

Pro tip: Adjust the ratios to suit your preferences—more cinnamon for sweetness, less cloves for milder spice, or more ginger for a brighter bite.

Serving suggestions

Use this pumpkin pie spice in:

  • Pumpkin pie with graham cracker crust
  • Pumpkin pie fudge
  • Smoked pumpkin pie
  • 3-ingredient pumpkin fluff
  • Crustless pumpkin pie

Expert Tips

  • Use fresh spices for the best aroma and flavor; spices lose potency after about six months.
  • Repurpose an empty pumpkin spice tin to store your homemade blend.
  • Keep the mix in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place to preserve flavor.
  • Making small batches helps keep the blend fresh.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard for up to six months. Refrigeration can extend freshness up to one year.

Additions & Variations

  • Add a pinch of ground star anise for a subtle licorice note.
  • Try a small amount of chai or vanilla powder for complexity.
  • Experiment with ratios until you find your signature blend.

Recipe FAQs

What’s the difference between allspice and pumpkin pie spice?

Allspice is a single spice with flavor notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend that typically includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes allspice.

What is the best kind of cinnamon for baking?

Cassia cinnamon has a stronger, warmer flavor that works well in baked goods. Ceylon cinnamon is milder and more delicate, better suited for drinks or lighter preparations.

Can I substitute a spice if I don’t have it?

Yes. Substitutions will change the flavor slightly—for example, omit allspice and increase the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves a bit.

How much of this spice blend should I use in recipes?

Use your homemade blend as a 1:1 substitute for store-bought pumpkin pie spice.

Can I omit a spice I don’t like?

Absolutely. One advantage of making your own blend is tailoring it to your taste.

Use Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice In:

  • Homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew – Starbucks Copycat
  • Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
  • Pumpkin Pancakes

If you tried How To Make One Tablespoon Of Pumpkin Pie Spice or another recipe, please leave a star rating and share your feedback in the comments. Thank you!

Printable Recipe

Spices for homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe on a wooden cutting board with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.

How To Make 1 Tablespoon Of Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

A simple, quick blend of pantry spices that replaces store-bought pumpkin pie spice.
Prep Time5 mins
Total Time5 mins
Servings: 1 tablespoon

Ingredients

  • ¾ tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

  • Add all spices to a small bowl or jar and mix until evenly combined. Alternatively, add the spices to a jar, seal, and shake.
  • Store in an airtight container. Use as a 1:1 replacement for store-bought pumpkin pie spice.

Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and meant as a guideline.

Expert Tips:

  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor; they lose potency after about six months.
  • Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place and label with the date.
  • Small batches preserve freshness and aroma.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 teaspoon | Calories: 28 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7 g | Protein: 0.5 g | Fat: 1 g

Nutrition info is automatically calculated and may not be exact.