Make Pumpkin Pie Spice at Home: 1 Tablespoon Recipe

Learn How To Make 1 Tablespoon of Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice with this quick, simple recipe. It takes less than five minutes and uses just a few common pantry spices.

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

Use this homemade blend in your favorite fall bakes like pumpkin cream cheese muffins and pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

  • More economical than store-bought blends.
  • Easy to tailor to your taste.
  • Make a larger batch by doubling or tripling the recipe.
  • Perfect for fall baking and warm drinks.

Ingredients & Substitutions

You only need five common ground spices to make a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice:

The five spices needed to make DIY pumpkin spice in a white bowl and labeled.
  • Ground cinnamon — Cassia cinnamon gives a bolder baking flavor; Ceylon is milder.
  • Ground ginger — Adds a bright, warm bite.
  • Nutmeg — Substitute half the amount with mace if using, as mace is stronger.
  • Allspice — If unavailable, add a little extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Ground cloves — Potent and aromatic; use sparingly if you prefer a milder blend.

See the printable recipe card below for the 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: Measure the ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves into 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 combined, or close the jar and shake vigorously.

Pro Tip: Adjust the proportions to suit your preference — more cinnamon for warmth, less cloves for a subtler aroma, or extra ginger for zing.

Serving suggestions

Use this pumpkin pie spice anywhere a store-bought blend is called for, such as:

  • 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 flavor — ground spices lose potency after about six months.
  • Store the blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve aroma.
  • Make small batches to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
  • Label and date the jar so you know when it was made.

Storage

Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place for up to six months. Refrigeration can extend shelf life to about one year, but flavor may still fade over time.

Additions & Variations

  • Add a pinch of ground star anise for a subtle licorice note.
  • Stir in a tiny amount of chai or vanilla powder for a unique twist.
  • Experiment with the ratios to create your ideal signature blend.

Recipe FAQs

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

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

What is the best kind of cinnamon for baking?

Cassia cinnamon has a stronger, more familiar baking flavor; Ceylon cinnamon is milder and more delicate.

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

Yes. Substituting will change the flavor slightly—for example, increase nutmeg or cinnamon if you lack allspice.

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

Use it 1:1 in place of store-bought pumpkin pie spice.

Can I omit a spice I don’t like?

Yes. Customizing the blend to your taste is one of the main advantages of making your own mix.

Use Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice In:

  • A tall glass of pumpkin cream cold brew garnished with pumpkin pie spice.
    Homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew – Starbucks Copycat
  • Glass of homemade iced pumpkin spice latte with ice cubes and whipped cream, surrounded by coffee beans and cinnamon sticks.
    Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
  • Pumpkin cheesecake bars with caramel sauce drizzling down.
    Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
  • A stack of pumpkin pancakes topped with chopped pecans.
    Pumpkin Pancakes

If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and share your experience in the comments.

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

This easy blend takes less than five minutes and uses common pantry spices.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 28 kcal
Author: Jeri Walker

Ingredients

  • 3/4 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Add all spices to a small bowl and mix until uniform, or combine in a jar and shake.
  2. Store the blend in an airtight container for up to six months. Use as a 1:1 substitute for store-bought pumpkin pie spice.

Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and meant as a guideline only.

Expert Tips:

  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
  • Label and date the jar to track freshness.

Nutrition

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