There’s something special about the first signs of fall—swirling leaves, chilly mornings, and that cozy sweater you’ve been waiting to pull out of the closet. But for me, the true arrival of autumn is marked by the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin spice filling the kitchen.
Making your own pumpkin spice blend is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to bring a little bit of autumn into your kitchen, any time you want.
Whether you’re spicing up your morning coffee or adding a sprinkle to your favorite baked goods, your homemade blend will make everything taste like a cozy fall day. So, grab your spices, put on that favorite sweater, and let the magic of fall unfold right in your own kitchen.
I know pumpkin spice is everywhere this time of year, but trust me, there’s nothing quite like making your own blend at home. Not only does it allow you to control the flavors, but it also ensures you’re using the freshest, most flavorful spices.
Why Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice?
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredient list on store-bought pumpkin spice, you might be surprised to see how simple it is—and how much better it can be when you make it yourself. When you craft your own blend, you’re not just saving money, but you’re also making something that’s free from preservatives and other additives.
You can also customize the blend to fit your exact taste preferences, whether you like it heavy on the cinnamon or with a little extra zing from ginger.
The Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own pumpkin spice, along with why each spice is needed:
- Ground Cinnamon: This is the foundation of any good pumpkin spice blend. It brings that warm, comforting sweetness that’s synonymous with fall.
- Ground Ginger: Ginger adds a bit of a spicy kick, balancing the sweetness of the cinnamon and adding a little warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg brings a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that deepens the overall profile of the spice mix.
- Ground Allspice: Allspice is often mistaken for a blend, but it’s actually its own spice. It adds a complex flavor that’s like a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg all rolled into one.
- Ground Cloves: Cloves are strong, so you don’t need much. They add a sweet, almost peppery heat that rounds out the spice blend.
- Ground Cardamom (Optional): Cardamom is a bit of an exotic addition, bringing a floral, citrusy note. This is a great spice to add if you love a slightly more complex flavor.
Creative Ways to Use Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice
Now that you’ve got your own custom pumpkin spice blend, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
- Sprinkle on Oats: A cozy bowl of oats sprinkled with your pumpkin spice mix is the perfect way to start your day.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Forget the pricey coffee shop versions—just add a teaspoon of your blend to your morning coffee or frothy plant-based milk for an instant treat.
- Baked Apples: For a simple dessert, core an apple, sprinkle the inside with pumpkin spice, and bake until tender. It’s an easy, healthy way to enjoy those fall flavors.
How long does homemade pumpkin spice last?
If you store your pumpkin spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, it should stay fresh for up to six months or longer.
Is there a way to make this spice blend without a specific ingredient?
Yes! The beauty of homemade blends is that they’re entirely customizable. If there’s a spice you’re not fond of, feel free to leave it out or substitute it with something you prefer.
Can I use pumpkin spice in overnight oats?
Definitely! Adding pumpkin spice to your overnight oats is a great way to infuse them with that cozy, fall flavor.
How much pumpkin spice should I use in coffee?
I’d start with about 1/2 teaspoon per cup of coffee and then adjust to taste. Some people like a stronger spice, while others prefer just a hint.
Can I use this blend in other baked goods?
Yes! This blend is perfect for cakes, muffins, cookies, and just about any baked good you can think of. Try making some oatmeal cookies with it too!
More Fall Recipes
- Ninja Creami Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: No Dairy & Date-Sweetened
- Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal in the Slow Cooker
- Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate
- Pumpkin Spice Maple Whipped Cream
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Vegan Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
- Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
- Pumpkin Spice Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oats
- Pumpkin Spice Waffles
- Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Combine Spices: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cardamom, and ground cloves.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a whisk or spoon to thoroughly mix all the spices together until well combined. Or use a spice grinder to incorporate even better.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste a small pinch of the spice blend. If you prefer a stronger flavor of any particular spice, add a little more to suit your taste.
- Store: Transfer the pumpkin spice blend to an airtight container.
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