This little jar is my go-to every autumn — warm, balanced spice that lifts lattes, bakes and breakfasts in one shake. I mix a batch in five minutes, label it, and suddenly my whole pantry smells like fall.
Why It’s So Useful
Making your own blend gives you fresher flavour and control over the balance of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. It’s cheaper than pre-mixed jars, it keeps well, and it’s small enough to pop into gift jars or a baking kit.
Serves & Timings
Serves: makes about 6 tablespoons (≈18 teaspoons) — enough for ~36 uses at 1/2 tsp each
Prep time (active): 5 minutes
Cook time (active): 0 minutes
Additional passive time (rest to meld): 0–24 hours (optional)
Total time (approx): 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Method
- Combine all the spices in a small bowl and whisk until evenly blended.
- Funnel the mix into a clean, dry jar with a tight lid (a small spice jar or 4 oz mason jar is ideal). Label with the date.
- Optional: rest 12–24 hours for the flavours to marry — the blend is ready immediately but resting deepens the aroma.
Uses (Quick Ideas)
- Pumpkin-spice latte: ½–1 tsp per cup of coffee + milk and sweetener.
- Baking: 1–2 tsp per cup of flour in muffins, loaves, pancakes or cookies.
- Breakfast: ½ tsp in oatmeal, granola or yogurt.
- Snacks: sprinkle on popcorn, roasted nuts or fruit.
- Savoury: a tiny pinch in roasted squash or carrot dishes for depth.
Variations
- Add ¼–½ tsp ground cardamom for an earthy, warm twist.
- Replace ½ tsp nutmeg with ½ tsp mace for a floral lift.
- For citrusy notes, stir in 1 tsp dried orange powder (or use fresh zest in baking immediately).
Pumpkin-Pie Spice Blend — FAQ
Q: How long does homemade pumpkin-pie spice keep?
A: Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard it keeps best for 3 months (usable up to 6 months).
Q: Can I double the recipe and store it?
A: Yes — the blend stores well; just label with the date and use within 3 months for peak aroma.
Q: Can I use fresh orange zest in the blend?
A: Fresh zest is best used immediately in baking (it won’t keep in a dry spice jar); use powdered orange peel for a shelf-stable citrus note.
Storage
- Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 6 months (best within 3 months for peak aroma).
- Keep away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
Estimated Nutrition — per 1 teaspoon (approx.)
- Calories: 7 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
- Sugars: 0.1 g
- Fibre: 0.8 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
(Spice servings are very small — nutrition is illustrative.)
Effortless Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
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Ingredients
Method
- Combine all the spices in a small bowl and whisk until evenly blended.
- Funnel the mix into a clean, dry jar with a tight lid (a small spice jar or 4 oz mason jar is ideal). Label with the date.
- Optional: rest 12–24 hours for the flavours to marry — the blend is ready immediately but resting deepens the aroma.
Nutrition
Notes
- Pumpkin-spice latte: ½–1 tsp per cup of coffee + milk and sweetener.
- Baking: 1–2 tsp per cup of flour in muffins, loaves, pancakes or cookies.
- Breakfast: ½ tsp in oatmeal, granola or yogurt.
- Snacks: sprinkle on popcorn, roasted nuts or fruit.
- Savoury: a tiny pinch in roasted squash or carrot dishes for depth.
- Add ¼–½ tsp ground cardamom for an earthy, warm twist.
- Replace ½ tsp nutmeg with ½ tsp mace for a floral lift.
- For citrusy notes, stir in 1 tsp dried orange powder (or use fresh zest in baking immediately).
A: Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard it keeps best for 3 months (usable up to 6 months). Q: Can I double the recipe and store it?
A: Yes — the blend stores well; just label with the date and use within 3 months for peak aroma. Q: Can I use fresh orange zest in the blend?
A: Fresh zest is best used immediately in baking (it won’t keep in a dry spice jar); use powdered orange peel for a shelf-stable citrus note. Storage Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 6 months (best within 3 months for peak aroma).
Keep away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
