Name: Baking 101: Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

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Make homemade pumpkin pie spice in less than 5 minutes for all your fall baking. Perfect for cookies, pies, cakes, breads, beverages and so much more!

Autumn is my favorite time of year. The beautiful foliage, a lingering warmth with the slow transition into winter, hayrides at the pumpkin patch, apple picking for homemade apple pies, nights of storytelling over bonfires with plenty of s’mores to enjoy, and let’s not forget…all things pumpkin! Yes, I am guilty of beginning my pumpkin desserts baking as soon as September hits. Early, I know, but I just can’t resist (I’m an October birthday hence I love all things fall).

If you a lover of fall baking like myself, then I suggest making your own homemade pumpkin pie spice. It only requires 4 common spices and can be made in under 5 minutes (just measure and mix). It’s much more cost effective than purchasing pumpkin pie spice and you can make smaller or larger batches according to your needs. The simple ratio of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves is 4:1:1:1/2.

Spices for homemade pumpkin pie spice

Cinnamon

A common spice used in a variety 0f sweet and savory recipes. It’s a very aromatic spice that is reminiscent of fall and winter. It’s very warm and inviting and is often used in savory Middle Eastern cooking.

Ginger

Ground ginger is the powdered form of a root that’s native to Southeast Asia. It goes well in many savory dishes but is also complementary to many baked goods. Of course it’s the star of the show in gingerbread and gingersnaps, but many fall desserts such as pies and cakes have a lovely flavor with a hint of ground ginger.

Nutmeg

Ground nutmeg lends a nutty aroma and flavor to many recipes. In Mediterranean cooking it can add a nice flavor to many savory dishes. In baked goods, nutmeg goes well with fall apple desserts, spice cakes and holiday cookies.

Cloves

Ground clove is very aromatic and used in pumpkin pies and gingerbread baked goods. It can easily become overpowering and as a result you will find that it should be added in small amounts.

Uses for homemade pumpkin pie spice

When I think of using homemade pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin desserts are first to come to mind (of course given its name). However, there are so many uses for this warm, aromatic fall spice.

Pies, cakes, cinnamon rolls, quick breads, cookies, macarons are all wonderful ways to incorporate pumpkin pie spice. But it can also go beyond desserts. Yogurt parfaits, lattes, oatmeal, roasted root vegetables, stews and soups would all be delicious with pumpkin pie spice.

Another great idea is to make homemade pumpkin pie spice and gift it! If you’re putting together a fall hostess basket or have a friend that loves baking it’s the perfect gift. The uses are endless. I recommend making this recipe so that you can be creative throughout the fall and winter seasons in your baking and cooking. Enjoy!

Recipes using pumpkin pie spice