Substitute for Pumpkin Pie Spice

This Substitute for Pumpkin Pie Spice only requires 5 ground spices – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Use it in baked goods, coffee, breakfast dishes, and more. This recipe is a 1:1 substitute for the store-bought spice.

Pumpkin pie spice substitute in a small white dish.

Did you run out of pumpkin spice or just curious how to make your own at home? This post will teach you how to make a pumpkin pie spice substitute and how to use it.

What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm dry ground spices that are often used in apple pie or pumpkin dishes, like pumpkin pie. There is no actual pumpkin in the spice blend.

Store-bought pumpkin spice typically consists of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves depending on the brand. Some also have turmeric, black pepper, lemon peel, cardamom, star anise, or fennel.

Learn more about The Difference Between Apple Pie Spice & Pumpkin Spice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a 1:1 substitute for store-bought pumpkin spice.
This recipe can be made without ginger, nutmeg, allspice, or cloves. If you have 2-4 of the spices needed, you can make it work!
Pumpkin spice is super versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes.
This blend of spices is perfect for fall.
This recipe is gluten-free and has no added sugar.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Spices needed to make a substitute for pumpkin pie spice.

Cinnamon: This recipe cannot be made without cinnamon. See variations below for how to make it without some of the other spices.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Quick Overview

Mix together all of the spices.

Step by Step Instructions

Use a sieve to remove lumps if needed.

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.

Step 2: Store in an airtight container or bag for up to 6 months. Use as a 1:1 substitute. If the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, use 1 teaspoon of this mixture.

Expert Tips & Variations

If the spice mixture is lumpy, use a small sieve. Pour the mixture into the sieve over a bowl and use a spoon to press it through. This should remove any clumps.
Scale the recipe. This recipe can be doubled, tripled, etc. As is, the recipe yields almost 2 Tablespoons.
Without ginger: Use 4 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, & 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
Without nutmeg: Use 1 Tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, & 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
Without allspice: Use 1 Tablespoon cinnamon + 1/2 teaspoon, 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, & 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
Without cloves: Use 1 Tablespoon cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, & 3/4 teaspoon allspice.
Only cinnamon & ginger: Use 4 teaspoons cinnamon & 2 teaspoons ginger.
Add turmeric, cardamom, or black pepper. These spices are not traditional, but add even more depth and flavor to this spice mixture. Use 1 teaspoon of cardamom, 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, and/or 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

How to Use

Pumpkin spice is a great replacement for just plain cinnamon in some recipes. It adds so much more flavor. If the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon or less of cinnamon, replace with the same amount of this spice blend. If it calls for more than 1 teaspoon, use half cinnamon & half of this blend.

Cookies: Snickerdoodles without Cream of Tartar
Pie: Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
French toast or pancakes: Sourdough French Toast or Easy Homemade Pancakes
Cinnamon rolls: Cream Cheese Frosting Cinnamon Rolls
Coffee or tea: Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Starbucks Chai Latte, or an iced coffee with a splash of my Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe

Recipe FAQs

Can I use cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice?

You can, however, the flavor will be much more one dimensional because you are only using one spice instead of 4-6 different ones.

Can you use allspice in place of pumpkin pie spice?

Allspice is used in it, but it is not a 1:1 substitute. It is too overpowering on its own, but can be used as a substitute with cinnamon and ginger.

Can I substitute nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice?

Nutmeg on its own is not a substitute. I recommend adding some cinnamon as well so the nutmeg flavor is not too strong.

Can you use mixed spice instead of pumpkin spice?

Yes. This is the British version of the American pumpkin spice blend.

Can you substitute cloves for pumpkin pie spice?

No. Cloves should not be used as a 1:1 substitute. Cinnamon should be added at a minimum to balance out the flavor.

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