07.09.2018
Allspice Substitute
Fast substitutes and a homemade mix to replace allspice in sweet or savory recipes.
- Allspice is a single Jamaican berry that tastes like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
- Make a 1:1 substitute with 2 parts cinnamon, 1 part nutmeg, 1 part cloves (example: 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp cloves = 1 tsp allspice).
- Use spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, or pumpkin pie spice plus black pepper depending on whether the recipe is sweet or savory.
Allspice is a unique aromatic berry with origins in Jamaica. The taste resembles a blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg - giving its encompassing name. Allspice’s warm flavor is often found in barbeque sauces and jerk seasoning as well as baked goods like gingerbread and apple pie.
Substitutes for Allspice include using a combination of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon as well as similar spice blends such as pumpkin pie spice (with some added pepper to achieve the savory notes of allspice) or apple pie spice.
Allspice Alternatives:
Not only is allspice great in baked goods like Sweet Potato Pie it’s also great on meat, like in this Bavarian Pot Roast, and in drinks like this Allspice Bourbon. When you don’t have any allspice on hand, feel free to use one of these replacements interchangeably to get the same warm and full of spice flavor.
Homemade Allspice Recipe:
A simple combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg produces a mix very similar to ground allspice. Learn how to make your own here.
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp Cloves
Combine cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves thoroughly in a small mixing bowl. Use as a 1:1 substitute for 1 tsp of allspice.
Common Allspice Substitution Questions
What is Allspice Made Of?
Although allspice tastes like a combination of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s actually composed of just one Jamaican berry that encompasses all of these flavors.
What is Allspice Also Known As?
Allspice is also commonly referred to as Jamaica pepper, myrtle pepper, and pimento.
What are the Ingredients in Allspice?
To create a similar flavor to allspice berry, you can use 2 parts cinnamon to 1 part clove and 1 part nutmeg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is allspice made of?
Allspice comes from a single dried Jamaican berry called pimento. Its aroma and taste combine notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, which is why it can mimic those spices.
What can I use instead of allspice?
Good alternatives are ground cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, or mace. You can also use spice blends like pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice. For savory dishes, add a little black pepper to pumpkin pie spice to copy the peppery edge of allspice.
How do I make a homemade allspice substitute?
Mix 2 parts cinnamon, 1 part nutmeg, and 1 part ground cloves. Example: 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp cloves makes about 1 tsp of allspice substitute. Use it 1:1 wherever the recipe calls for ground allspice.
Which substitute works best for savory dishes like jerk or barbecue?
Use a mix that leans toward warm spices: more cinnamon with equal smaller amounts of clove and nutmeg, plus a pinch of black pepper. If you have pimento berries or ground allspice, use them first for an authentic savory flavor.
Can I use whole allspice berries instead of ground?
Yes. Grind whole berries in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to match ground allspice. For long simmers or braises you can add 4 to 6 whole berries per quart of liquid and remove before serving.
Does pumpkin pie spice work as a substitute?
Yes, pumpkin pie spice is a close match for sweet recipes. For savory recipes, add a little black pepper to bring back the allspice peppery note.
How should I store allspice and substitutes?
Keep whole berries in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years. Ground spices lose strength faster; store them airtight away from heat and use within 6 to 12 months for best flavor.
What happens if I omit allspice from a recipe?
Omitting allspice will change the flavor, but many recipes tolerate it. Replace it with the homemade mix or individual spices listed above to preserve the warm, layered taste.
What is allspice made of?
Allspice comes from a single dried Jamaican berry called pimento. Its aroma and taste combine notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, which is why it can mimic those spices.
What can I use instead of allspice?
Good alternatives are ground cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, or mace. You can also use spice blends like pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice. For savory dishes, add a little black pepper to pumpkin pie spice to copy the peppery edge of allspice.
How do I make a homemade allspice substitute?
Mix 2 parts cinnamon, 1 part nutmeg, and 1 part ground cloves. Example: 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp cloves makes about 1 tsp of allspice substitute. Use it 1:1 wherever the recipe calls for ground allspice.
Which substitute works best for savory dishes like jerk or barbecue?
Use a mix that leans toward warm spices: more cinnamon with equal smaller amounts of clove and nutmeg, plus a pinch of black pepper. If you have pimento berries or ground allspice, use them first for an authentic savory flavor.
Can I use whole allspice berries instead of ground?
Yes. Grind whole berries in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to match ground allspice. For long simmers or braises you can add 4 to 6 whole berries per quart of liquid and remove before serving.
Does pumpkin pie spice work as a substitute?
Yes, pumpkin pie spice is a close match for sweet recipes. For savory recipes, add a little black pepper to bring back the allspice peppery note.
How should I store allspice and substitutes?
Keep whole berries in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years. Ground spices lose strength faster; store them airtight away from heat and use within 6 to 12 months for best flavor.
What happens if I omit allspice from a recipe?
Omitting allspice will change the flavor, but many recipes tolerate it. Replace it with the homemade mix or individual spices listed above to preserve the warm, layered taste.
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