10.04.2021
The Best Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute
Make a quick pumpkin pie spice substitute with pantry spices. Easy recipe, simple swaps, and storage tips so your fall baking never stops.
- Make 1/4 cup pumpkin pie spice with 2 tbsp cinnamon, 2 tsp ginger, 2 tsp allspice, 1 tsp cloves, 1 tsp nutmeg.
- Quick single-tsp swaps: mostly cinnamon plus one or two other spices, or use cinnamon alone if needed.
- Store your homemade mix in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Pumpkin pie spice is a quintessential spice blend for all things autumn and especially thanksgiving dessert. In the fall, pumpkin spice is craved in pumpkin spice lattes and is also delicious in new recipes like this pumpkin pie ice cream. When you’re in the middle of a recipe and realize you’re all out, don’t worry, this signature fall flavor can be recreated using a few of the spices you have on your spice rack.
The Best Substitute: Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice
Some people prefer to make their own pumpkin pie spice so they can tweak the measurements and create a flavor that’s unique and perfectly crafted for a certain recipe. You can make your own pumpkin pie spice and store in a sealed jar for up to 6 months to use whenever you please. To make ¼ cup of pumpkin spice, use the following measurements.
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Common Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitution Questions
What If I Don’t Have All of the Above Spices?
If you’re missing a couple of the spices above to create the most accurate version of pumpkin pie spice, don’t worry, you’re not out of luck yet. You can achieve similar results by using cinnamon and whichever of the other spices above you happen to have. To get 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, use ¾ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ginger, allspice, cloves or nutmeg, whatever you have! If you have two of the above spices, use ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of whichever two spices you do have.
Can I Just Use Cinnamon?
Since pumpkin pie spice is composed mostly of cinnamon, if that’s all you have, just use that! Although your recipe will be missing some of the spice and flavor complexity, you’ll still get a similar autumn feeling as you would with the complete spice blend.
What if I Don’t Have Cinnamon?
If you don’t have ground cinnamon, you can use ginger or allspice in place of pumpkin pie spice. Just use half of the amount called for since ginger and allspice have stronger flavors than cinnamon.
What’s the Difference Between Pumpkin Pie Spice and Apple Pie Spice?
Both of these spice blends have similar ingredients, but the most common difference is that apple pie spice contains ground cardamom that balances out the sweetness of apples. Pumpkin pie spice also usually contains cloves, which is not normally in apple pie spice. Despite these differences though, you can still use these spice blends interchangeably.Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make pumpkin pie spice at home?
Mix 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground allspice, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg to make 1/4 cup. Store in a sealed jar for up to 6 months.
How can I make a 1 teaspoon substitute if I am out of pumpkin pie spice?
Use 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon plus 1/4 teaspoon of whichever other spice you have on hand such as ginger, allspice, cloves, or nutmeg. If you have two of those spices, use 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of each of the two spices.
Can I just use cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice?
Yes. Cinnamon gives the main flavor of pumpkin pie spice so it works as a fallback. The mix will taste simpler, but it still fits well in most recipes.
What if I do not have cinnamon?
If you have no cinnamon, use ginger or allspice at half the amount called for in the recipe because they are stronger. Start with less and adjust to taste.
Is pumpkin pie spice the same as apple pie spice?
They are similar but not identical. Apple pie spice often includes cardamom to balance apple sweetness. Pumpkin pie spice usually includes cloves. You can swap them in most recipes.
How should I store homemade pumpkin pie spice and how long will it last?
Keep it in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place away from heat and light. For best flavor use within 6 months. Label the jar with the date you mixed it.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice in savory dishes?
Yes. A small pinch works well in roasted vegetables, squash soups, chili, and rubs for pork or chicken. Use sparingly so it complements rather than overpowers.
How do I make pumpkin pie spice at home?
Mix 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground allspice, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg to make 1/4 cup. Store in a sealed jar for up to 6 months.
How can I make a 1 teaspoon substitute if I am out of pumpkin pie spice?
Use 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon plus 1/4 teaspoon of whichever other spice you have on hand such as ginger, allspice, cloves, or nutmeg. If you have two of those spices, use 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of each of the two spices.
Can I just use cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice?
Yes. Cinnamon gives the main flavor of pumpkin pie spice so it works as a fallback. The mix will taste simpler, but it still fits well in most recipes.
What if I do not have cinnamon?
If you have no cinnamon, use ginger or allspice at half the amount called for in the recipe because they are stronger. Start with less and adjust to taste.
Is pumpkin pie spice the same as apple pie spice?
They are similar but not identical. Apple pie spice often includes cardamom to balance apple sweetness. Pumpkin pie spice usually includes cloves. You can swap them in most recipes.
How should I store homemade pumpkin pie spice and how long will it last?
Keep it in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place away from heat and light. For best flavor use within 6 months. Label the jar with the date you mixed it.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice in savory dishes?
Yes. A small pinch works well in roasted vegetables, squash soups, chili, and rubs for pork or chicken. Use sparingly so it complements rather than overpowers.
Thanks for the information about marjoram; virtually impossible to find here in Lexington, North Carolina. I will try a recommended substitution. Good to have your site in case I want to buy this or other spices!
My favorite substitution for pumpkin pie spice is cinnamon, anise, and cloves. It tastes kind of different (a tiny kick of black licorice taste), but it’s easier on the stomach if you’re sensitive.
Hi Susan,
You can substitute an equal amount of pumpkin spice for the total amount of spices called for in a recipe. In your case, you would use 1.5 tablespoons of pumpkin spice.
I have a pumpkin recipe that calls for 1/2 tsp each of cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg. I would like to use the Pumpkin Spice – what would be the equivalent measurement if I want to substitute Pumpkin Spice for 1/2 tsp of the three listed spices?
Thank you.