Here are the easiest pumpkin pie spice substitutes, a recipe for homemade pumpkin pie spice, and what to do if you find yourself without one of the ingredients! Whichever one! Find out how much pumpkin pie spice to substitute for individual spices and what the best combinations are for substituting any missing ingredient found in pumpkin spice!
So if you have ever found yourself mid-baking and in a panic because you just realized you did not have that famous McCormick pumpkin pie spice blend, then you know why this is even necessary. I’ve been there way too many times!
Making homemade spice blends like pumpkin spice or seasoned salt have quickly become some of my favorites! This is because I can avoid some of those anticking agents and preservatives added to conventional ones while still getting all the flavors I want!
Table of contents
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
How much pumpkin pie spice to substitute for individual spices?
How to use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
What can I use in place of pumpkin spice?
How to make pumpkin pie spice without allspice?
Without Clove
Without Nutmeg
Without Ginger
Without Cinnamon
Can I use allspice instead of nutmeg?
Is apple pie spice the same as pumpkin pie spice?
Can I use apple pie spice instead of pumpkin pie spice?
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
You’ll only need 5 simple ingredients that every home cook’s pantry should have:
Cinnamon. this is the main ingredient in any pumpkin spice blend or fall spice blend because of its sweetness and woody flavor. It truly is the star of the show and will be the hardest to go without, but do not fret! I have a substitute even if you’re missing cinnamon!
Ginger. This is the next big star and brings a certain spicy aspect to your spice blend. It just give it a nice kick.
Some homemade pumpkin pie spice blends will actually add black pepper to their recipe to enhance this kick!
Nutmeg. Like cinnamon, it has a woody flavor but nutmeg brings a nutty component into the blend.
Allspice. This has a more peppery flavor, enhancing its savory aspect.
Clove. This is a very strong spice so there is not much of it in the blend comparatively. It will give your blend the most warming effect, just tying everything together beautifully.
The recipe for homemade pumpkin pie spice is so easy! It is basically just measure, mix, and store! This recipe is not like the others with just a couple tablespoons of pumpkin spice blend. It’s enough for a jar of it to be sure to get you through all of your fall cooking or enough to give away as gifts!
How much pumpkin pie spice to substitute for individual spices?
Any time a recipe calls for cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, or clove, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead.
The way you do this is if a recipe calls for a certain amount of individual spices, then simply add them up and use pumpkin pie spice instead!
For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp of ginger, and 1/2 tsp of nutmeg, then you can substitute the individual spices for 2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice.
How to use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
Anytime a recipe calls for any of these individual spices (even if its just one), you can use a 1:1 ratio of pumpkin pie spice instead to really boost the flavor of your dish and give it that signature warm fall flavor your’re looking for!
What can I use in place of pumpkin spice?
You can use a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and clove in place of pumpkin spice.
For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tsp of pumpkin spice, you can substitute with a combination below:
1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp ginger + 1/4 tsp nutmeg, allspice, or clove.
3/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp ginger, nutmeg, allspice, or clove.
How to make pumpkin pie spice without allspice?
Fun fact: some pumpkin spice recipes do not even use allspice! Though I think it adds an unmatched flavor, it is very possible to go without.
You can substitute allspice with a combination of cinnamon and clove, or cinnamon and nutmeg. Clove is best as it shares more of the flavor profile as allspice. Just be sure to use mostly cinnamon as clove is a very strongly flavored spice.
For example, for 1 tsp of allspice, you can use 3/4 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 clove or nutmeg.
Without Clove
If you’re fresh out of ground clove, do not panic! Allspice is the best substitute for clove and be used in a 1:1 ration!
For example, if your recipe calls for 1 tsp of clove, you can simply replace that with 1 tsp of allspice.
Without Nutmeg
Mace is hands down the best substitute for nutmeg as they both originate from the myristica fragrans tree. Nutmeg originates from the seed itself while mace originates from the outer covering of the seed.
However, mace is also not a common spice, so my assumption is that you’re an average household that does not have mace just hanging out in the spice cabinet.
The next best substitute for nutmeg is a 1:1 ratio of cinnamon and/or allspice. If you use allspice, use 1/4 of the amount since allspice really packs a punch is the flavor department.
For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tsp of nutmeg, you can use ay combination below:
1 tsp of cinnamon, 3/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp allspice, or just 1/4 tsp allspice.
Without Ginger
Allspice, cinnamon, or nutmeg will be the best substitutes for ginger. You can replace ginger with any of these or a combination of them. I would also recommend the smallest pinch of either black or white pepper to give it that spicy kick ginger offers.
For example if a recipe calls for 1 tsp of ginger, substitute with 1/2 tsp allspice, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of pepper.
Without Cinnamon
This is the hardest one to substitute since it truly is the star of the show! Nonetheless, it is still very possible! Simply substitute with either ginger or allspice. Be sure to use half the amount since both of these have very strong flavors.
For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tbsp of pumpkin spice, then you can use 1/2 tbsp of ginger or allspice instead if it is all you have.
Can I use allspice instead of nutmeg?
Yes! Allspice is not just a mixture of spices like pumpkin spice. Its flavor is similar to that of nutmeg. It is a standalone spice made from ground berries from the dioica tree. You can use a 1:1 ratio when replacing nutmeg with allspice.
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Is apple pie spice the same as pumpkin pie spice?
Though very similar, they are not the same. Apple pie spice is made up of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and sometimes cardamom. While Pumpkin spice is made up of the same ingredients (except cardamom) the main difference is that pumpkin pie spice contains clove.
Can I use apple pie spice instead of pumpkin pie spice?
Yes! the flavor profiles are very similar and the main 4 are the same so you’ll be sure to get the flavor profile you’re looking for.
If you have pumpkin pie spice and are tired of eating the same fall meals or need some fresh ideas and new recipes, stick around for recipes that’ll help you use up that pumpkin pie spice in the most delicious way!
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