When the air gets crisp and sweaters come out of hiding, there’s one thing on everyone’s mind—pumpkin spice. Whether you’re brewing it into a latte, baking it into muffins, or sprinkling it on pancakes, the right pumpkin spice recipe makes everything feel warmer and more comforting. This homemade blend is bold, aromatic, and better than store-bought. Plus, it takes less than five minutes to make, using ingredients you probably already have.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 5 minutes with zero prep hassle.
- Simple Ingredients – Only 5 warming spices, no fillers or preservatives.
- Versatile & Customizable – Perfect for coffee, baking, oatmeal, and even cocktails.
- Comfort in a Jar – One sniff and you’ll feel like it’s fall, even in July.
- Better than Store-Bought – Fresher, more flavorful, and adjustable to your taste.
Unlike pre-made mixes, this recipe lets you control the balance of spices, giving you a smoother, richer flavor. It’s cozy, aromatic, and made to impress—whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself on a chilly morning
Ingredients Needed
Let’s break down the essential components of this warm, aromatic blend:
For the Spice Mix Base
- 6 tablespoons ground cinnamon – The sweet, woody backbone of pumpkin spice.
- 12 teaspoons ground ginger – Adds a bright, peppery kick that lifts the flavor.
- 3 teaspoons ground cloves – Deep and pungent, a little goes a long way.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg – Warm, nutty, and slightly sweet—key for a classic profile.
- ¾ teaspoon ground allspice – A complex blend of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg in one spice.
Optional Add-In Ideas (for a unique twist):
- 1 teaspoon cardamom – If you like a citrusy twist.
- 1 pinch of black pepper – For extra warmth and bite.
Group Tip: Always use fresh, high-quality spices for the boldest flavor. If your spices smell weak or faded, it’s time to restock.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Recipe
This method is as simple as it gets, but the results are anything but basic. Here’s how to make the perfect batch:
1. Prep your mixing tools.
Use a clean, dry bowl and a whisk or fork to ensure spices blend evenly. Even a small spice grinder can help if you prefer ultra-fine consistency.
2. Add your spices in stages.
Start with cinnamon (your base), then add ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. This staged process helps distribute each spice evenly without clumping.
3. Whisk thoroughly.
Stir until the mixture looks uniform in color and texture. No visible streaks of individual spices should remain.
4. Transfer and store.
Spoon the finished blend into a small spice jar or airtight container. Label it with the date—this mix stays fresh for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dark place.
Mini Tip: Tap the jar on the counter gently after filling to remove air pockets and settle the blend.
Serving and Storage Tips
Ways to Use It:
- Stir ½ teaspoon into your morning coffee or chai latte
- Add 1-2 teaspoons to your favorite pumpkin bread or pancake batter
- Sprinkle on roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a savory twist
- Whip into cream cheese frosting for a seasonal cake
Storage Tips:
- Keep in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Shake the jar lightly before each use to re-mix settled spices
Properly stored, your blend will hold its bold, aromatic flavor for up to 6 months.
Helpful Notes
- Make it your own: Not a fan of cloves? Reduce the amount or skip it altogether.
- Double or triple batch: Easily scale this recipe up and store for gifting.
- Freshness matters: Ground spices start to lose potency after 6-9 months. Buy in small quantities if you don’t bake often.
- Spice grind matters: Finer ground spices mix more evenly and dissolve better in drinks.
Want more DIY spice blends? Check out Is Fry Seasoning the Same as Seasoned Salt?
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Use a clean, dry bowl and a whisk or fork to ensure spices blend evenly. A small spice grinder can be used for finer texture.
- Step 2: Add spices in stages—start with cinnamon, then mix in ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Step 3: Whisk until the mixture looks uniform in color and texture. Avoid any visible streaks.
- Step 4: Transfer blend to a spice jar or airtight container. Label with date. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Notes
Conclusion
This homemade pumpkin spice recipe is a game-changer. It’s bold, fresh, and fully customizable—giving you the freedom to make every fall treat taste exactly the way you like it. With just five pantry spices and five minutes, you’re ready to infuse everything from coffee to cookies with warm, comforting flavor.
If you try this blend, don’t forget to leave a star rating and a comment.
Tell us: What did you make with it? Any creative twists?
Looking for inspiration? Try Caramelized Onions next—you won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is pumpkin spice made of?
Pumpkin spice is typically made from a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Some variations include cardamom or black pepper for an extra layer of warmth.
What is the recipe for pumpkin spice?
The base recipe includes:
- 6 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 12 tsp ground ginger
- 3 tsp ground cloves
- 1½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ tsp ground allspice
Mix these together and store in a sealed jar. Use as needed.
What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can easily mix a DIY version using the spices you already have:
- 2 parts cinnamon
- 1 part ginger
- ½ part nutmeg
- ¼ part cloves or allspice
Adjust to taste.
How do you make pumpkin spice mix UK?
The recipe remains the same. In the UK, be sure to use ground ginger and mixed spice cautiously (as it already includes nutmeg and cinnamon). Use individual ground spices for better control.