Get ready to infuse your recipes with the warm and inviting flavors of fall with the best homemade pumpkin spice recipe. Trust me, homemade is so much better than store-bought pumpkin spice (a.k.a. pumpkin pie spice)! The premixed versions most often have been sitting around for a while and have already lost flavor. Make this easy recipe and it will last throughout the fall season & beyond (unless, like me, you use it all up).

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What is Pumpkin Spice?

Pumpkin spice or pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm and aromatic spices commonly used in cooking and baking to infuse dishes with the flavors associated with pumpkin-based treats and fall-inspired recipes. The blend typically includes a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. It’s known for its comforting and nostalgic aroma, making it a staple ingredient during the autumn season and around holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving.

The secret to making this spice blend really stand out is the fresh blending of spices and using fresh ground nutmeg. Nutmeg has become one of my favorite spices in recent years, but only since I’ve found whole seeds to grind myself. Nutmeg has very complex aromas and flavors that very quickly disappear when they are ground. I am truly astonished at the difference!

Several grocers near me sell nutmeg whole but you can also find whole nutmegs online. If you can’t get whole nutmeg then go ahead and use pre-ground, but I highly suggest trying fresh out if you are able.

Ingredients:

1. Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth, sweetness, and depth to the blend. It’s what gives the characteristic cozy and comforting feel to fall treats. Cinnamon also complements the natural sweetness of pumpkin.
2. Ground Ginger: Ginger brings a subtle heat and earthiness to the mix. Its warm and slightly spicy notes add complexity and balance to the overall flavor.
3. Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg contributes a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, along with a touch of earthiness. Just a little bit of nutmeg goes a long way in creating a well-rounded flavor.
4. Ground Allspice: Despite its name, allspice is not a mixture of spices but a single spice with a flavor profile reminiscent of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg combined. It adds a layer of complexity, with its warm, sweet, and slightly peppery notes.
5. Ground Cloves: Cloves bring a robust and slightly pungent taste to the blend. They add depth and a touch of warmth with their strong, aromatic flavor. Cloves also complement the other spices and add a cozy and comforting element to the mix.

The combination of these five spices creates the pumpkin spice flavor we all know and love.

Here are some flavorful uses for pumpkin spice:

1. Pumpkin Pie: The most common use of this spice is in pumpkin pie, a classic dessert enjoyed during the fall. The blend adds depth and warmth to the pumpkin filling, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
2. Baked Goods: Use this in various baked goods, such as muffins, cookies, cakes, and pumpkin bread. It imparts a cozy and inviting aroma that complements the richness of these treats. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are a classic dessert that always pleases pumpkin lovers.
3. Beverages: This spice blend is a key component in many seasonal beverages, including pumpkin spice lattes, and spiced hot chocolate. Its aromatic blend of spices adds complexity to these drinks.
4. Breakfast Foods: Incorporate this into breakfast foods like oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, and yogurt parfaits to infuse them with a comforting fall flavor. We love making this Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal for breakfast.
5. Spiced Coffee and Tea: Adding a pinch to your coffee grounds or tea leaves before brewing can give your morning cup a warm and inviting aroma.
6. Smoothies: For a fall twist, you can sprinkle it into your smoothie for a burst of autumnal flavors.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Use pumpkin spice to season roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and butternut squash.
8. Granola and Trail Mix: Additionally,you can add it to homemade granola, trail mix, or snack bars for festive fall snacks.
9. Sauces and Syrups: Use Pumpkin spice syrup to drizzle over desserts, pancakes, or ice cream to add a touch of seasonal flair.
10. Homemade Potpourri: Add this blend to a simmering pot of water with other whole spices, fruits and leaves. This will fill your home with an inviting scent of fall. Here is a recipe for Potpourri that smells great with a little pumpkin spice added.

With your homemade pumpkin spice blend in hand you’ll be ready to make all the fall recipes and treats! Make extra and bottle it up to hand out to friends and family for a fun little gift as well. I hope you love this homemade pumpkin spice blend as much as I do!

Here are some yummy recipes that I love to use this classic blend in:

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