Out of Pumpkin Pie Spice? Here's What to Use Instead (2024)

Bet the ingredients are already in your pantry! 🙌

By Teri TsangBarrett and Georgia Goode

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It's that time of year when we like to keep a few things on hand for all our fall baking needs: pie pans, pumpkin puree, and, of course, pumpkin pie spice. But if you reach into your pantry only to realize that you're all out of the warm and cozy blend, fear not! We have some easy pumpkin pie spice substitutes that will have you whipping up Ree Drummond's pumpkin spice sheet cake in no time!

One of the most asked questions about pumpkin pie spice is whether there's actual pumpkin in it. Nope! It's called pumpkin pie spice because its flavor perfectly compliments pureed pumpkin in seasonal sweets like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin bars. In fact, if you think you love pumpkin, what you probably love is the clever spice blend that brings so much flavor to pumpkin desserts. It's simply made of spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. That means, if you have a well-stocked spice cabinet, you can easily mix up your own using our pumpkin pie spice recipe!

Making a homemade pumpkin pie spice substitute is a great thing to keep on hand, and it can be used in anything that calls for pumpkin pie spice or even apple pie spice (more on that below). It’s also a great way to personalize your spice blend based on the flavors you like best. Sprinkle in an extra dash of cinnamon or a touch more ginger if you're into that sort of thing! Keep reading for more easy pumpkin pie spice substitutes and how to use them.

Out of Pumpkin Pie Spice? Here's What to Use Instead (2)

What is pumpkin pie spice made of?

Most pumpkin pie spice blends are comprised of a big dose of ground cinnamon followed by smaller increments of ground ginger, nutmeg and allspice, though some blends call for cloves in place of or in addition to the allspice. A standard recipe for pumpkin pie spice calls for 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons each ground ginger and nutmeg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice—add 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves if you like or already happen to have some. Whisk together, then store in an airtight container, such as an empty spice jar. This mix can be your go-to pumpkin pie spice substitute—use it as a one-for-one swap.

What can I use if I don't have pumpkin pie spice?

For the best flavor, mix up your own pumpkin pie spice! It's quick and easy and is guaranteed to give you the pumpkin spice flavor that you know and love. However, if you're in a bind, you can always simply use cinnamon in place of the spice blend. You won't get quite the same complexity of flavor as you would from pumpkin pie spice, but it's close enough to work in a pinch. You can also use another fall baking hero—apple pie spice! These two spice blends share a lot of similar ingredients; the major difference is that apple pie spice contains cardamom which has a piney, sharp element to it ideal for balancing out the sweetness of apples. The good news is it's perfectly delicious paired with pumpkin too.

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Out of Pumpkin Pie Spice? Here's What to Use Instead (3)

How do I substitute pumpkin pie spice for individual spices?

Whether you make your own or buy a store-bought jar of pumpkin pie spice, you can use the blend in so many delicious ways. That's right, it isn't just for pumpkin desserts! Say you're baking a cake that calls for ground cinnamon—you can swap in an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice, plus more to taste, to give the cake a deeper, cozier flavor. Keep in mind, though, that pumpkin pie spice contains stronger spices like ginger, nutmeg, and allspice that can be a touch overwhelming in some recipes, so don't go overboard.

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Out of Pumpkin Pie Spice? Here's What to Use Instead (2024)

FAQs

Out of Pumpkin Pie Spice? Here's What to Use Instead? ›

However, if you're in a bind, you can always simply use cinnamon in place of the spice blend. You won't get quite the same complexity of flavor as you would from pumpkin pie spice, but it's close enough to work in a pinch. You can also use another fall baking hero—apple pie spice!

What to use if you don't have pumpkin pie spice? ›

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.

What is the closest flavor to pumpkin spice? ›

Yes, apple pie spice is a wonderful pumpkin pie spice substitute. Both blends contain many of the same ingredients, including cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. The difference comes down to two spices: ginger and cloves. You won't find either in apple pie spice, but it won't make too much of a difference.

What is the same as pumpkin spice? ›

Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute

Homemade spice mix: A combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves can function as a suitable pumpkin spice substitute.

Can you use mixed spice instead of pumpkin spice? ›

Our answer. Nigella's Chocolate Fruit Cake (from Feast and on the Nigella website) uses pumpkin pie spice in the US version of the recipe (you may have the US version of the book) and mixed spice in the UK version. They are both a mixture of spices and are interchangeable. So mixed spice is perfect for the cake recipe.

How do you add flavor without spice? ›

Organic Onion Powder or Granules: Dehydrated onion is sweet and savory, and adds a depth of flavor to your dishes. Great option for those trying to reduce their salt and sugar intake. Organic Cumin Powder: There's no heat, but it has a rich flavor. Great not-spicy option for stews, tacos and grilled meats.

Is allspice similar to pumpkin pie spice? ›

While delicious on its own, allspice is not enough to fully achieve the flavor needed in pumpkin recipes. Pumpkin pie spice blends allspice with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, so it has added elements that add much more depth and flavor. This creates that pumpkin flavor in desserts that you know and love!

What is the actual flavor of pumpkin spice? ›

What Is Pumpkin Spice? Pumpkin spice, originally known as pumpkin pie spice, is typically made with a blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and occasionally allspice. It doesn't actually have any pumpkin flavor in it — however, it is used to flavor a pumpkin pie, which is likely how it got its name.

Is pumpkin spice just cinnamon? ›

Pumpkin spice (a.k.a. pumpkin pie spice) is an aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Sometimes allspice is included. You can buy the spice blend at the store or use ingredients you already have on hand to make DIY pumpkin spice.

Is pumpkin spice like nutmeg? ›

Since it contains nutmeg and other similar spices, you can easily replace nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice in equal quantities in most recipes. Pumpkin pie spice is a spice blend made with nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger. It has a similar taste to that of nutmeg and can be swapped in at a 1:1 ratio.

What is in pumpkin pie spice McCormick? ›

McCormick flavors pumpkin pies, lattes, and other Thanksgiving-themed treats with our iconic blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.

What spice is in pumpkin spice often? ›

It is generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice.

What is a substitute for ginger in pumpkin spice? ›

Allspice, Turmeric, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Mace. Of course, none of these spices really tastes like ginger. Instead, think of them as alternatives rather than direct substitutes: In a recipe that calls for ground ginger, you can substitute the same amount of any of these spices—or a mixture of them.

What tastes similar to pumpkin spice? ›

Chai. Before there was pumpkin spice, there was chai to keep you warm and cozy all autumn long. You might even recognize some of the flavors in chai as they are similar to pumpkin spice with clove, cinnamon, and cardamom.

How do I substitute mixed spice? ›

If you want to make your own mixture then it may depend on what other spices are available to you but we would suggest starting, if possible, with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ground coriander and 1 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and ground ginger.

Is it better to use pumpkin pie spice or individual spices? ›

In short, no. Our pumpkin pie spice contains all of the same spices you would use including Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Allspice, and Cloves. One of the main benefits to using this is convenience. You don't have to mix all of those spices together.

What is pumpkin pie spice made of? ›

What's In Pumpkin Spice? Pumpkin spice (a.k.a. pumpkin pie spice) is an aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Sometimes allspice is included. You can buy the spice blend at the store or use ingredients you already have on hand to make DIY pumpkin spice.

What can I substitute pie pumpkin with? ›

Butternut, buttercup, honeynut and acorn squashes are all suitable substitutes. Each of these types of squash has a similar texture to pumpkin and some natural sweetness. To substitute these squashes for pumpkin, prepare them as you would pumpkin for fresh pumpkin puree: clean, roast, puree in a food processor.

What can I use if I don't have all spice? ›

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.

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