KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Pumpkin spice is easy to make on your own, and you likely have everything you need.
• A dash of pumpkin spice adds fall flavor to your favorite recipes.
• Your favorite fall flavor is versatile, simple to make and easy to use.
SUMMARY:
Pumpkin spice season is back, and it’s time to start whipping up your favorite cozy fall recipes and treats. Making a pumpkin spice blend from scratch is easier than you might think, especially since you probably already have everything you need in your pantry. OhioHealth registered dietitians Lauren Massie, RDN, LD, CLC, and Madeleine Elwell, MFN, RD, LD, share how to make your own blend and simple ways to use it throughout the season.
A pumpkin pie spice blend is incredibly versatile, and you can use it for baking, treats, drinks and savory dishes.
What is pumpkin spice?
Pumpkin pie spice, or pumpkin spice, is a combination of:
- Cinnamon
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Ginger
Here’s the deal: You can make your own pumpkin spice with a few basic ingredients. If you have a jar of pumpkin pie spice left over from pie-making, you’re all set because it’s the same basic blend of spices. Most of us don’t need another spice jar in the mix, so a homemade fall spice blend can save you both money and cupboard space.
Homemade pumpkin spice blend
Pumpkin spice is mostly cinnamon, with smaller amounts of nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice.
To make about 1/4 cup combine:
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
The best part about DIY pumpkin spice mix is that you can tailor it to your preferences. If you love cinnamon, add as much as you want. Not a fan of ginger or cloves? Scale it back or leave it out altogether. You choose your pumpkin spice ingredients, so have fun playing around with your recipe until it’s just right.
When you’re ready, funnel your spices into a clean, completely dry spice bottle, mason jar or other container with an airtight lid. Use a jar that held similar spices so your pumpkin pie spice blend doesn’t end up tasting like garlic powder. For the best flavor, use your blend within about six months, keeping in mind that older spices from your pantry may lose flavor sooner.
How to use pumpkin pie spice
If you think making your own pumpkin pie spice blend from scratch sounds fun, wait until this cozy blend of spices transforms your home with the classic scent and flavor of fall.
Try swapping cinnamon for your homemade pumpkin pie spice in almost any baking recipe, including muffins, apple crisp, cakes, cookies, rice crispy treats and scones. Add it to your batter for French toast, pancakes or waffles. Swirl some into plain cream cheese to add fall flavor to your morning bagel or use it to make a fall frosting to top cakes and cinnamon rolls. And don’t forget to add some pumpkin spice flavor when you roast your pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin spice latte recipe
You don’t need a fancy coffee machine to make a homemade pumpkin spice latte. Add your pumpkin pie spice blend to your favorite vanilla creamer or to a simple syrup made by boiling equal parts water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Store leftover syrup in a sealed mason jar in the refrigerator and use it within about a week. Add the creamer or syrup to your morning coffee and enjoy the classic fall flavor without the price tag or a trip to the coffee shop.
If you drink black coffee, add pumpkin spice to your coffee grounds before brewing. Prefer tea to coffee? You can also add pumpkin spice to chai or black tea.
Pumpkin spice parfait
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or want to upgrade breakfast for your family, add your homemade pumpkin pie spice to plain or vanilla yogurt. Then, layer in a sprinkle of granola, roasted pumpkin seeds, toasted almonds or pecans, and sliced pears, apples, bananas, dates or figs. For an easy fall dessert, swap the yogurt for vanilla ice cream and sprinkle your pie spice on top, or add it to store-bought caramel sauce and layer with fruit and toppings.
Roasted vegetables with pumpkin spice
Pumpkin spice ingredients work just as well in savory dishes. This flavor combination is also delicious when used to season vegetables, chili and curry. Toss cubed sweet potatoes or butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper and your pumpkin spice blend. Then, roast the vegetables at 400 to 425 degrees F, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized. Add pumpkin pie spice to mashed sweet potatoes, sweet potato casserole and sweet potato pie — or use it to jazz up store-bought butternut squash soup or ravioli.
The approach of autumn brings the beauty of a new season, a cozier routine and a return to familiar rituals. Whether you’re making your family’s favorite recipe or trying something new, the flavors of fall are close at hand. All you need is a little creativity and a handful of pantry spices to fill your home with cozy vibes and the joy of pumpkin spice.
FAQ/People also ask
What is pumpkin spice?
Pumpkin spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice. The best part of making pumpkin spice at home is that you can use more or less of the spices, depending on what you prefer.
Is there a difference between pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie spice?
There is no difference between pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie spice.
How long does homemade pumpkin pie spice last?
For the best flavor, use homemade pumpkin pie spice within about six months. The blend may remain usable longer, but spices already stored in your pantry may lose flavor sooner.
