Pumpkin Pie Spice

If fall were to be assigned an official flavor, most of us would agree it’d have to be pumpkin pie spice. Its warm, nutty fragrance is synonymous with crunchy leaves, cool breezes and fuzzy sweaters.

Contrary to what it sounds like, though, pumpkin pie spice does not contain any pumpkin. It’s actually a spice blend traditionally used to flavor pumpkin pie.

The spice mix was first commercially introduced by McCormick & Company in the 1930s. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that pumpkin pie spice gained the following it has today—thanks to being the star of Starbucks’ beloved PSL. Pumpkin pie spice is a wonderful flavoring for lots of other treats, too (suggestions below). If you want to make it with the ground spices you already have, read on!

Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients

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• Cinnamon: This adds a hint of sugar-free sweetness to our spice blend.
• Ginger: Dried ginger is milder than fresh. It lends a spicy, peppery note.
• Cloves: These have a slightly bitter flavor you might recognize from a beloved winter drink: mulled wine.
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg has a warming, near-minty taste. Freshly ground is best, so look for whole nutmeg at the store, and grind it with a Microplane before using.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

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In a container (like a spice jar, Mason jar or plastic half-pint container), combine the cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. Close tightly with a lid, and shake to combine.

How to Store Pumpkin Pie Spice

We recommend storing dried spices in a cool, dark place (like a cabinet or pantry). Use the mix within six months to one year.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Tips

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How can I use this pumpkin spice mix?

Other than in a pumpkin pie latte, you can pumpkin pie spice mix in snickerdoodles (in place of cinnamon), spiced nuts, pumpkin bread, or pumpkin scones. You can even sprinkle it on your morning oatmeal to make it extra special.

Does pumpkin pie spice go bad after one year?

While this spice blend likely won’t become moldy or otherwise dangerous, it will lose its potency after about one year. Most ground spices should be replaced within this timeframe.