I’ve shared my recipes for homemade herb and spice blends before, and one of my favorites is homemade pumpkin pie spice. It’s simple to make and is an easy way to make sure there are fresh spices (and only that) in your blend. You can also adjust the recipe based on your family’s tastes and the way you like to use it.
Origin of an Obsession
Since pumpkin is a native plant of North America, pumpkin pie spice likely originated in North America. It probably began as a variation of the British “mixed spice” which consisted of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. This suggests that the spice blend originated sometime after European settlers came to the U.S.
In the mid-20th century, spice companies began premixing pumpkin pie spice for consumers. This convenience food spice blend may have lead to pumpkin pie spice being used for more than just pumpkin pies.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice + Recipes
I usually make a double or triple batch of this and store it in a small mason jar in my cabinet for easy use. Making this spice blend at home saves money and lasts a long time.
This spice blend is an obvious staple for our homemade pumpkin pie, but it is also great in some unusual recipes such as:
- Pumpkin pie cheesecake… need I say more?
- Add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice to the hot honey mixture in this marshmallow recipe for a delicious variation
- Chop sweet potatoes, then sprinkle them with pumpkin pie spice and salt before roasting at 400°F for 30 minutes
- Add it to coffee to make a homemade pumpkin spice latte
- Make homemade pumpkin bread or muffins
- Make delicious pumpkin spice meltaways with healthy fats for a quick energy boost
- Add a sprinkle to some pumpkin chili
- Sprinkle on homemade whipped cream
- Add some to a pot of simmering water for a natural air freshener

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp allspice
- ½ tsp ground cloves optional
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use as you would regular pumpkin pie spice.
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for More? Check Out These “Spicy” Fall Recipes!
If you’re looking for fall-inspired recipes but are done with pumpkin, these recipes are perfect!
- Spiced-Up Turmeric Latte with Cinnamon and Chicory – If you’re looking for a soothing coffee drink that doesn’t contain coffee, this is it! I love drinking this latte in the morning and at night since there’s no caffeine to mess with sleep.
- Fresh Spiced Apple Cider Recipe – I love cooking this recipe in the fall when we have an abundance of fresh apples. The smell is so delicious and permeates the house!
- Spice Cake – Fall is a perfect time for spice cake. This recipe is grain-free and made with only healthy ingredients!
- Applesauce Recipe – A simple recipe consisting of just organic apples and cinnamon. This is a perfect fall treat and can be canned for later use.
How do you use pumpkin pie spice? Do you make your own?
What about using canned pumpkin pie mix and how about canned salmon?
We’ve used both before. I just make sure they’re from an organic source. We get ours here.
I sprinkle pumpkin pie spice in a pot of water on the stove in the winter
and simmer it all day. It makes the house smell wonderful and adds moisture to the dry air.
You can also add clove oil and I also add mulling spices when I want to kick it up a notch.
thanks for all you do!
The pumpkin chili links to your pumpkin pie recipe. I just did a search to find your actual pumpkin chili recipe because I think I’d like to make some, but you may want to fix it. 🙂 I also use pumpkin pie spice when I make coconut flour banana bread.
This spice mix is really good with “sweet” recipes eg. Fruit cakes, loaves, breads and mincemeat ( English style christmas fruit mix) or just a touch added to stewed/baked fruit or baked sweet potatoes or roasted pumpkin. Also carrots and parsnips. Enjoy this mix which is the essence of British Christmas foods. Oh I almost forgot in a glaze for ham or other pickled meats. Cheers
I put a little in my coffee every morning. Yummy! Who needs Starbucks or DD??? Great recipe and saving me a ton of money because i use this spice in everything from the coffee, to pancakes, to anything that uses plain, boring cinnamon.