6 Pumpkin Spice Blends That Work as a Quick Substitute

Substituting pumpkin pie spice with homemade alternatives can transform your fall recipes into something truly special.

It’s a common predicament to find the pantry lacking this seasonal blend just when a recipe demands it.

The good news? Several excellent options exist that might work even better than the pre-mixed variety.

Creative combinations of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warming spices can perfectly replicate that signature autumn flavor profile everyone loves.

These substitutes often allow for personalization based on which flavor notes you prefer to highlight in your baked goods.

Each alternative brings its own unique character while maintaining that cozy, comforting essence we associate with traditional pumpkin desserts.

Read on to learn about simple spice combinations that will save your recipe when that little jar of pumpkin pie spice sits empty on your shelf.

What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Pumpkin pie spice is a warm, fragrant blend of ground spices that instantly brings to mind cozy fall flavors and classic holiday desserts. This ready-made mix is used to flavor pumpkin pie, of course, but it’s also perfect in coffee, oatmeal, cookies, and much more:

• Classic Spice Mix: Pumpkin pie spice usually combines ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Some blends also include allspice or a pinch of cardamom for extra depth.
• Warm, Sweet Aroma: The spice mix delivers a comforting, sweet scent and flavor that’s spicy but not hot, with cinnamon as the star and other spices adding layers of warmth.
• Versatile in Baking: Use it in pumpkin pie, muffins, pancakes, granola, or quick breads for instant autumn flavor. A pinch stirred into coffee or sprinkled on whipped cream gives treats a seasonal twist.
• Easy to Find or Make: Pumpkin pie spice is sold pre-mixed in most supermarkets, but it’s also simple to make at home with common pantry spices.
• Balanced Flavor: The blend is designed so no one spice dominates, creating a balanced, mellow flavor that complements pumpkin and other squash, apples, sweet potatoes, and more.
• Time-Saving: Using a spice blend means you don’t have to measure out several spices each time you bake, just grab a spoonful and you’re ready to go.

Top Pumpkin Pie Spice Alternatives

Pumpkin pie spice missing from your pantry can be worked around with ease. A well-chosen blend can deliver that cozy, familiar flavor you’re looking for. Your desserts will still carry that warm seasonal charm.

Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend

Substituting store-bought pumpkin pie spice with a homemade blend gives your fall treats that perfect seasonal warmth while letting you control the exact flavor balance.

Ground cinnamon forms the main base at 4 teaspoons, complemented by 2 teaspoons of zingy ginger and equal parts nutmeg, allspice, and cloves (1 teaspoon each) for that classic autumn taste.

For an extra special touch, a small dash of cardamom can add unexpected depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient might be.

Cinnamon And Then Some

Cinnamon takes center stage in any pumpkin pie spice blend, making it the essential ingredient for creating a substitute at home.

Most kitchens already have this warm, aromatic spice, which serves as the perfect base when combined with whatever complementary spices you might have on hand.

The magic of this substitution lies in its flexibility – missing nutmeg or allspice won't ruin your recipe as long as cinnamon remains the star.

Homemade versions may lack some of the complexity found in store-bought blends but still deliver that familiar fall flavor everyone loves.

Your dishes will maintain their seasonal charm even with this simplified spice combination.

Apple Pie Spice

McCormick Apple Pie Spice offers a perfectly balanced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that takes your apple desserts to the next level.

The magic of this spice mix lies in how it enhances apple pies, tarts, crisps, and homemade applesauce with warm, sweet flavors that regular cinnamon alone can't match.

For best results, just add 1½ teaspoons of this spice blend to six medium apples when making your favorite pie recipe.

Allspice

Allspice works as a stand-in for pumpkin pie spice because it combines many of the same warm, sweet-spicy notes (clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg) all in one ground berry.

Pumpkin pie spice is traditionally a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes allspice; using pure allspice captures that core “holiday” flavor profile.

To substitute, start with about ¾ teaspoon of ground allspice for each teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice called for, then taste and add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon if you want to bump those individual notes.

While you’ll miss the ginger’s zing, allspice’s balanced warmth makes it a quick, pantry-ready swap when you’re out of the full blend.

Cloves

Simply Organic's premium ground cloves deliver a bold, aromatic blend of sweet and spicy flavors that instantly enhance both desserts and savory dishes.

These organic cloves shine brightest when added to holiday baked goods, spicy curries, warming mulled wine, or your morning coffee, adding impressive depth to recipes with just a small amount.

The company stands out by working directly with growers, paying fair prices without middlemen to support farming communities worldwide.

Their commitment to quality means each 2.82-ounce jar contains only pure, kosher-certified organic cloves with that signature pungent aroma and bittersweet taste you love.

Ground Ginger

Happy Belly Ginger Ground offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in a convenient 2.75-ounce package.

This aromatic spice is incredibly versatile, showing up in classic dishes from Chinese stir-fries to Indian curries and refreshing Caribbean drinks.

For easy substitution in recipes, just remember that 1/4 teaspoon of this ground ginger equals one tablespoon of fresh ginger, making cooking simpler without sacrificing flavor.

The warm notes of this ground ginger blend beautifully with other spices like coriander, chili, garlic, mint, and lemongrass to create depth in your cooking.

How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend

Making your own pumpkin pie spice blend at home is easy and lets you control the flavor, freshness, and spice level to match your favorite fall treats. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a warm, fragrant mix that’s perfect for pies, coffee, oatmeal, and more:

• Gather Common Spices: Combine 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves in a small bowl.
• Mix Thoroughly: Stir the spices together until evenly blended, breaking up any clumps for a smooth mix.
• Adjust to Taste: For a twist, add a pinch of ground cardamom or extra cinnamon if you love a stronger, sweeter note.
• Store Properly: Pour the finished blend into an airtight jar or container. Keep it in a cool, dry spot and it will stay fresh and fragrant for months.
• Use Anywhere: Sprinkle homemade pumpkin pie spice into pies, muffins, pancakes, yogurt, or coffee for instant cozy flavor.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Alternatives: Reader Questions Answered

1. Are there store-bought alternatives to pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, apple pie spice or chai spice blends can be used as a direct substitute for pumpkin pie spice.

2. Can I make a homemade pumpkin pie spice substitute?

Absolutely, combine 3 parts cinnamon with 1 part nutmeg, 1 part ginger, 1/2 part allspice, and 1/2 part cloves for a quick DIY blend.

3. Will a substitute work in all pumpkin pie recipes?

Yes, homemade or store-bought blends work well in pies, muffins, breads, lattes, and any recipe calling for pumpkin pie spice.

4. Are pumpkin pie spice alternatives suitable for gluten-free baking?

Yes, pure spices are naturally gluten-free, just double-check the packaging for cross-contamination if needed.

5. Can I use only cinnamon if I don’t have all the spices?

Cinnamon alone provides warmth, but mixing in nutmeg or ginger (if available) adds more depth and classic pumpkin spice flavor.

6. Will using a substitute change the color of my baked goods?

No, the color should remain nearly identical since all pumpkin pie spice ingredients are brown or tan.

7. How should I store homemade pumpkin pie spice substitutes?

Keep in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dark place, and use within six months for best flavor.

8. Can I use pumpkin pie spice substitutes in savory dishes?

Yes, try the blend in soups, roasted vegetables, or stews for a warming, aromatic twist.