Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe - Live Well Bake Often (2024)

FAQs

What spice is in pumpkin spice often? ›

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

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.

Pumpkin Spice vs Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin pie spice is the same as pumpkin spice, just under different labeling. These two are interchangeable and feature the same base ingredients. The ratio of the ingredients may vary slightly from brand to brand.

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.

The major and common ingredient in pumpkin spice lattes include: cinnamic aldehydes for cinnamon, eugenol for clove or allspice, terpenes such as sabinene for nutmeg, and zingiberene for ginger. They may also contain vanillin and cyclotene for the burnt butter or maple notes to round off the flavor.

The spices in pumpkin spice have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce chronic inflammation. Boosts the immune system: Some of the spices in pumpkin spice, such as ginger and cloves, have immune-boosting properties. This means that they may help to protect your body from infection.

The latte became Starbucks' most popular seasonal beverage of all time. “Pumpkin spice” was a thing well before Starbucks. According to Chicagoist, spice companies like McCormick started bundling common spices used in pumpkin pie as “pumpkin pie spice” in the 1950s. Pumpkin pies predated the premade spice by centuries.

From its antioxidant-rich components to its anti-inflammatory properties, pumpkin spice can contribute to overall well-being. Whether sprinkled into oatmeal, blended into smoothies, or added to savory dishes, this aromatic blend of spices has the potential to enhance your health and elevate your culinary experiences.

"Pumpkin spice" is actually a blend of spices commonly used in pumpkin pie recipes. It typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. While it doesn't contain actual pumpkin, it's named after the spices that are traditionally associated with pumpkin-flavored dishes.

Is pumpkin pie spice a good substitute for cinnamon? ›

Typically, cinnamon makes up most of the spice ratio in pumpkin pie seasoning, making it a great substitute for plain cinnamon, especially if you're making sweets and baked goods. You can use pumpkin pie seasoning as a 1:1 replacement for cinnamon in recipes like cookies, cakes, and breads.

If you have apple pie spice on hand, you're in luck. "If you have apple pie spice, use it in place of pumpkin pie spice, as they contain the same ingredients, except apple pie spice has a little cardamom," he explains, adding that cardamom tends to balance the tart of apples.

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.

Smell and Association

Those notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger trigger deeply rooted cozy memories of autumn. “Pumpkin spice aromas emerge in the fall in shops and cafes, coinciding with the arrival of colorful leaves, family gatherings, and back-to-school bustle.

According to her, the company's pumpkin spice drinks taste different for two reasons—the syrup now contains "real pumpkin ingredient" and the syrup bottles' pumps have changed. "Apparently it's not the same, like, full pumps, so you're getting technically less [syrup]," Maria said.

Cinnamon is the base of our pumpkin spice, so there's a slight sweetness and warm baking spice flavor. Spices like nutmeg and ginger have a slight spicy heat or peppery quality. Allspice and mace create a well-rounded spice flavor.

Allspice tastes like a combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which is why the word “all” was used in its name to describe it! Ground allspice is slightly bitter, earthy, and fruity.