Pumpkin spice

5 min
Pumpkin spice

Spice up your life with our homemade pumpkin spice recipe. You can use it in everything from drinks and breakfast to dinner and dessert. With just six cosy, warming spices, you can add a little touch of autumn to all your favourite foods. It is so quick and easy to make and will make your kitchen smell like autumn all year round.

Ingredients

4 tbsp Ground cinnamon
1 tbsp Ground ginger
1 tsp Ground nutmeg
2 tsp Ground cloves
1 tsp Ground allspice
1 tsp Ground cardamom

Instructions

  • Mix all the spices in a bowl or glass jar with a lid.
  • Stir or shake thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.
  • Store in a clean spice jar, away from heat and light.
Enjoy!

Recipe tips

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes

Fresh, fragrant spices create a vibrant pumpkin spice blend, so ensure all ingredients are fresh. Store them in airtight glass jars to protect against air and moisture. Keep the jars in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from stoves or sunlight. Do not refrigerate, as this can cause moisture. Fill containers completely to minimise air contact and the gradual loss of flavour.

Whisking well is key to evenly distributing the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and cardamom. Use a small wire whisk or fork to break any clumps and mix the spices thoroughly. This is an easy way to achieve a consistent flavour and texture across your dishes. Want to minimise clumping even more? Keep your mixing bowl and utensils completely dry, and consider sifting the mixture if clumps continue to form.

FAQ: Questions about pumpkin spice

If you are new to making your own pumpkin spice blend, our FAQ section is here to help. You will find answers to the most common questions to get the most out of your seasonal treats.

What is pumpkin spice?

Pumpkin spice is a warm, aromatic mix of ground spices popular in autumn and festive cooking, especially with pumpkin drinks and dishes. It typically includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and cardamom. This blend is great for pies, breads, lattes, and other seasonal treats, enhancing their flavour beautifully.

What spices are in pumpkin spice?

The spices in pumpkin spice typically include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Some versions also add cardamom for a slightly floral, citrusy note. You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste or leave out any spices you dislike.

Can I use homemade pumpkin spice as a 1:1 replacement for store-bought pumpkin pie spice in recipes?

Yes, you can use this homemade pumpkin spice blend as a 1:1 replacement for store-bought pumpkin pie spice in recipes. It includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and cardamom, closely matching the flavour of commercial mixes. Cardamom is not typically found in store-bought versions, but you can leave it out if you prefer.

How should I store pumpkin spice?

You should store the pumpkin spice in a clean, airtight spice jar. Make sure the lid fits tightly to keep air and moisture out, which helps preserve the flavour and aroma. Keep the jar in a cool, dark, and dry place like a pantry, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Always use a clean, dry spoon to scoop the spice to prevent moisture, which can lead to clumping and spoilage. If stored correctly, your pumpkin pie spice should stay fresh and aromatic for up to 2 years.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

92 Kcal

Fibre 16.4 gram fibers
Protein 2.7 gram
Fat 2.1 gram
Carbohydrates 15.4 gram

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy the warmth of homemade pumpkin spice

Few things evoke autumn quite like the smell of pumpkin spice drifting through the kitchen. Instead of picking it up at the store, try making your own batch at home. It is easy, aromatic, and perfect for adding a little seasonal comfort to your day. One spoonful, and your chilly mornings and crisp evenings feel just that much warmer.

Pumpkin spice is a blend of the flavours we instinctively associate with autumn. Cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom bring a sweet, floral note with woody undertones. Ground ginger and nutmeg add a gentle warmth, not as intense as fresh ginger, but just enough to give your drink or dessert a little extra tingle.

Upgrade your dinner recipes with pumpkin spice

Set the mood for a dinner party that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. As the days grow cooler, it is the perfect time to gather indoors with friends and family for a cosy, pumpkin-inspired meal.

Start things off with a simple butternut squash soup or the creamier butternut squash soup with coconut. A bit of homemade pumpkin spice can be stirred into the pot or sprinkled decoratively on top as a finishing touch.

Hearty dishes like chillis, stews, and curries also pair beautifully with the sweet, warm spice mix. Our butternut squash curry, in particular, welcomes the spice blend with open arms, which complements the creamy base and the earthy vegetables marvellously.

Hosting a more classic dinner? Add a pinch of spice to the pumpkin purée in our pumpkin gnocchi recipe. It brings just the right amount of warmth to the buttery sauce, enriching its sweet-savoury balance.

A pumpkin-spiced breakfast to start the day right

Cool autumn mornings call for something warm and comforting, and pumpkin spice brings just that. Whether you are hosting a brunch or rushing through a weekday, a sprinkle of this pumpkin spice blend can transform your breakfast.

Stir it into oatmeal, yoghurt, or granola, or dust it over your morning coffee, chai, or hot chocolate. Or you can just make a classic pumpkin-spiced latte. It is also perfect in pancakes, French toast, or baked treats like muffins and cookies. For something extra special, mix it into butter or cream cheese for a spiced spread that is delicious on warm scones or bagels.

And when you are in the mood to indulge, pumpkin spice makes any dessert feel right at home, like pumpkin dessert, pumpkin cupcakes, and pumpkin cake.

A thoughtful gift with seasonal charm

Homemade pumpkin spice makes a lovely, practical gift. Pack it in a glass jar, tie it with a ribbon, and add a handwritten recipe card for that extra personal touch. It is perfect for housewarmings, autumn gift baskets, or just as a sweet little gesture to show you are thinking of someone. Homemade gifts often mean the most, and this one keeps giving long after it is unwrapped.

Experiment with even more spices

Once you have mastered the basics of pumpkin spice, it is time to have some fun with it. One of the best things about making your own blend is how easy it is to tweak. If you love the warmth of cinnamon, add a bit more. Prefer a hint of citrus? Dial up the cardamom.

You can also experiment with adding cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or vanilla bean for added sweetness. For those who like bolder flavours, try using whole spices and grinding them yourself. It adds a fresh, bold intensity and lets you tailor the flavour to your liking.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/pumpkin-spice/