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You can make homemade pumpkin spice seasoning by combining ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in the right proportions.
It’s one of the easiest spice blends you’ll ever put together, and chances are you already have most of these spices sitting in your pantry right now.
The best part about making your own pumpkin spice seasoning is that you control the flavor, so you can tweak it to taste exactly how you like it.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make homemade pumpkin spice seasoning, the exact ratio to use, and a few tips to make it taste even better than the store-bought version.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Seasoning
Making homemade pumpkin spice seasoning comes down to one simple formula, and once you know it, you’ll never need to buy the pre-made stuff again.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The Classic Pumpkin Spice Seasoning Ratio
The standard ratio for homemade pumpkin spice seasoning is 3 parts cinnamon, 2 parts ginger, 2 parts nutmeg, 1 part allspice, and 1 part cloves.
Cinnamon is the star of the show, so it makes sense that it takes up the biggest share of the blend.
Ginger and nutmeg bring warmth and depth, while allspice and cloves add that cozy, aromatic kick we all associate with fall.
For a small batch, that translates to 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of ground allspice, and 1 teaspoon of ground cloves.
That gives you roughly half a cup of pumpkin spice seasoning, which is plenty for several batches of muffins, lattes, and pies.
2. Mixing Your Pumpkin Spice Seasoning
Once you’ve measured out your spices, add them all to a small bowl and whisk until everything is evenly combined.
Make sure there are no clumps, especially from the cloves and allspice, since those tend to settle.
If you want your homemade pumpkin spice seasoning to be extra smooth, you can sift the blend through a fine-mesh strainer after mixing.
Then transfer it to an airtight jar or container.
And that’s it, your pumpkin spice seasoning is ready to use.
3. Toasting the Spices for Extra Flavor
If you really want your homemade pumpkin spice seasoning to sing, toast the whole spices before grinding them.
Warm a dry skillet over medium heat and add whole cinnamon sticks, ginger, nutmeg, allspice berries, and cloves.
Stir them around for about a minute or two until they smell fragrant, then let them cool completely before grinding.
This extra step deepens the flavor of your pumpkin spice seasoning and makes it taste fresher and more vibrant.
It’s optional, but once you try it, you might never skip it again.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Seasoning
A few small tweaks can take your pumpkin spice seasoning from good to great.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Use Fresh Spices
The quality of your pumpkin spice seasoning depends entirely on the freshness of your spices.
Ground spices lose their potency after about six months, so check the dates on your jars before you start mixing.
If a spice smells weak or dusty, it’s probably time to replace it.
Fresh spices make a noticeable difference in how your homemade pumpkin spice seasoning tastes.
2. Adjust the Blend to Your Taste
The classic ratio is a great starting point, but feel free to tweak your pumpkin spice seasoning to suit your palate.
Love cloves? Add a pinch more.
Not a fan of allspice? Scale it back or leave it out entirely.
The beauty of making homemade pumpkin spice seasoning is that you’re in charge, so experiment until you land on your perfect blend.
3. Store It Properly
Keep your pumpkin spice seasoning in a small airtight jar stored in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight.
Done right, it’ll stay fresh for about six months, though it’ll taste best in the first three.
Label the jar with the date you made it so you know when it’s time for a fresh batch.
Ways to Use Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Seasoning
Now that you’ve got a jar of homemade pumpkin spice seasoning, here’s where it really shines.
1. Coffee and Lattes
Sprinkle a dash of pumpkin spice seasoning into your coffee, latte, or hot chocolate for an instant cozy upgrade.
2. Baking
Use your pumpkin spice seasoning in pumpkin bread, muffins, cookies, pancakes, and pies, and simply swap it in wherever a recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice.
3. Savory Dishes
Pumpkin spice seasoning isn’t just for sweets.
Try it on roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or squash for a warm, spiced twist.
So, How Do You Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Seasoning?
You make homemade pumpkin spice seasoning by combining 3 parts cinnamon with 2 parts ginger, 2 parts nutmeg, 1 part allspice, and 1 part cloves.
Mix them well, store the blend in an airtight jar, and you’ve got a fresh, flavorful spice mix ready for all your fall favorites.
Whether you toast the spices first or keep it simple, homemade pumpkin spice seasoning beats store-bought every time, and now you know exactly how to make it.