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You can make your own pumpkin spice seasoning at home with just five simple spices you probably already have in your pantry.
It takes about five minutes, costs way less than the store-bought version, and tastes fresher than anything sitting on a supermarket shelf.
If you’ve been buying those little jars every fall, you’re going to love how easy it is to make your own pumpkin spice seasoning from scratch.
In this post, we’ll cover what goes into a classic pumpkin spice seasoning, how to mix your own batch, and a few tasty ways to use it beyond pumpkin pie.
Let’s get mixing.
What Is Pumpkin Spice Seasoning Made Of?
Pumpkin spice seasoning is a warm, aromatic blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Despite the name, there’s actually no pumpkin in pumpkin spice seasoning at all.
The name comes from the fact that this blend is traditionally used to flavor pumpkin pies, pumpkin bread, and other fall treats.
Here’s what each spice brings to the mix:
1. Cinnamon Is the Star
Cinnamon makes up the biggest portion of any pumpkin spice seasoning blend.
It brings that sweet, woody warmth people associate with fall baking.
Use regular cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon, whichever you have on hand.
2. Ginger Adds a Gentle Kick
Ground ginger gives pumpkin spice seasoning its subtle spicy bite.
It balances the sweetness of cinnamon and keeps the blend from tasting flat.
3. Nutmeg Brings the Cozy Factor
Nutmeg is what makes pumpkin spice seasoning smell like a bakery in October.
A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
4. Allspice Rounds Things Out
Allspice tastes like a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and pepper, which is why it fits so perfectly into pumpkin spice seasoning.
5. Cloves Add Depth
Cloves are strong, so they’re used in the smallest amount.
Too much and your pumpkin spice seasoning turns bitter, so measure carefully.
How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Seasoning
Making your own pumpkin spice seasoning is as simple as measuring and stirring.
Here’s the classic ratio to follow:
1. The Basic Recipe
Combine 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.
2. Mix It Thoroughly
Whisk everything together in a small bowl until the color is even and no streaks remain.
3. Store It Right
Pour your pumpkin spice seasoning into a small airtight jar or container and keep it in a cool, dark spot.
4. Adjust to Your Taste
Want more heat? Add extra ginger.
Prefer it sweeter? Bump up the cinnamon.
This is your pumpkin spice seasoning, so make it your own.
5. Make It Last
Your homemade pumpkin spice seasoning stays fresh for about six months, though the flavor fades slowly after that.
Write the date on the jar so you always know when to mix a fresh batch.
Ways to Use Your Pumpkin Spice Seasoning
Once you’ve made your own pumpkin spice seasoning, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all season long.
Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
1. In Coffee and Lattes
Sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin spice seasoning into your coffee or whisk it into a latte for instant fall flavor.
2. In Baked Goods
Add a teaspoon or two of pumpkin spice seasoning to pancakes, muffins, cookies, or quick breads.
3. On Roasted Vegetables
Toss sweet potatoes or carrots with olive oil and pumpkin spice seasoning before roasting for a sweet, savory side dish.
4. In Oatmeal and Yogurt
Stir a dash of pumpkin spice seasoning into your morning oatmeal or yogurt for a cozy start to the day.
5. On Popcorn
Mix pumpkin spice seasoning with a little sugar and sprinkle it over buttered popcorn for a fun fall snack.
So, Can You Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Seasoning?
You can make your own pumpkin spice seasoning at home with five common spices and about five minutes of your time.
It’s fresher, cheaper, and more customizable than store-bought blends.
Once you start making your own pumpkin spice seasoning, you’ll never want to go back to those pricey little jars again.
Hope this post has helped you see how easy it is to make your own pumpkin spice seasoning and given you plenty of ideas for using it.