Ah, the crisp allure of autumn—leaves falling, sweaters emerging, and the irresistible aroma of spices wafting through the air. You know what I’m talking about, right?
Imagine this: you’re sipping on a warm drink, and suddenly, a burst of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger dances in your senses.
It’s not just a spice mix; it’s a cozy hug for your soul.
Steps
- Verify the freshness of your ground spices by checking their expiration dates and sniffing them to ensure they still have a potent aroma.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the measured quantities of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, along with a tiny pinch of ground black pepper. Pay special attention to the ground ginger, as it may clump, and whisk thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
- Use a small funnel to transfer the spice mixture into a jar that seals tightly, ensuring the spices remain fresh. Store the jar in a dry, room-temperature location like a cupboard or pantry, where it will last until the spices’ expiration dates, typically 1–2 years.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons (21g) ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons (5g) ground ginger
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons (4g) ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon (3g) ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon (2g) ground allspice
- A small pinch of ground black pepper (less than 1/8 teaspoon)
FAQ
- How long can I store homemade pumpkin pie spice?
- You can keep your homemade pumpkin pie spice in a tightly sealed container for as long as the individual spices remain fresh, which is typically between 1 to 2 years. It’s best to buy all the spices at once to maintain their freshness and store the blend in a dry place at room temperature.
- Can I customize the homemade pumpkin pie spice blend?
- Yes, one of the benefits of making your own pumpkin pie spice is that you can adjust the proportions to suit your taste. If you prefer a certain spice, you can add more, or if there’s one you’re not fond of, you can reduce or omit it entirely.
- What is the secret ingredient in this pumpkin pie spice recipe?
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper is added to the spice blend. Although it sounds unusual, this tip from King Arthur Baking enhances the overall flavor without being noticeable.
- Can I use this homemade pumpkin pie spice in place of store-bought spice in recipes?
- Absolutely, you can substitute this homemade blend in a 1:1 ratio for any recipe that calls for pumpkin pie spice. If a recipe also includes individual spices like cinnamon or ginger, you can use the total amount required and replace it with the same amount of this blend.
- What are some ways to use pumpkin pie spice?
- This spice blend is versatile and can be used in any dish where you might use cinnamon. Try adding it to coffee, oatmeal, yogurt, or even mix it with sugar for a flavorful twist on cinnamon toast. It’s also great in baked goods like cookies, muffins, and cakes.
Tips
- Check Spice Freshness: Before making your pumpkin pie spice blend, ensure that all your spices are fresh. Spices lose their potency over time, so using fresh ones will enhance the flavor of your mix.
- Customize Your Blend: Feel free to adjust the proportions of the spices to suit your taste. If you like a particular spice more, you can increase its quantity, or if there’s one you’re not fond of, you can reduce it or leave it out entirely.
- Add a Secret Ingredient: Consider adding a small pinch of freshly ground black pepper to your spice mix. It adds a unique depth to the flavor, making your pumpkin-spiced treats stand out.
- Store Properly: Store your homemade pumpkin pie spice in an airtight container, and keep it in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its freshness and potency for up to 1–2 years, matching the expiration dates of the individual spices.
Equipment
- 3-ounce Swing Top Glass Jars or 6-ounce Glass Jars – For storing the pumpkin pie spice.
- Small Funnel – Useful for pouring the spice mix into the jars.
- Glass Mixing Bowl – For mixing the spices together.
- Whisk – For mixing the spices thoroughly.
