Pumpkin pie spice substitutes
Pumpkin pie spice substitutes — 7 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cinnamon + nutmeg + ginger + cloves
Per 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp ginger + 1/8 tsp cloves
The best substitute for pumpkin pie spice is a homemade blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. For 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, use ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp ginger + 1/8 tsp cloves.
- The tweak —
- Mix all spices together in a small bowl until well combined.
- Best for —
- pumpkin pie
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked · per 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cinnamon + nutmeg + ginger + clovespumpkin pie | ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp ginger + 1/8 tsp cloves |
| 2 | Apple pie spicepumpkin desserts | Same amount |
| 3 | Cinnamon + allspice + nutmegpumpkin desserts | ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp allspice + ¼ tsp nutmeg |
| 4 | Cinnamon + ginger + allspicepumpkin desserts | ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp ginger + ¼ tsp allspice |
| 5 | Cinnamon + nutmeg + allspice + cardamompumpkin desserts | ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp allspice + 1/8 tsp cardamom |
| 6 | Cinnamon + cloves + allspicepumpkin desserts | ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp cloves + ¼ tsp allspice |
| 7 | Cinnamon + nutmeg + macepumpkin desserts | ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp mace |
Cinnamon + nutmeg + ginger + cloves
identical taste, powder texture
The classic homemade blend that recreates the traditional pumpkin pie spice flavor.
- Best for
- pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, fall desserts, when you want authentic flavor
- Prep
- Mix all spices together in a small bowl until well combined.
This is the most authentic substitute. Adjust ratios based on your taste preferences. You can also add allspice for more complexity.
Apple pie spice
very similar
Similar spice blend commonly used in apple desserts.
- Best for
- pumpkin desserts, fall baking, when you want similar warm spice flavor, quick substitute
- Texture
- powder
Apple pie spice is very similar to pumpkin pie spice, usually containing cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. It works well as a direct substitute.
Cinnamon + allspice + nutmeg
similar, slightly different
Simplified blend using three common spices.
- Best for
- pumpkin desserts, when you don't have ginger or cloves, fall baking, quick spice blend
- Texture
- powder
- Prep
- Mix the three spices together until well combined.
This blend works well when you don't have all the individual spices. Allspice provides some of the complexity of the full blend.
Cinnamon + ginger + allspice
warm and spicy
Alternative three-spice blend with ginger for warmth.
- Best for
- pumpkin desserts, when you want ginger warmth, fall baking, spiced desserts
- Texture
- powder
- Prep
- Mix the three spices together until well combined.
This blend emphasizes the warm, spicy notes. Good when you want more ginger flavor in your pumpkin desserts.
Cinnamon + nutmeg + allspice + cardamom
complex with floral notes
Enhanced blend with cardamom for added complexity.
- Best for
- pumpkin desserts, when you want more complex flavor, fall baking, elevated desserts
- Texture
- powder
- Prep
- Mix all spices together until well combined.
This blend adds cardamom for a more complex, slightly floral note. Great for when you want to elevate your pumpkin desserts.
Cinnamon + cloves + allspice
deep and intense
Warm blend emphasizing the deeper spice notes.
- Best for
- pumpkin desserts, when you want deeper spice flavor, fall baking, rich desserts
- Texture
- powder
- Prep
- Mix the three spices together until well combined.
This blend emphasizes the deeper, more intense spice flavors. Good for rich, hearty pumpkin desserts.
Cinnamon + nutmeg + mace
traditional and warm
Classic blend using mace (the outer covering of nutmeg).
- Best for
- pumpkin desserts, traditional baking, when you want authentic spice blend, fall desserts
- Texture
- powder
- Prep
- Mix the three spices together until well combined.
Mace is the outer covering of nutmeg and has a similar but slightly different flavor. This creates a more traditional spice blend.
Questions
8 questionsWhat spices are in pumpkin pie spice?
Pumpkin pie spice typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Some blends also include allspice or mace.
Can I make my own pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, mix ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp ginger + 1/8 tsp cloves for 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice.
Can I use apple pie spice instead of pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, apple pie spice is very similar to pumpkin pie spice and can be used as a 1:1 substitute in most recipes.
What's the best substitute for pumpkin pie spice?
The best substitute is a homemade blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This recreates the authentic pumpkin pie spice flavor.
Can I use just cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice?
Cinnamon alone will work but won't provide the full complexity of pumpkin pie spice. It's better to use a blend of spices.
How long does homemade pumpkin pie spice last?
Homemade pumpkin pie spice will last 6 months to 1 year when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice in savory dishes?
Yes, pumpkin pie spice works well in savory dishes like roasted vegetables, soups, and even some meat dishes.
What's the difference between pumpkin pie spice and apple pie spice?
They're very similar, but pumpkin pie spice typically includes ginger and cloves, while apple pie spice may focus more on cinnamon and allspice.
Tips for substituting pumpkin pie spice
10 tips- Pumpkin pie spice is essential for authentic pumpkin pie flavor
- It's a blend of warm spices that complement pumpkin's natural sweetness
- The spice blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves
- You can make your own pumpkin pie spice blend at home
- Store homemade spice blends in airtight containers for up to 6 months
- Pumpkin pie spice works well in both sweet and savory dishes
- It's good for fall and winter baking
- The spice blend enhances the natural flavor of pumpkin and squash
- You can adjust the ratios of individual spices to suit your taste
- Pumpkin pie spice pairs well with brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla