Love the smell of warm apple pie? Keep a jar of this apple pie spice recipe in your pantry so you’re ready to add classic autumn warmth to baked goods, drinks, and more. Read on for tips and uses.
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: A quick, fragrant blend that stands in for store-bought apple pie spice and brightens desserts, breakfasts, drinks, and even some savory dishes.
How long it takes: 5 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: bowl and spoon or a jar
Servings: makes about 3 tablespoons
The scent of a warm apple pie is unbeatable. This homemade apple pie spice blends cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and allspice for a balanced, cozy flavor that works in so many recipes. Making your own spice mix lets you control the proportions and use the freshest ingredients possible.
I enjoy mixing my own seasonings — they’re customizable, convenient, and make great gifts. Below you’ll find ideas for using this blend, storage tips, and the simple recipe itself.
About this apple pie spice recipe
Easy to prepare: Use a clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid. Combine the ground spices in a bowl, mix well, and transfer to your jar. No special equipment needed.
Once mixed, the blend replaces multiple jars in your spice cabinet when you want that familiar apple-pie warmth.
How to use homemade apple pie spice
Desserts: Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream, fold a teaspoon into whipped cream, or stir into applesauce for a simple, low-calorie treat. It works in pies, crisps, cakes, cookies, muffins, and more.
Apple baked goods: Boost flavor in apple bread, muffins, crisps, fritters, or an apple dip. It’s a quick way to add depth to any apple-forward recipe.
Recipe Tip
If a recipe calls for a teaspoon of cinnamon, try substituting a teaspoon of apple pie spice to add extra warmth and complexity.
Breakfast: Add a pinch to pancake batter, French toast, yogurt, smoothies, or oatmeal for an autumnal twist.
Beverages: Stir into hot chocolate, hot cider, or latte-style drinks for cozy seasonal flavors.
Savory dishes: A light dusting can enhance roasted squash, sweet potatoes, or other root vegetables by balancing sweetness and spice.
What’s in apple pie spice?
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible — it’s noticeably more aromatic)
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Allspice
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead?
Yes. Pumpkin pie spice is similar but usually includes cloves and a bit more ginger, giving it a slightly different profile better suited to pumpkin-based recipes. Apple pie spice omits cloves and leans into cardamom for a cleaner apple-friendly flavor.
How to make this spice blend your own
- Double or triple the batch: If you use it often, make a larger jar while the spices are out.
- Adjust to taste: Increase or decrease any spice to suit your preferences — more cinnamon for sweetness, more cardamom for floral notes, or extra nutmeg for warmth.
Storage Tips
Store the blend in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. While ground spices don’t spoil quickly, their aroma and flavor slowly fade; properly stored, expect the mix to retain good flavor for two to three years.
Avoid keeping jars on hot countertops or next to the stove where heat and light can degrade the spices faster.
DIY Spice Mixes
If you enjoy homemade blends, try making other pantry staples for quick seasoning on hand.
- Italian seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Fajita seasoning
- Chili seasoning
- Beef stew seasoning
- Homemade ranch mix
- Mild curry powder
- BBQ rub
Apple Pie Spice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (increase to 2 teaspoons if using pre-ground nutmeg)
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Transfer to an airtight container. Makes about 3 tablespoons.
Notes
- Recipe scales easily — double or triple to fill a larger jar.
- Stored properly in a sealed jar away from heat and light, the blend keeps its best flavor for 2–3 years.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.