Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin pie spice is a combination of spices that include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This spice combination known best for adding the earthy-spicy flavor to our seasonal pumpkin pie has become wildly popular. Today it's used in everything from your favorite coffee shop drink to every other dessert and even air freshener. If you've run out, fear not, we'll show you how to make your own spice mix below.

Substitutes For Pumpkin Pie Spice

You can purchase commercially prepared spice mix at most any grocery store. Look for popular brands like McCormick. But fear not if you don't have any on hand, there are many great substitutes you can find right in your spice drawer.

• This option is even better than the commercially made spice. Make your own by combining the following. Use one teaspoon of this mixture per 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice called for in your recipe:
  1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon +
  1/8 teaspoon ground cloves +
  1/4 teaspoon ground ginger +
  1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  
• OR - alternatively, use 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice if you happen to have that in your pantry.
• OR - Pumpkin pie spice extract see description and amounts needed below.
• OR - If you are out of options you can use 1 teaspoon of ground allspice. We don't recommend you use this option to make a pie or a cake. It might suffice for spicing up a hot beverage. Allspice is strong so you may want to use a little less.
• OR - For making hot beverages including spicy, warm winter cocktails, you can use pumpkin pie spice creamer in place of spice mix using about 1-2 tablespoons per teaspoon spice mix needed. The flavor may not be as strong, but it will save you an unwanted trip to the grocery store.

In general, if you are baking and you want that "pumpkin pie spice" experience, you should go use the first or 2nd substitute provided.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend Extract

If you are really crazy about this blend of spices, you may want to check out McCormick's Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend Extract. This concentrated liquid can be used to make quick breads, spiced beverages, candies, and even spiced French toast. Per cup of milk, you'll need about 1/2 teaspoon of the extract, and pumpkin bread requires about 1 tablespoon. A pumpkin spiced latte only needs about 1/4 teaspoon.

You can purchase this extract at Walmart stores and online as well as at Amazon.com. Your local well-stocked grocery store may carry it as well in the spice and baking section of the store.