What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? You’re about to discover the best alternatives for pumpkin pie spice here.
Pumpkin-flavored beverages and desserts are popular, especially in the autumn season. While you make the fall season treats, pumpkin pie is one that you can’t miss out on. For this reason, the pumpkin pie spice mix is a must-have item in your kitchen cupboard.
If you run short of pumpkin pie spice, just do not worry. The spice mixture used in pumpkin pie contains commonly available conventional spices. In all probability, you already have these ingredients in your spice cabinet. Therefore, finding workable swaps for pumpkin pie spice is easy.
What is pumpkin pie spice made of?
Pumpkin pie spice, also known as pumpkin spice, is an American spice mix commonly used as an ingredient in pumpkin pie. It is quite similar to British mixed spices.
It contains a blend of ingredients such as:
- Ground cinnamon
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Allspice (optional)
- Mace (optional)
Best Substitutes for Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
Pumpkin pie spice combines warm spices we all reach for in our fall and holiday baking. As we have already said, it contains easily available ingredients. Try making your own pumpkin pie spice.
1. DIY pumpkin spice mix
Buying premixed spices is conventional and convenient. Nonetheless, homemade pumpkin pie spice is easy to prepare and tasty.
Honestly speaking, it is advantageous to make your pumpkin pie spice. First, it gives you the advantage of using the best-quality individual spices. Secondly, you may already have all these ingredients in your kitchen cabinet.
IngredientsÂ
Two teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice recipe:
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground ginger: ½ teaspoon
- Ground cloves: ¼ teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
Optional individual spices:
- Cardamom
- Mace
- Allspice
Directions
- Stir to blend the ingredients.
- Store in a tightly sealed small glass or steel container.
- Store it in a cool place.
Note
You can customize the amount of each spice used according to your taste preferences. Keep it stored in an airtight container or spice jar for future use.
2. Apple Pie Spice
Apple pie spice is an excellent substitute for pumpkin pie spice. They both contain similar ingredients. Even their flavor profiles are quite the same. It is almost impossible to distinguish between the two.
Cinnamon is the chief ingredient in both of these spice mixtures. In other words, they both have a dominant cinnamon flavor.
Apple pie spice contains nutmeg and ginger, as does pumpkin pie spice.
The only difference is the omission of cloves in the apple spice mix. Obviously, for those who don’t relish the taste of cloves, this spice blend is a gratifying alternative to pumpkin pie spice.
While using this spice mixture in a recipe that calls for pumpkin pie spice blends, use it exactly in the same measure. Use 1 teaspoon apple spice for 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
3. A mix of Cinnamon and Clove
As you already know, cinnamon is the dominant flavor of pumpkin pie spice. The second most distinguishable flavor in pumpkin pie is that of clove. Other ingredients do not make much difference.
The clove and cinnamon mixture can provide the desired flavor to the pumpkin pie.
The complex flavor of cinnamon and cloves overshadows the taste of other ingredients like ginger and nutmeg.
The cinnamon and clove mixture is a fine replacement for pumpkin pie spice. While making this mixture, use both of them in equal portions.
4. Other Easy Alternatives
You don’t need to use the spice mix at all. You can try the spice ingredients in the mixture individually.
Cinnamon alone can give a good flavor to pumpkin pie. Of course, using the spice mix can’t give you the ideal flavor you get. It’s still a good replacement for the complex spice mix.
Similarly, you can use these cloves alone to substitute pumpkin pie spice without the other spices. It works well for those who do not like the strong flavor of cinnamon.
You can use allspice if your recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice.
Another replacement option is using mace and nutmeg together. They complement each other to give a pleasant taste to the pumpkin pie.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Are pumpkin pie spice and allspice the same?
No. Pumpkin pie spice combines cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and cloves. It may even include allspice and mace. Allspice is a single spice made from ground allspice berries.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of allspice?
Apple pie and pumpkin pie spice can be substituted with an equal measure of ground allspice. Allspice can also be used as one of the ingredients in pumpkin pie spice.
Can I substitute nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice?
Nutmeg is one of the ingredients used in pumpkin pie spice. In your recipes, you can replace nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice in equal quantities. But it won’t give you the complex flavor of the original spice mix.
How much pumpkin pie spice to substitute for individual spices?
When substituting pumpkin pie spice for individual spices, a good rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for every 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon each of allspice and nutmeg. It’s always a good idea to start with a smaller amount and adjust to your personal taste preference.
Final Thought
If you’ve run out of pumpkin pie spice, don’t panic. You’re bound to bake up a hit, whether you substitute it with apple pie spice, cinnamon, cloves, or a homemade pumpkin spice blend.
You can also use DIY pumpkin pie spice for individual spices like allspice, cinnamon, or cloves.
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