Fall is upon us, and that means pumpkin spice season is too! If you’re like many pumpkin lovers, you might go through a few cans of pumpkin pie spice a year.
Any good chef knows that the key to a great dish is in the seasoning. And when it comes to pumpkin pie, there is no seasoning more essential than pumpkin pie spice.
This unique blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger gives pumpkin pie its characteristic flavor and aroma. Without the pumpkin spice, the pumpkin pie would just taste bland.
So what if you’re out of pumpkin pie spice or don’t have the time to run to the store? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, we’ll list 10 substitutes for pumpkin pie spice that will taste just as good or similar. Plus, we’ll give you the ratios to use so your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Substitutes For Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- A Mix of Cloves and Nutmeg
- Cocoa and Cinnamon
- Cloves and Cinnamon Mix
- Black Peppercorns and Cinnamon
- Grounded Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon
- All Spices Mix
- Star Anise and Cinnamon
- Pumpkin Seeds and All Spices Mix
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the main ingredient in pumpkin pie spice, so it makes sense that it would act as a great substitute on its own.
When using cinnamon as a substitute, you will want to use a lesser amount than what amount the recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice.
Start by adding cinnamon slowly and tasting as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in. If you find that the flavor is too strong, you can try diluting it with a little bit of sugar.
Overall, cinnamon is a great substitute for pumpkin pie spice, and it is one that you are likely to already have in your pantry. Try it today and see how it tastes!
Ginger
If you are out of pumpkin pie spice and need a substitute, ginger is a good option. It is one of the key ingredients in pumpkin pie spice, so it will help to give your dish the close flavor you’re looking for.
When using ginger as a substitute, add a little less than you would of the pumpkin pie spice mix. This is because ginger has a strong flavor which can easily overpower the other flavors in your dish.
In a nutshell, ginger can be a great substitute for pumpkin pie spice and can help you create a delicious dish that tastes just like pumpkin pie.
A Mix of Cloves and Nutmeg
Mixing cloves and nutmeg is a terrific pumpkin pie spice substitute. Simply mix one part cloves with one part nutmeg, and you are good to go!
You may need to experiment a bit to see how much of each spice to add to each recipe, but the results will be well worth it. This simple blend will give your pies a warm and inviting flavor that is sure to please even the most finicky eaters.
Cocoa and Cinnamon
Cocoa powder and ground cinnamon are collectively great substitutes for pumpkin pie spice since they both have a strong flavor that can liven up any dish.
The key is to use the correct ratio of cocoa to cinnamon. When it comes to us, we like to use equal portions, but you can adjust according to your taste. Just remember that a little goes a long way, so you might want to start by adding a little!
These two spices work well together in sweet and savory dishes alike.
Cloves and Cinnamon Mix
Cloves and cinnamon are a great complement to each other and can be used as a pumpkin pie spice substitute. Although you can use as much or as little of each as you like, for the most flavor, use the same quantity as the spice mix.
Cloves have a strong, pungent flavor that is sweet and slightly floral, while cinnamon is warm and spicy with a sweeter flavor. When used together, they create a well-rounded pumpkin pie spice flavor.
If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, use more cinnamon than cloves. If you want a stronger clove flavor, use more cloves than cinnamon. Experiment until you find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
Black Peppercorns and Cinnamon
Black peppercorns and cinnamon make for a great pumpkin pie spice substitute! This earthy combination is perfect for adding to your favorite recipes.
Simply mix the two and add as you like. Black peppercorns add a rich flavor, while cinnamon adds sweetness and depth. Together, they create a unique and delicious spice blend that is perfect for fall baking.
Grounded Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon
Pumpkin seeds and cinnamon is a popular pumpkin pie spice substitute that is easy to make at home. This spice blend can be used in any recipe that calls for pumpkin pie spice, and can also be used to flavor coffee, tea, or oatmeal.
To create this seasoning, simply grind pumpkin seeds in a food processor or coffee grinder and mix them with cinnamon, preferably in a powdered form. For a richer pumpkin flavor, add two parts pumpkin seeds to one part cinnamon.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to add pumpkin pie spice to your pantry, a combination of pumpkin seeds and cinnamon is an excellent option.
All Spices Mix
Surprisingly, all spices mix can be used as a pumpkin pie spice substitute too. It is made with 100% natural spices and is great for baking and cooking, so it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes alike.
Also, since all spices mix has a large range in the market, you can choose your favorite one among them. But make sure to choose a similar seasoning spices mix to retain the pumpkin spice mix flavor.
Star Anise and Cinnamon
Star anise and cinnamon are a great combination for pumpkin pie spice substitutes. The former has a strong, earthy flavor that goes well with the latter’s sweetness. To make this substitution, use 2 parts cinnamon for every 1 part star anise.
Star anise can be found in the spice section of most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, a similar substitute for star anise is the all spices mix. All spices mix has a similar flavor profile to star anise, but it is not as strong.
As a result, you may need to use a bit more of the all spices mix to get the desired flavor. When substituting all spice mix for star anise, use 1 tablespoon of the former for every 1 teaspoon of the latter.
Pumpkin Seeds and All Spices Mix
Pumpkin seeds and all spices mix is a great pumpkin pie spice substitute.
Simply take crushed mixed seeds, such as pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds, and mix them with a seasoning blend of your choice. We like to use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a traditional flavor profile.
You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste. This spiced recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavor of pumpkin pie without the fuss of making a whole pie.
Simply add a tablespoon or two of the mix to your favorite baked goods recipe and enjoy the substitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make pumpkin pie spice?
To make pumpkin pie spice, mix 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice.
What can I use pumpkin pie spice for?
Pumpkin pie spice can be used in a variety of dishes, including pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin waffles, pumpkin soup, pumpkin chili, and pumpkin macaroni and cheese, among others.
It can also be used in other fall favorites such as sweet potato casserole, butternut squash soup, spiced apple cider, and cranberry sauce.
Is pumpkin pie spice the same as pumpkin seasoning?
No, pumpkin pie spice is a specific blend of spices that is used to flavor pumpkin dishes. Pumpkin seasoning is a broader term that can refer to pumpkin spice mix or to pre-mixed spices that include pumpkin pie spice.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon?
Yes, pumpkin pie spice can be used as a replacement for cinnamon in most recipes. The two spices have a similar flavor profile, so the substitution will work well in most cases.
Conclusion
There are a variety of options that will give you a similar flavor profile to pumpkin pie spice. You can use all spice mix, star anise and cinnamon, pumpkin seeds, and all spice mix, or make your pumpkin spice mix.
With so many substitutes available, you’re sure to find one that fits your need. So go and give a try any one out of all these alternatives today and let us know how well you enjoy the substitution.