Apple Pie Spice Recipe: Apple pie spice is that magical blend of warm, cozy flavors that instantly transports you to a rustic kitchen filled with the aroma of a freshly baked pie. It’s a pre-mixed combination of aromatic spices traditionally used in—you guessed it—apple pies. But here’s the secret: it’s more versatile than you think. Whether you’re adding it to oatmeal, lattes, or pancakes, this spice mix can elevate almost anything from “meh” to “marvelous.”
Usually, apple pie spice includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. But that’s just the base. Some recipes add extras like ginger or cardamom to give it a twist. Buying a pre-made mix is easy, sure—but crafting your own lets you control the flavor and freshness. And let’s be honest, there’s something pretty satisfying about using a homemade spice blend.
Why Make Your Own Spice Blend?
Why bother when you can grab a jar off the shelf, right? Well, here’s the deal—making your own apple pie spice is not only simple but also way more cost-effective. You probably already have most of these spices sitting in your kitchen cabinet, slowly losing their punch.
When you make it at home:
- You control the ingredients. No fillers or preservatives.
- It’s fresher. Ground spices lose potency over time, and a DIY blend means everything’s mixed when you need it.
- You can customize it. Want more cinnamon? Less nutmeg? A hint of clove? You’re the boss here.
Plus, it only takes five minutes—tops. So if you’re a fan of fall flavors or just want to add a homemade touch to your baking, making your own apple pie spice is a no-brainer.
Ingredients Needed
Common Spices Used
The heart of any great apple pie spice mix is a trio of aromatic spices:
- Ground Cinnamon – The star of the show. Sweet, warm, and slightly woody, cinnamon forms the base of this blend.
- Ground Nutmeg – Adds a subtle nuttiness and spice that complements the sweetness of cinnamon.
- Ground Allspice – Tastes like a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all in one. Adds depth and complexity.
This core trio works beautifully together, giving you that signature apple pie flavor. If you only have these three, you’re already off to a great start.
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
Want to make your blend stand out? Consider these optional but delightful add-ins:
- Ground Cloves – Just a pinch will intensify the warmth of the blend.
- Ground Ginger – Adds a bit of zing and brightness.
- Ground Cardamom – For a slightly floral and citrusy twist.
- Ground Mace – Similar to nutmeg but more delicate and aromatic.
Adding these spices isn’t mandatory, but it lets you tailor the blend to suit your personal flavor profile. You can even adjust quantities depending on how bold or subtle you want the result to be.
Here’s a basic ingredient ratio to get you started:
| Spice | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon | 4 tablespoons |
| Nutmeg | 1½ teaspoons |
| Allspice | 1½ teaspoons |
| Cloves (opt.) | ½ teaspoon |
| Ginger (opt.) | ½ teaspoon |
These measurements yield about ¼ cup of spice blend—enough to fill a small spice jar.
Equipment You’ll Need
Measuring Tools
Before you dive into mixing, gather the right tools to make things smooth and accurate:
- Measuring spoons – Precision matters when you’re balancing strong flavors like cloves or nutmeg.
- Small bowl – For combining your spices.
- Whisk or spoon – To mix everything evenly.
Consistency is key. A quick whisk or stir ensures that each teaspoon scooped from your jar will taste the same.
Mixing & Storing Supplies
Once your spices are mixed, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here’s what you need:
- Airtight glass spice jar or container – A small mason jar or recycled spice bottle works great.
- Label and date sticker – So you know exactly what’s inside and when you made it.
Glass containers are better than plastic because they don’t absorb oils or odors, and they keep spices fresher for longer. Store your blend in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat and moisture.
Step-by-Step Apple Pie Spice Recipe
Step 1: Measure Your Ingredients
Grab your measuring spoons and get to scooping. Precision is important—especially with potent spices like nutmeg or cloves, which can easily overpower a blend. Make sure you level off each spoon for accurate amounts.
Start with:
- 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1½ teaspoons ground allspice
Then, if desired, add:
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
You can scale this recipe up or down depending on how often you use it. If you’re just testing it out, start small. Once you’ve fallen in love with the flavor (and you will), double or triple the recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Spices Together
Pour all your measured spices into a small bowl. Use a whisk or spoon to stir them together thoroughly. You’ll know it’s mixed well when the color is uniform throughout and you can’t see separate layers of spices.
Take a moment to breathe it in. That aroma? That’s what coziness smells like.
Mixing tip: If you’re doubling or tripling the batch, consider using a small blender or spice grinder for an ultra-smooth blend.
Step 3: Store It Properly
Transfer your freshly mixed apple pie spice to a clean, dry, airtight container. Label it with the name and today’s date.
Store it in a cool, dark place—like your spice rack or pantry. It should stay fresh for up to 6 months, though if you’re like most apple spice lovers, you’ll use it up long before that.
Want to go the extra mile? Make cute labels and give jars as homemade holiday gifts. Trust me, your friends and family will love it.
Ways to Use Apple Pie Spice
In Baked Goods
This blend was born to be baked with. From classic apple pies to muffins, cookies, and cakes—apple pie spice brings a cozy, nostalgic flavor that’s hard to beat.
Here are some top-tier baked goods to spice up:
- Apple Pie (obviously) – Replace individual spices in your recipe with 1–2 teaspoons of this blend per 9-inch pie.
- Muffins – Add a teaspoon to apple, banana, or pumpkin muffins for an autumnal twist.
- Cookies – Spice up sugar cookies or snickerdoodles for something a little unexpected.
- Quick Breads – Like banana bread, zucchini bread, or apple cinnamon loaves.
- Coffee Cakes – Add it to the batter or the crumb topping for an added layer of flavor.
- Pancakes and Waffles – Mix into your batter for a fragrant breakfast that tastes like dessert.
You can even dust it over freshly baked items like donuts, scones, or croissants for that bakery-level aroma and taste. If you’re baking something neutral like vanilla cupcakes or plain sugar cookies, just a dash of this blend can create a completely new flavor experience.
In Beverages and Breakfasts
One of the easiest ways to use apple pie spice is in your morning routine. Just a pinch can turn your average cup of coffee or bowl of oats into something special.
Here’s how to use it beyond the oven:
- Coffee or Lattes – Stir it into your grounds before brewing or mix it into milk for a DIY spiced latte.
- Smoothies – Add ¼ teaspoon to your apple or banana smoothie for a warm kick.
- Oatmeal – Stir into your bowl with honey or maple syrup for a fall-flavored start to your day.
- Chia Pudding – Give your overnight chia pudding a cozy flavor boost.
- Granola or Yogurt Topping – Mix it into homemade granola or sprinkle on top of yogurt bowls.
- Toast Topping – Blend it into butter, sprinkle with sugar, and spread over toast or bagels.
And don’t forget about cocktails and mocktails. Apple pie spice can add a warm finish to spiked ciders, hot toddies, or non-alcoholic apple spritzers.
Essentially, anywhere you’d add cinnamon or nutmeg, apple pie spice can probably shine just as bright—if not brighter.
FAQs about Apple Pie Spice Recipe
Can I substitute apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, you can. They have similar ingredients, but pumpkin pie spice often has more cloves and ginger. It may slightly change the flavor, but in most recipes, they can be swapped without issues.
How long does homemade apple pie spice last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, it can last up to 6 months. After that, it’s still usable but may lose some of its potency.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
You can still make a simplified version with just cinnamon and nutmeg. It won’t have the full depth, but it’ll still taste great. Adjust quantities to balance the flavors.
Can I make a larger batch and store it?
Absolutely! Just double or triple the recipe, mix thoroughly, and store in a glass jar. Keep it tightly sealed to preserve freshness.
Is apple pie spice gluten-free?
Yes, the spices themselves are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your spices weren’t processed in a facility that handles gluten if you’re very sensitive.
Conclusion
Apple pie spice isn’t just for pies—it’s your shortcut to cozy, nostalgic flavor in nearly anything you make. From baking and beverages to breakfast and beyond, this versatile blend adds comfort and warmth in every bite or sip.
The best part? Making it at home is fast, easy, and way more flavorful than anything you’ll find in a store. You get to control what goes in, adjust the balance to your liking, and even experiment with unique add-ins.
Whether you’re preparing for fall baking season or just love the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg in your kitchen, this homemade apple pie spice is your go-to blend. So grab those spices, mix a batch, and start sprinkling a little extra magic into your day.
