Nothing epitomises the season of autumn like the scent of pumpkin spice. This homemade version of pumpkin spice mix is a more vibrant and warming variation of a classic autumnal ingredient. The perfect blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, turmeric and black pepper is full of warm flavours with sweet and spicy tones and is perfect for pumpkin pies, pumpkin bread or essentially any other bake that requires a cosy autumnal feel.
This cosy little jar of autumn has its rightful place in my herbs and spices drawer all year round. The blend of earthy, warming, sweet and spicy flavours works well in any autumnal recipe whether it be pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice latte or indeed, a traditional apple pie. I’ve always preferred to make my own blend of spices as it is often difficult to find spice mixes which are labelled gluten-free. By using a mix of fresh spices, you can not only make it according to your own tastes, but also have the reassurance that what you’re putting into your baking is definitely coeliac-friendly.
What ingredients do you need?
Ground Cinnamon – The classic ingredient in most pumpkin bakes is cinnamon as it pairs perfectly with the flavours of the squash and brings with it all those cosy autumnal aromas and colours
Ground Ginger – Ground ginger adds the zest and tang that pumpkin pie spice needs. I like to go a little heavier on the ginger as I love a flavoursome bake but this can be reduced if you’d rather have a more cinnamon dominant cake
Ground Turmeric – Turmeric is often used in combination with the other spices in this mix, but not traditionally in a pumpkin pie spice mix. I find that adding turmeric adds yet more earthy notes to the mix as well as boosting the golden tones of those pumpkin bakes with its vibrant colour
Ground Nutmeg – Those earthy nutty tones are provided by a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, or freshly grated nutmeg can be used too!
Ground Cloves – Ground cloves or ground allspice can be used, just swap them 1-1 depending on your preferences
Ground Black Pepper – A dash of ground black pepper accentuates that kick of the combined spices and adds another layer of warmth
Related Recipes
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix
Ingredients
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves see notes
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl.3 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 ½ tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp turmeric, ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- Stir gently until completely combined.
- Store in an airtight container and use as desired.
Notes
