Why Make Your Own Apple Pie Spice?

You might be thinking, Kristine—why would I go through the trouble of making my own apple pie spice when I can just grab a jar off the shelf? Well, let me tell you my friend, there’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up your own spice blend.

Not only do you know exactly what goes into it, you get to control the freshness and balance of flavors. You can also tweak it to suit your taste (more on this below). Plus, it’s super simple to make, and you probably already have the ingredients sitting in your pantry right now, so why not? This can save you a trip to the store too, if you don’t have apple pie spice on-hand (which happens to me way more often than I care to admit, haha).

The Perfect Blend of Spices

My version of apple pie spice includes just four ingredients—cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a touch of ginger. Traditional apple pie spice usually contains the trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Ginger isn’t always included, but I think it adds a little something special.

• Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings that sweet, slightly woody warmth that’s essential to any good apple pie spice blend.
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that really deepens the overall spice mix.
• Allspice: Despite its name, allspice isn’t a blend of spices; it’s actually its own spice. It has a flavor that’s a bit like a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, adding a complex depth to the blend.
• Ginger (optional): Ginger adds a subtle zing that balances the sweetness of the other spices, giving your blend a bit of extra warmth and a hint of spice. For a traditional apple pie spice blend, omit the ginger.

How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Spice

1. In a small bowl or jar, combine the ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger.
2. Stir until the spices are evenly mixed or place the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until the spices are well mixed.
3. Store the apple pie spice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and use as needed in all of your favorite recipes.

How to Use Your Apple Pie Spice

Now that you’ve got this lovely spice blend, the possibilities are endless. Of course, it’s perfect for apple pie (duh), but don’t stop there. Sprinkle it on your morning oatmeal, stir it into pancake or waffle batter, or even mix it into your coffee grounds for a spiced brew that will quite literally warm you from the inside out. It’s also fantastic in baked goods like muffins, cookies, and cakes—basically, anywhere you want a touch of that cozy, spiced apple pie flavor.

This homemade apple pie spice is a quick, easy, versatile spice blend that you can use in so many different ways (and use all year long). And there’s something extra special about knowing that you’ve made it yourself, from scratch, with your own two hands. So the next time you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting my friend, reach for this homemade apple pie spice and let it work its magic at your hose too.