Why buy another spice jar when you can make your own? This DIY pumpkin pie spice recipe is everything fall in a jar: and it makes great gifts!

It’s that time of year: a chill has taken to the morning air. Even though I’m wearing flip flops and we have basil in our garden…I’m already craving pumpkin spice! Yeah, it’s a little cliché. On the other hand, why not embrace the pumpkin? We’ve seen pumpkin season get pushed earlier and earlier over the years, thanks to Starbucks’ masterful pumpkin spice latte marketing. But you know what? This year we’re prepared…with a delicious homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe!

What is in pumpkin pie spice?

So what’s actually in pumpkin pie spice? We’re glad you asked. That delectable blend of spices tastes like the memory of a fuzzy blanket and a mug of tea and a scented candle combined. Here are the secrets to pumpkin spice:

Cinnamon
Ginger
Allspice
Cloves
Nutmeg

This magic combination of 5 spices has the power to melt the heart of your grumpy boss or cranky mother in law. So get ready! Once this life-altering substance hits your pantry: things will never be the same.

Tips for making pumpkin spice

OK, we jest. But this pumpkin pie spice recipe is seriously fun to make! A few reasons to make it versus purchasing it at the store:

You probably already have these spices in your pantry.
It’s a small batch. Read: the spices will be fresh and you’ll avoid that a 5 year old jar gathering dust in the back of the cupboard.
You can make them for gifts! What teacher or neighbor would turn down a jar of homemade pumpkin pie spice?

Now, many recipes call for you to whisk together the spices, then pour them into a jar. But why bother dirtying a bowl and whisk? Here’s our method: Simply place all the spices into a jar, seal the jar, and shake! The spices distribute evenly in just a few seconds.

Recipes that use pumpkin pie spice

Most of the recipes on A Couple Cooks, we call for actual spices (cinnamon, ginger, and so forth). Here are some top pumpkin spice recipes:

Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe: Make pumpkin spice whipped cream by adding 1 teaspoon before whipping.
Fluffy Gluten Free Waffles: Make pumpkin spice waffles by substituting it for the cinnamon.
Best Ever Toasted Oatmeal or Instant Oatmeal: Make pumpkin spice oatmeal by adding substituting it for the cinnamon.
13 Things to Make with Pumpkin Pie Spice That Aren’t Pie

This recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and sugar free.