This homemade apple pie spice blend combines cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom for a warm, aromatic mix perfect for pies, cookies, tarts, and more. Mixing your own spices gives a fresher, more vibrant flavor and lets you adjust the balance to suit your taste.
After posting many apple recipes, I finally made a signature spice mix. It’s surprisingly hard to find pre-mixed apple pie spice in stores, and making your own takes only minutes. You can tailor the mix to your favorite warm notes and add or omit ingredients as you like.
I use this blend in everything from mini caramel apple tarts and caramel apple cheesecakes to individual apple crumbles and hand pies. It brings consistent, cozy spice to any apple dessert.
Traditional apple pie spice relies heavily on cinnamon with modest amounts of nutmeg and allspice. I include cardamom and ginger for extra depth—a pastry-school trick that creates a more interesting, layered flavor.
Spices you’ll need
Cinnamon forms the base of the blend and provides sweet warmth. Nutmeg adds an earthy, toasty note. Allspice gives clove-like depth while cardamom contributes a floral, citrusy lift. Ginger brings a bright, spicy bite that balances the mix.
Mix it up
Making the spice mix is very simple: measure the spices, combine them in a jar, and shake until evenly blended. Alternatively, whisk them together in a bowl and transfer the finished mix to an airtight container.
Storing leftover spices
Store the blend in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard. Properly stored, the mix will stay flavorful for up to one year.
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Homemade Apple Pie Spice
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon nutmeg
- 1/2 Tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/4 Tablespoon allspice
- 1/4 Tablespoon ground cardamom
Instructions
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Measure all ingredients into a jar. Seal and shake until the spices are well combined. Alternatively, whisk the spices together in a bowl and transfer the finished blend into an airtight container.
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Store the mix in a cool, dry place. Use about 1 1/2–2 teaspoons in a typical pie or start with 1 teaspoon if your recipe already includes cinnamon or nutmeg, then adjust to taste.
Notes
Use fresh ground spices for the best flavor—freshness matters.
Adjust the amount you use in recipes based on how spiced you like your desserts. Start small and add more if needed.