How to Make Pumpkin Spice at Home (And What to Use It For)

It’s still summer where I am — the days are long and the tomatoes are ripe — but I’ll be honest… I’m already dreaming of jumpers, candles, and pumpkin spice everything. There’s just something about that warm, sweet mix of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove that makes everything feel comforting and cosy.

If you're anything like me, you've probably bought a little jar of pumpkin spice at some point — but did you know it's ridiculously easy to make your own at home? Not only is it more affordable, it’s fresher, and you can tweak the blend to suit your taste.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice at Home

Here's how to do it.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend Recipe

This is a classic blend — perfect for baking, lattes, pancakes, body scrubs, and even autumnal candles.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• 2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1½ tsp ground allspice

• 1½ tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Add all the spices to a small bowl or jar.

2. Stir well or shake until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

3. Store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight — it’ll stay fragrant for up to 6 months.

Tip: If you love a spicier kick, add a little more ginger or clove. Want it sweeter? Up the cinnamon.

Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice at Home

1. Use fresh, good-quality spices

The flavour shines when your ground spices are fresh. If you’ve had that jar of nutmeg since 2019… it might be time to upgrade!

2. Toast whole spices for extra flavour

If you’re starting with whole spices (like cloves or cinnamon sticks), toasting them lightly in a dry pan for a minute or two before grinding can boost their aroma and depth.

3. Adjust the balance to your taste

Want it cosier and sweeter? Add a touch more cinnamon. Prefer something bolder? Increase the ginger or clove slightly. It’s your blend — make it personal.

4. Store it in an airtight jar

Keep your mix in a sealed glass jar, away from heat and light. This helps preserve the flavour for months.

5. Label your jar

If you’re making it ahead for the season (or gifting it), add a little handwritten label or sticker so you don’t forget what it is. You could even include the date made.

How to Grind Fresh Spices

1. Toast the Spices (Optional but Recommended)

Lightly toast your whole spices in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes.

• Stir constantly to stop burning

• This boosts their natural oils and deepens the flavour

• Let them cool before grinding

2. Grind Them Up

You’ve got a few good options:

• Spice grinder (best option):

  A dedicated electric spice or coffee grinder makes the job easy and fast. Pulse until fine.

• Mortar and pestle:

  Old-school but satisfying. Best for small amounts or tougher spices like cloves or nutmeg.

• Manual coffee grinder:

  Works if you don't have an electric one. Just clean it well after.

• Microplane grater (for nutmeg):

  Nutmeg is often grated fresh with a fine zester-style grater, which is great for small amounts.

How to Use Your Pumpkin Spice Mix

Now you’ve made a jar — here are some lovely ways to enjoy it:

• Pumpkin spice latte – Add ½ tsp to your coffee with frothed milk and maple syrup

• Baking – Use it in muffins, cookies, or autumn cakes

• Oats & yoghurt – Stir into porridge or sprinkle on Greek yoghurt with honey

• Body scrub – Mix with brown sugar, oil and a little vanilla extract

• Candle making or wax melts – Add to natural wax for homemade gifts

• Simmer pots – Pop a spoonful into a saucepan with citrus peel and let it bubble gently for a fragrant home

Why Make It Yourself?

• Cheaper than shop-bought spice blends

• You control the ingredients (no anti-caking agents)

• Customise it to your taste

• Great for gifting — add to jars with handwritten labels

How to Make Pumpkin Spice FAQs

1. What does pumpkin spice taste like?

It’s a sweet and warming mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and clove. It’s what gives pumpkin pie its cosy, nostalgic flavour.

2. Is there actual pumpkin in pumpkin spice?

Nope! Pumpkin spice doesn’t contain pumpkin — it’s simply the spice blend traditionally used in pumpkin pie.

3. Can I use fresh spices instead of ground?

You can, but you’ll need to grind them finely using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Toasting them lightly first will boost the flavour.

4. How long does homemade pumpkin spice last?

Stored in a sealed jar away from light and moisture, it should remain fresh for approximately 6 months, although it may lose some potency after that.

5. Can I gift this?

Great idea! It’s a lovely handmade gift. Pop it in a small jar with a cute label or tag, and maybe add a card with recipe ideas.