Instructions
Pumpkin Pie Spice Flavor
McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice brings a warm, sweet and comforting aroma that signals that fall is on its way. An aromatic blend of classic spices, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, Pumpkin Pie Spice delivers a balanced combination of woody sweetness, gentle zing, and deep aromatic spice. Whether baked into a classic holiday pie, stirred into a morning latte, or used to bring warmth to a savory dinner dish, pumpkin pie spice makes every recipe feel like a celebration.
What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin Pie Spice is a blended spice mix designed to bring warm flavor to dishes without the need to measure multiple individual ingredients. While originally created to streamline holiday baking, it has evolved into a beloved seasonal flavor profile enjoyed in everything from breakfast dishes to savory dinners and hot beverages.
What Ingredients are in Pumpkin Pie Spice?
McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice is a precise blend of four high-quality spices:
- Cinnamon: Provides the foundation of sweet warmth and woody aroma
- Ginger: Adds a spicy bite and subtle zesty lift
- Nutmeg: Delivers a nutty and slightly sweet undertone
- Allspice: Brings a complex spice flavor reminiscent of cloves and berries
Together, these spices create a signature taste that consumers rank as their favorite seasonal flavor of the year.
How Much Pumpkin Pie Spice is Used for One Pie?
Our classic 9-inch Signature Pumpkin Pie recipe requires 1 tablespoon of McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice for the optimal balance of flavor.
Pumpkin Pie Substitutes and Comparisons
When you’re out of pumpkin pie spice or substituting in a pinch, understanding how it compares to individual cabinet staples can help you keep your recipes on track.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice at Home
While the recipe for McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice is top secret, you can try the following if you ever run out:
For 2 Tablespoons Worth:
- 3/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Allspice
Homemade Ratio:
- 3 parts Ground Cinnamon
- 2 parts Ground Ginger
- 2 parts Ground Nutmeg
- 1 part Ground Allspice
Combine all the ground spices into a small bowl, whisk until mixed, and store in an airtight spice jar or container.
What Can I Use Instead of Pumpkin Pie Spice?
If you don’t have all four ingredients to make a full blend, use ground cinnamon as your primary substitute. For every 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, use ¾ teaspoon cinnamon plus ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ginger, or allspice.
Pumpkin Pie Spice vs. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is typically the primary ingredient in Pumpkin Pie Spice. However, cinnamon is a single spice known for its warm, sweet, and woody flavor, while Pumpkin Pie Spice is a more complex blend of ground spices, usually including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
Pumpkin Pie Spice vs. Pumpkin Spice
You might be wondering if pumpkin pie spice is the same as pumpkin spice. The answer is, they are one in the same! Pumpkin Pie Spice refers to the actual spice blend in the bottle, while Pumpkin Spice has become the popular name for the seasonal flavor concept featured in all your favorite drinks, baked goods, and other autumnal items.
Pumpkin Pie Spice vs. Allspice
Pumpkin pie spice and allspice are completely different. Allspice is a single spice made from dried, unripened berries. It gets its name because its flavor resembles a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Pumpkin Pie Spice is a blend of four distinct ground spices. While Allspice is an essential component of pumpkin pie spice, using pure allspice alone is not a substitute.
The History of Pumpkin Pie Spice
McCormick first introduced Pumpkin Pie Spice back in 1934. Before the 1930s, making a pumpkin pie meant roasting and straining fresh pumpkin from scratch, then carefully measuring out individual spices. When commercially canned pumpkin hit grocery shelves, McCormick created Pumpkin Pie Spice to take the guesswork out of baking and streamline preparation for home chefs.
Is McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice Gluten Free?
Yes, McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice is gluten free. McCormick is committed to clear product labeling and strict allergen management practices at our processing facilities. Always check the bottle packaging for the most up-to-date allergen and ingredient statements.
Best Times to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice
Yes, McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice is gluten free. McCormick is committed to clear product labeling and strict allergen management practices at our processing facilities. Always check the bottle packaging for the most up-to-date allergen and ingredient statements.
- 72% of households use pumpkin pie spice at least once a week during peak fall months
- 25% use pumpkin pie spice daily in autumn
- 66% of respondents said they're using the spice at dinner time, not just for coffee and pastries
Does Pumpkin Pie Spice Go Bad?
Ground spice blends do not spoil in a way that makes you sick, but they do lose potency and flavor over time. For optimal flavor, use Pumpkin Pie Spice by the date listed on the McCormick bottle top. For shelf-life information and storage tips, read our guide here.
Flavors That Go with Pumpkin Pie Spice
Enhance your meals by pairing McCormick Pie Spice with these complementary herbs and spices:
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract rounds out the warm notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, ideal for baked goods, whipped cream, and coffee drinks
- Thyme: Piney and earthy, pure thyme pairs surprisingly well with pumpkin pie spice in savory roasted squash, pork chops, or chicken skillet dinners
- Black Pepper: Adds a sharpness that cuts through the rich sweetness of pumpkin pie spice when making savory autumn stews or braised meats
- Cloves: For extra deep heat, a pinch of ground cloves complements the allspice and ginger in heavy holiday baking
Favorite Recipes Featuring Pumpkin Pie Spice
McCormick has plenty of pumpkin pie spice recipes to help you celebrate the fall season! Some of our favorites include:
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Latte
- Signature Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Doughnuts
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Pumpkin Seeds
- Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping
