If you’re looking to make your own apple pie spice, make sure you’re going to be using a lot of it. Some of the ingredients come in bottles much larger than you’ll need to make this blend. You’ have to buy a bottle when you only need a teaspoonful or two. While the perfect apple pie spice makes all the difference, it’s also quite expensive.
Apple pie spice is simply a balanced blend of warm baking spices. The main ingredients are cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. You can adjust each spice depending on how bright, warm, or deep you want the flavor. It all depends on your personal taste. Some people hate the taste of clove while others love it.
Personal preferences in taste are the reason why you’ll find so many variations of apple pie spice. There truly is no standard recipe or blend or spices. Some recipes call for only cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Many other recipes omit the allspice due to the insane cost.
Basic Homemade Apple Pie Spice Blend
A reliable, classic ratio of spices that works for pies, crisps, muffins, and oatmeal:
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon — the base flavor; warm and sweet
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg — adds depth and a little sharpness
- 1 teaspoon allspice — rounds out the warmth
- 1 teaspoon ginger — adds brightness and a tiny bit of heat
- ½ teaspoon cloves — very strong; adds richness and aroma
Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container for up to a year.
How to Adjust the Flavor of Your Apple Pie Spice Blend
Different spices shift the overall flavor of the spice mix. Add more or less of a particular spice to adjust to your preference.
- Cinnamon — makes the blend sweeter and smell cozier
- Ginger — makes the blend spicier and brighter
- Allspice and Clove — makes the blend deeper and richer. Increase these spices sparingly. Too much of either spice could overpower the flavor
How Much of The Blend to Use in An Apple Pie
For a standard 9-inch apple pie 1½ to 2 teaspoons of the blend mixed into the filling works beautifully.
Apple Pie Spice Recipe
Utensils & Equipment
- 1 small bowl
- 1 wire whisk
- 1 airtight jar or container
Ingredients List
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
Mix and Store
- Add the spice to an airtight jar or container.
- Seal the container and shake well.
