Apple Pie Spice

When you can make your own Apple Pie Spice at home, you’ll never run out! You need just 4 ingredients and a few minutes to put it all together. Use it in all your favorite fall apple desserts!

Apple pie spice is a little shortcut for making all those cozy apple treats we love in the fall—and yes, apple pie too. Instead of grabbing a handful of jars from the pantry every time you’re making an Apple Crisp, Apple Dumpling or Apple Pie Bars, you can just take out the jar of apple pie spice. Simple!

Although cinnamon is obviously mandatory, the rest of the spices in apple pie spice differ from one blend to the next, and the ratios are often different too. My version is heavy on the cinnamon for the cozy warmth you expect in an apple pie, then I add in ginger, nutmeg, and just a bit of cardamom. I absolutely love the flavor of cardamom in here—it’s commonly used in Scandinavian cooking and baking and if Scandinavians know anything, it’s keeping cozy.

Making your own apple pie spice at home allows you to customize the blend according to your preferences, and I think homemade seasoning blends taste better too—they’re fresher and more potent, especially when you use high quality spices. (Or, if you’re really ambitious, grind or grate them yourself!) Plus, when you have all the ingredients on hand in your pantry—which most bakers do!—you never have to worry about running out because you can always mix up some more!

Ingredients for Apple Pie Spice

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

• Cinnamon – The backbone of apple pie spice, cinnamon adds warmth and depth to any apple recipe. 
• Ground Ginger – This spice brings a subtle heat and a hint of earthiness to the blend. It pairs well with cinnamon; add extra ginger to the mix and your apple pie spice will be a bit spicy.
• Nutmeg – Nutmeg adds warmth (are you sensing a common theme here?) and depth to the blend. You can use ground nutmeg or grate it fresh for maximum flavor.
• Cardamom – For an extra layer of complexity. Cardamom has a bright, citrusy flavor that adds a unique twist to this apple pie spice blend.

How to Make Apple Pie Spice

For the printable recipe instructions, scroll down to the bottom of the post.

1. Combine. Add the ingredients to a small bowl. 
2. Mix. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
3. Store. Transfer to an airtight container and store until you’re ready to use it.

What Is the Difference Between Apple Pie Spice and Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice are both warm spice blends, but pumpkin pie spice usually includes ground cloves, which have a very strong flavor and balances the cinnamon. To me, apple pie spice is more cinnamon-forward than pumpkin pie spice.

How to Store Apple Pie Spice

Store your apple pie spice in a jar, zip-top bag, or other airtight container. It will keep for up to 6 months in a pantry or cool, dry place, assuming you use fresh spices. (If the spices were already past their prime, your apple pie spice might lose its flavor sooner.)

Ways to Use Apple Pie Spice

Apple pie is definitely the classic way to use apple pie spice—I mean, it’s in the name! But there are so many other ways to put this spice blend to use.

• Oatmeal – Make a bowl of old-fashioned or steel-cut oats and sprinkle some apple pie spice on top for a cozy breakfast.
• Granola – Add apple pie spice to your favorite homemade granola recipe. (Add some dried apples too for apple pie granola!)
• Pancakes or waffles – Stir some apple pie spice into your favorite pancake or waffle recipe for fall vibes. These Buttermilk Pancakes are my favorite.
• Applesauce – Jazz up CrockPot Applesauce with a pinch of apple pie spice.
• Sautéed apples – Melt butter in a skillet, then add sliced apples and sprinkle them with apple pie spice. Cook until they’re tender and sweeten with a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Recipes – If a recipe with apples calls for a few different spices, you can substitute the same amount of apple pie spice. Try it with my Apple Dumpling Recipe, Crock Pot Apple Crisp Recipe, or Applesauce Cake.

More Seasoning Blend Recipes

• Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Poultry Seasoning
• The BEST Dry Rub
• Homemade Pizza Seasoning
• Meatloaf Seasoning
• Steak Seasoning
• Taco Seasoning Mix

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