Making homemade apple pie spice substitute takes a few minutes and keeps for months if stored properly. A blend of simple warm spices, it's easily customizable to suit your palate. Good for any apple and sweet spice recipes you bake.
This simple combination of basic spices adds that old-fashioned fall flavor to your favorite apple recipes. That apple pie taste is achieved by using this mix, and nothing beats homemade!
I ditched my old spice jars, bought small mason jars and am starting to make my own blends that include pumpkin pie spice blend, this apple mix and more to come.
You'll love this 3-minute recipe (a must for apple season!) that can be adjusted to your taste.
The recipe below is our favorite mix of due to the ratio of the ingredients (ground spices) and we use it for everything. Use it as a guide.
Why make your own spice blend
- Cost-effective.
- Fresher ingredients: especially if you make it regularly. And it's guaranteed without additives or preservatives. It beats store-bought apple pie spice any day.
- Common spices: it uses easy ingredients, pantry staples that are readily available in the spice aisle at the grocery store.
- Adapted to your palate.
- Versatility: use it for any apple bake (pies, cookies, cakes, pancakes, etc.) and also for some spiced savory dishes chicken with apples.
Ingredient list
- Cinnamon: any ground cinnamon you normally use works fine. I like Frontier Vietnamese cinnamon and Simply Organic Ceylon cinnamon.
- Allspice: buy the ground allspice powder. If you have a spice grinder, you can buy whole allspice berries and grind them before using.
- Nutmeg: use ground nutmeg or buy whole nutmeg and grind them when needed like I do.
What's in apple pie spice mix?
The essential spices are typically cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Variations can be created by adding other spices like cardamom, mace, cloves, ginger or star anise.
What's the shelf life of homemade spice mixes?
Properly stored in an airtight container away from light and heat, homemade spice mix can maintain its flavor for about 6 months. After this time, the spices may lose some potency. Always check before using it.
How do I adjust the spice mix for different recipes?
Start with the recommended amount in the recipe, taste, and adjust as needed. For sweeter dishes, you might add more cinnamon, while for savory recipes, you may reduce the sweetness by using less allspice and adding a stronger spice like white pepper.
Is it worth making a large batch of apple spice mix?
Making a larger batch can be convenient for future use and may save time and effort in the long run, but only if you know you'll be using it. Otherwise, it will lose strength and flavor before you can use it. Ensure you store it properly to maintain its freshness.
How to use apple pie spice mix
This blend is good in any apple dessert and bake not just apple pie. Use it in recipes with apple cider, breakfast dishes like French toast and waffles, cakes, cookies, muffins, pastries and spice cakes.
- Apple bread
- Apple walnut cake
- Apple muffins
- Applesacue bread
- Apple pancakes
- Apple overnight oats or oatmeal
- Apple spice lattes
- Apple crisp
How to make your own apple spice mix
It's so easy to make a homemade spice blend. It's just a matter of combining individual spices in the right proportions.
And that's the only detail: what amount of each should you use?
Start with the ones in the recipe card below, and adjust if needed to fit your palate.
Storage
- Use an airtight container: mason jars, small spice jars, or containers with tight-sealing lids work well. Making sure there is minimal air inside the container prevents moisture and air from degrading the spices.
- Label: write the date you made the spice mix. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
- Store in a cool, dark place: keep the spice mix in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. A pantry, spice cabinet or cupboard is an ideal location.
- Avoid refrigeration: keeping them in the fridge is not recommended for spice mixes as it can introduce moisture and cause clumping. Spices should remain dry.
- Check for freshness: spice blends can lose their potency over time. While they might not be spoiled, they may be less flavorful. Consider making a fresh batch if you've stored the mix for over a year. Smell the spices before using them.
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Apple Pie Spice Mix (very easy)
Making your own apple pie spice mix takes a minute and keeps for months. A blend of spices with cozy fall flavors, it's easily customizable to suit your palate. Use it for all things apple, from pie to spice cakes, muffins, pancakes and apple scones. It also works with sweet potatoes and sweet spiced recipes.
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: ½ cup
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 4 teaspoons ground allspice
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients in a small bowl until no streaks remain. It might take a bit until the cinnamon fully integrates.
- Transfer to an airtight glass container like a small mason jar, label it and store it in the pantry, cupboard or other cool, dry, dark place. It keeps for 6 months or more.
- Use it for your favorite apple recipes.
Notes
- Use an airtight container: mason jars, small spice jars, or containers with tight-sealing lids work well. Making sure there is minimal air inside the container prevents moisture and air from degrading the spices.
- Label: write the date you made the spice mix. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
- Store in a cool, dark place: keep the spice mix in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. A pantry, spice cabinet or cupboard is an ideal location.
- Avoid refrigeration: keeping them in the fridge is not recommended for spice mixes as it can introduce moisture and cause clumping. Spices should remain dry.
- Check for freshness: spice blends can lose their potency over time. While they might not be spoiled, they may be less flavorful. Consider making a fresh batch if you've stored the mix for over a year. Smell the spices before using them.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Basic recipes
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie spice mix
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