This is the best homemade apple pie spice with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom. Making your own spice mix tastes fresher and allows you to add your favorite combo of warm, cozy spices for pies, cookies, tarts, and more!

A side image of a woman wearing a beige sweater spooning homemade apple pie spice out of a jar with a wood spoon. The jar is on a beige linen next to a copper colander with apples, sliced apples, and a cinnamon stick.

With the number of apple recipes I post on this site, you’d think I would have created a homemade apple pie spice situation years ago, but here we are! Luckily, I finally got around to creating my own mix, because did you know that pretty much no grocery store on the entire west coast even sells apple pie spice anymore? I don’t know if that’s actually true, but it’s really hard to find. Also, I really love this homemade version because it takes almost no effort and I can add all of my own favorite spices to the mix!

Considering apple desserts are pretty much my favorite ever, having this mix on hand has turned me into a monster. It’s apple pie city over here and I’m not even mad about it. Also, I’ve taken to adding this mix to yogurt bowls and oatmeal with lots of warm apples, which I highly recommend. Anyways, let’s get into it cause this recipe is definitely going to be helpful over the next few months!

What’s in this spice mix

Traditional apple pie spice has lots of cinnamon with just a bit of nutmeg and allspice. In this recipe, I add a couple more spices for extra depth and we majorly change up the ratios to get even more flavor into the apple pie. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe!

  • Cinnamon – this will make up the base of our homemade apple pie spice.
  • Nutmeg – another traditional spice that will add some warmth to this recipe.
  • Allspice – a flavorful, dark spice that blends great with cinnamon.
  • Cardamom – adds a floral note to this seasoning.
  • Ginger – for just a bit of heat!

How to make

It’s pretty straightforward! First, measure out the spices, place them in a jar, and then shake them up until everything is all mixed together. You can also mix everything up in a bowl with a whisk to make sure everything’s really combined and add it to a jar later. Then, just grab your homemade apple pie spice any time you’re making your favorite apple desserts!

Storing leftover spices

To store this spice mix, simply pour it in a jar, screw the lid on tightly so it doesn’t get stale, and then keep it in the pantry or a cupboard. Or, you can even store it in an old spice jar or an airtight container. You just want to make sure it’s in a sealable container so that it stays fresh. This homemade apple pie spice will stay good for 1-2 years if stored in a cool, dry place.

Two images; on the left, a closeup overhead image of spices in a jar on a beige linen next to sliced apples, a colander with apples, cardamom, and a cinnamon stick. On the right, a side image of the jar of spices on a white coaster placed on a beige linen next to a copper colander with apples, sliced apples, a cream bowl of cardamom pods, and a glass container.

How to use this mix

Aside from the obvious, you can use this spice combo for a lot of different recipes! Here are some of my favorites:

  • In galettes, cinnamon rolls, or donuts
  • Or any other apple dessert
  • Use it in snickerdoodles
  • Apple cider or butter
  • Sprinkled over yogurt or oatmeal
  • Sprinkled on roasted pumpkin seeds, popcorn, or pretzels!

A homemade gift idea!

If you have any bakers in your friend group, homemade apple pie spice makes for an excellent gift option! You can triple or even quadruple the recipe and store it in cute little jars. For a personalized touch, add some ribbon and cute little handwritten tags. These make great stocking stuffers or casual gifts in the autumn!

Spice Substitutions

Maybe some of these spices aren’t your thing and that’s ok! Cinnamon is kind of a given here because it’s the base spice. But the other spices can be mixed up depending on what you like to add to your pies, tarts, and galettes. If you want to make homemade apple pie spice without nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, or ginger, then here are a few other options:

  • mace – this is a stronger spice, so use it sparingly and add more to taste.
  • cloves – same as mace, this is a very flavorful spice to use less and add more if needed.
  • star anise – to add a licorise-y flavor.
  • lemon or orange zest – for a little brightness! Make sure to use dried lemon/orange zest so it’s pantry-safe.
  • more cinnamon – when in doubt, just use more cinnamon. (Or any of the other spices on the list if you really like them. I usually go with extra cardamom).

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh spices. Fresh spices = more flavor.
  • Half or even quarter this recipe if you don’t use apple pie spice frequently.
  • For super flavorful mixes, try grinding your own whole spices.
  • Try buying spices from the bulk section of your local grocery store to save a little money.
  • Start by using 1 1/2-2 teaspoons of this mix in your favorite apple pie recipe and add more if you like extra flavor. Or, if your recipe already calls for spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, start with 1 teaspoon.
A side image of a jar of homemade apple pie spice on a beige linen next to a copper colander, sliced apple, cream bowl of cardamom pods, and a cinnamon stick.

Desserts that use apple pie spice

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Salted Caramel Frosting
Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cardamom Sugar
Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting
Apple Galette with Butterscotch Sauce

If you make this recipe, I would love if you left a star rating and review! I read every single comment and love hearing what you think about my recipes. Thank you for supporting Sunday Table!

A side image of a jar of apple pie spice on a beige linen next to a white bowl of cardamom pods, a cinnamon stick, and sliced apples.
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Homemade Apple Pie Spice

Yield: 18 teaspoons
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
This is the best homemade apple pie spice recipe! With a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cardamom, it's flavorful, warm, and super cozy. Use it in your favorite apple recipes or in any dessert where you typically use cinnamon.
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Ingredients

  • 1/4 c cinnamon, ground
  • 1 Tbs nutmeg, ground
  • 1/2 Tbs ginger, ground
  • 1/4 Tbs allspice, ground
  • 1/4 Tbs cardamom, ground

Instructions 

  • Spoon all of the ingredients into a jar. Seal tightly and shake the jar until everything is well-combined. Alternatively, whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl and then transfer into an airtight container.
  • Store the mix in a cool, dry place for up to two years. Use in all of your favorite apple desserts!

Notes

*If you are not a fan of certain spices, feel free to make this mix your own. Use mace, cloves, anise, lemon zest, or any other warm spice that you like!
Cuisine: American
Course: Spices
Serving: 2teaspoons, Calories: 14kcal, Carbohydrates: 3.3g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.4g, Saturated Fat: 0.2g, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 24mg, Fiber: 1.9g, Sugar: 0.3g, Calcium: 34mg
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xo Sara Lynn

*Song of the day: Take Tales of San Francisco by The Arctic Monkeys