This simple apple pie spice recipe is the most deliciously fragrant, warm and cozy addition to your baked goods. It’s an incredible seasoning blend of just four ingredients – capturing the true essence of fall flavors!
This time of year, I cannot stop baking – especially fall cookies! There’s just something about the fragrance and warmth of fall scents and spices that brings the season to life in our home. Apple Pie Spice is an easy way to give your favorite recipes amazing fall flavor.
I also love creating my own seasoning blends. It’s so easy to do this with spices you probably already have on your pantry shelves! I’ve created some fun seasoning blends like Allspice, Pumpkin Spice, Everything Bagel Seasoning, and Mulling Spices.
If you love savoring all the beautiful ways to use apples in this sweet season, be sure to check out my Apple Baking Guide. It covers dozens of recipes, tips and tricks that will take your baking over the top!
Traditionally made with cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, apple pie spice blend is a distinctive combination that will instantly fill your home with the aroma of fall. However, this apple pie spice recipe also calls for a fourth, not-so-secret secret ingredient.
That ingredient is cardamom! Cardamom adds a little sweet and spicy flavor (similar to ginger) but with a hint of citrus, too. Read on to learn more about why this one little addition creates such a special result!
Why You’ll Love Making Your Own Spice Blend
- You can add or subtract certain ingredients that don’t work for your flavor preferences.
- You can eliminate all the weird preservative additions in store bought jars and spice packets.
- You can eliminate all the weird preservative additions, too!
Ways to Use Apple Pie Spice
Substitute it for cinnamon (at a one to one ratio) in all of your favorite fall recipes!
Ingredients
- Cinnamon – Did you know that cinnamon comes from the bark of a tree species from the genus Cinnamomum? I love learning about where spices come from!
- Nutmeg – This is a spice that comes from the flower buds of an evergreen tree called a clove tree!
- Allspice – true allspice is ground from the berry of a tree, but you can easily mix up your own allspice recipe seasoning blend at home with a few different spices- it’s so easy!
- Cardamom – made from the seeds in pods of a variety of plants in the ginger family, used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
Variations
- You can eliminate cardamom if necessary, or replace with a dash of ground ginger.
- If you like a little extra cinnamon, (or nutmeg, etc) simply customize to taste.
- Add a teaspoon of ground cloves for another layer of fragrance and flavor.
How to Make Apple Pie Spice
- Add spices into a glass mixing bowl and thoroughly combine.
- Scoop into prepared storage jars and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- This Apple Pie Spice Recipe makes a beautiful gift! Add a bow and label, or combine with a gift basket of baked goods.
- Cardamom is an important ingredient because it sets this spice blend apart from others, but it’s also quite expensive. If you don’t have it on hand or don’t want to purchase, don’t worry- simply eliminate!
- Don’t forget about adding a dash to savory dishes as well as sweet!
Absolutely! 1 for 1. If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, simply substitute with 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – I store all my spices in airtight containers, preferably labeled, in a cool dark place like our pantry or cabinet shelves.
- Refrigerate – While you can store your spices in the refrigerator, it’s generally best not to do so, as it can introduce moisture which will degrade the spices over time.
- Freeze – Ground spices can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to six months, but that’s usually only suggested for bulk spices, not smaller amounts.
This seasoning mix will last on your shelves for years, but ground spices can lose their potency after a season. Find my favorite glass spice jars right here!
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
- Nut Free
- Sugar Free
More Easy Seasoning Recipes
- Get the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Ratio
- Olive Oil Bread Dipping Seasoning
- Poultry Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Apple Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon ground
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg ground
- 1 teaspoon allspice ground
- 1 teaspoon cardamom ground
Instructions
- Add spices into mixing bowl and thoroughly combine.
- Scoop into prepared storage jars.
Julie’s Tips
Tips
- Use the slider in recipe card to adjust amount.
- Customize seasoning blend to your own tastes.
Variations
- You can eliminate cardamom if necessary, or replace with a dash of ground ginger.
- If you like a little extra cinnamon, (or nutmeg, etc) simply customize to taste.
- Add a teaspoon of ground cloves for another layer of fragrance and flavor.
How to Store
Room Temperature – Store in airtight container in a cool dark place. Your pantry or cupboard are perfect storage spots.Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
