How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Spice

Apple pie spice is an essential ingredient in making classic apple pie. It gives a unique aroma and flavor to the pie that is hard to achieve using any single spice. If you find it hard to source apple pie spice in your area or just want to create your own blend, then you will love this article that we’ve made just for you. Making apple pie spice is easy and convenient and will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

So, in this article, we will show you a simple and easy way to make apple pie spice with spices that you easily have in your kitchen. This DIY spice mix is perfect to have on hand and can be used for making other fall favorites such as pumpkin pie, cider, and even spice cookies. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with different flavors and customize the spice blend to your liking. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

To make apple pie spice, you need a mixture of warm spices that will lend your pie a warm, pleasant aroma and flavor. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

1. Cinnamon
2. Nutmeg
3. Allspice
4. Ginger
5. Cardamom (Optional)
6. Cloves (Optional)

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the essential spice in apple pie spice. It adds warmth, sweetness, and depth to the flavor of your pie. Use high-quality cinnamon for the best results. Preferably, use Cassia cinnamon, which is more robust and flavorful than the Ceylon cinnamon.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is the second crucial spice in apple pie spice. It complements cinnamon with a slightly earthy and nutty taste. Use fresh whole nutmegs and grate them as you need them to get the best flavor.

Allspice

Allspice is another essential spice in apple pie spice. It tastes like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and adds complexity and depth to your pie’s flavor. It’s hard to find whole allspice berries, so use ground allspice instead.

Ginger

Ginger adds a warm, spicy bite to apple pie spice. Fresh ginger has more flavor than ground ginger, but you can use either one.

Cardamom

Cardamom is an optional spice, but it adds a lovely sweet note that complements the other spices. It can be expensive, so if you don’t have it on hand, skip it.

Cloves

Cloves are another optional spice that adds a sharp, pungent aroma to the apple pie spice blend. It’s a potent spice, so use it sparingly.

Directions

To make apple pie spice, mix all the spices in a bowl and whisk or mix with a fork until well-combined. Use the spice blend to flavor apple pies, cakes, muffins, oatmeal, or any recipe that calls for apple pie spice.

Storage

Store your apple pie spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months. Be sure to label the container with the date and the spice blend’s name.

Final Thoughts

Making apple pie spice is easy, and it’s a great way to elevate the flavor of your baked goods. You can customize the spice blend to your taste by adjusting the amounts of each spice or by adding other spices such as vanilla, anise, or fennel. Give it a try next time you want to add some warmth and comfort to your kitchen!

The Ingredients for Apple Pie Spice

Are you ready to start making your own apple pie spice? Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need.

1. Cinnamon
The star of the show is cinnamon. This warm spice is the key ingredient that gives apple pie spice its distinct flavor.

2. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another essential spice in apple pie spice. It has a warm, sweet, and nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

3. Allspice
Allspice is a spice made from dried berries. Its flavor is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it an excellent addition to apple pie spice.

4. Ginger
Ginger adds a spicy and slightly sweet flavor to apple pie spice. It is a common spice used in baking, and its flavor works great alongside cinnamon and nutmeg.

5. Cloves
Cloves add a warm and slightly bitter flavor to apple pie spice. They have a distinct flavor that makes them perfect for baking, especially in apple pie spice.

6. Cardamom
Cardamom has a complex flavor that can be described as minty, citrusy, and slightly sweet. It is another spice that pairs well with cinnamon and nutmeg in apple pie spice.

7. Star Anise
Star anise has a strong licorice flavor that complements the other spices in apple pie spice. It adds a unique and exotic twist to the blend.

8. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have a slightly sweet and licorice-like flavor. They are a common ingredient in Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine and add a surprising flavor to apple pie spice.

9. Vanilla Powder
Vanilla powder is made from ground vanilla bean pods. It adds a natural sweetness to apple pie spice and enhances the other flavors in the blend.

10. Salt
A pinch of salt helps to balance out the flavors in apple pie spice and brings out the sweetness of the vanilla powder.

Now that you know what ingredients you’ll need, let’s move on to the recipe.

Benefits of Making Your Own Apple Pie Spice

Making your own apple pie spice has numerous benefits, including:

1. Start with High-Quality Spices

When making apple pie spice, it is important to choose high-quality spices for the best flavor. You can purchase spices from a specialty spice store or order online for the freshest options.

2. Choose the Right Spices

While there is no set recipe for apple pie spice, some common spices used include cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. Use a ratio of 4:2:1:1 for cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger respectively. If you want a stronger ginger flavor, you can increase the ratio to 2:2:1:2.

3. Mix the Spices Together

Once you have your desired spices, mix them together in a bowl until well combined. You can also use a spice grinder to grind the spices into a fine powder before mixing.

4. Store in an Airtight Container

To ensure your apple pie spice stays fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. Mason jars work great for this purpose.

5. Experiment with Different Ratios

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ratios of spices to find the perfect blend for your desired taste. You can also add a dash of cloves or cardamom for an extra kick. Once you find your perfect blend, you can use it to make apple pie, spiced cider, or even add to oatmeal or yogurt for a delicious breakfast option. Making your own apple pie spice is a fun and rewarding process that will add delicious flavors to your favorite dishes.

Thank You for Taking a Peek at Our Homemade Apple Pie Spice Recipe!

We hope this recipe has lit up your taste buds and inspired you to make your own seasoning mix after reading just how easy it is to do. Apple pie spice can come in handy in various recipes, so why not try it out in apple muffins or pumpkin pies? Don’t forget to come back to check out more of our fun and delicious recipes. Happy cooking!