Apple Pie Spice Substitutes (Apple Pie Spice Recipe)
spices in apple pie spice
Before diving into substitutes, it’s important to understand what apple pie spice typically contains.
Apple pie spice is a blend of spices typically used in baked apples, apple pies, crisps, and other autumnal desserts.
- Cinnamon: The primary spice that delivers the warm, sweet flavor.
- Nutmeg: Adds depth and a slightly nutty, earthy taste.
- Allspice: Often described as tasting like a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Ginger: Contributes a spicy, slightly peppery heat.
- Cardamon: Adds a unique and fragrant flavor that’s sweet and slightly spicy, with hints of citrus and mint.
Apple Recipes
Here are a few of apple recipes these apple pie spice substitutes can be used in:
Apple Pie Spice Substitutes
Whether you’re baking an apple pie or making a batch of seasonal cookies, here are some simple ways to replace apple pie spice.
Apple Pie Spice Recipe
The easiest substitute for store-bought apple pie spice is making your own blend of apple pie spice recipe. Here’s a simple recipe to whip up a batch of homemade apple pie spice:
- 4 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1.5 tsp ground cardamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground allspice
Some store brands do not include ginger and/or cardamom so feel free to omit if you don’t have it on-hand.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
If you have pumpkin pie spice on hand, it makes an excellent substitute for apple pie spice. The two blends are quite similar, with the addition of cloves in pumpkin pie spice. The extra spices can add a slight twist to your apple pie, but it will still be delicious! Here’s a list of pumpkin pie spice substitutes.
- Substitution Ratio: Substitute in equal amounts for apple pie spice.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg
The simplest substitute for apple pie spice is a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg. Since these two spices are the primary flavors in apple pie spice, it will give your dessert a similar flavor profile.
input.hubbub-block-save-this-submit-button, input:disabled.hubbub-block-save-this-submit-button {
border-radius:0px!important;
width: 80%!important;
margin-top:10px;
}
.hubbub-save-this-consent-paragraph-wrapper {
color:#fff;
}
H3.hubbub-save-this-heading {
color:#fff;
font-weight:800;
font-family: ‘Jost’, sans-serif!important;
font-size:32px;
letter-spacing: -2px;
}
.hubbub-save-this-message{
color:#fff;
}
input.hubbub-block-save-this-text-control{
background-color:#fff!important;
max-width:80%;
}
- Substitution Ratio: Replace 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice with ¾ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
Cinnamon and Allspice
If you don’t have nutmeg but do have allspice, this combination can also mimic the flavor of apple pie spice. Allspice brings a slightly peppery flavor that complements the sweetness of cinnamon.
- Substitution Ratio: Combine ¾ teaspoon cinnamon with ¼ teaspoon allspice as a substitute for 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
Chai Spice Mix
Chai spice is another excellent substitute for apple pie spice. It typically contains cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. This blend will give your apple pie a spicier kick.
- Substitution Ratio: Combine ¾ teaspoon cinnamon with ¼ teaspoon allspice as a substitute for 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
Ginger and Cinnamon
If you like your apple pie with a hint of zing, try substituting ginger and cinnamon. Ginger adds a warm, spicy note that pairs well with the natural sweetness of apples.
- Substitution Ratio: Mix ¾ teaspoon cinnamon with ¼ teaspoon ginger to replace 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
Cinnamon Alone
In a pinch, you can use just cinnamon as a substitute for apple pie spice. While it won’t have the depth that comes from the combination of spices, cinnamon’s familiar warmth will still complement your apple pie beautifully.
- Substitution Ratio: Substitute in equal amounts for apple pie spice.
Tips for Using Spice Substitutes
- Start small: Spices like cloves and allspice can be quite strong, so it’s better to start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Test your blend: Before adding your spice substitute to the entire pie filling, mix it with a small portion of apples and taste the flavor balance. This way, you can tweak the spice ratio if needed.
- Add a pinch of salt: Salt can enhance the sweetness of the spices, so if your spice blend feels a bit flat, try adding a small pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.
Running out of apple pie spice doesn’t have to derail your baking plans. Give one of these alternatives a try the next time you’re out of apple pie spice, and you might even discover a new favorite flavor combination!
Apple Pie Spice Substitutes (Apple Pie Spice Recipe)
#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #30f2c6; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #30f2c6; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #30f2c6; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #30f2c6; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0.wprm-user-rating-allowed.wprm-user-rating-not-voted:not(.wprm-user-rating-voting) svg * { fill-opacity: 0.3; }
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground ginger (*Note 1)
- 1½ tsp ground cardamom (*Note 1)
ul.wprm-advanced-list-8744 li:before {background-color: #000000;color: #ffffff;width: 20px;height: 20px;font-size: 14px;line-height: 14px;}
Instructions
-
Add all the spices to a small bowl and mix to combine. Store in an air-tight container or plastic bag.