How to Make Apple Pie Spice So You Always Have a Fresh Supply

The aromatic blend of baked apples and warm spices is one of the best ways to welcome fall's arrival. If you are lucky enough to visit an apple orchard or bring home a bushel from the local farmers market, a freshly baked apple pie should definitely go on the fall baking list. But what happens when your recipe calls for apple pie spice and you don't have any in the pantry? Not to worry, you probably already have the ingredients needed to make homemade apple pie spice. Use our Test Kitchen's easy for apple pie spice recipe to make a batch (or two!) to use all season long.

How to Make Apple Pie Spice

Use our instructions to substitute a single teaspoon of apple pie spice in your recipes or make a bigger batch to keep on hand for all your fall baking adventures.

• For 1 teaspoon homemade apple pie spice: stir together ½ tsp. ground cinnamon plus ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg, ⅛ tsp. ground allspice, and dash ground cloves or ginger.
• To make a larger batch of apple pie spice (2½ Tbsp.): combine 4 tsp. ground cinnamon, 2 tsp. ground nutmeg, 1 tsp. ground allspice, ¼ tsp. ground cloves, and ¼ tsp. ground ginger.

Download Our Free Ingredient Substitutions Chart

Keep Your Apple Pie Spice Fresh

If you make a batch of apple pie spice, our Test Kitchen recommends transferring the spice blend to an airtight container (from $8, Bed Bath & Beyond) or spice jar ($2, Target) and storing it out of direct sunlight. This should stay fresh for up to six months—after that, you might want to whip up more since older spices can start to lose the signature aromatic flavor.

Once you've got your DIY apple pie spice jarred and ready to go, use it in some of our favorite sweet and savory apple recipes or a seasonal dessert.