Substitute for Pumpkin Pie Spice
A warm spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Used in fall baking.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing pumpkin pie spice is DIY Blend at a ratio of 3 teaspoons cinnamon + 2 teaspoons ginger + 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg + 1/2 teaspoon allspice + 1/2 teaspoon cloves = about 1/4 cup pumpkin pie spice. This works well for all applications. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
DIY Blend
Flavor impact: This IS pumpkin pie spice. You are making it from its component spices.
Dairy-free
Pumpkin pie spice is just a blend of spices you already have. The ratio is mostly cinnamon, with supporting players. Adjust to your preference; more ginger makes it spicier, more clove makes it warmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are the same thing. Different brands use different names. Both refer to the same blend of warm baking spices.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of pumpkin pie spice, the best all-around substitute is diy blend. Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role pumpkin pie spice plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026