Homemade pumpkin spice mix

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix Recipe

There’s nothing that says autumn quite like the warm, cosy flavours of pumpkin spice. Whether it’s sprinkled over roasted squash, stirred into a steaming mug of hot chocolate, or baked into cakes and cookies, this simple homemade pumpkin spice mix will see you through the whole season.

The best part? It only takes five everyday spices to whip up a jar- and once you’ve made a batch, you’ll have instant autumn magic ready to go whenever you fancy.

Where Pumpkin Spice comes from (and why we love it!)

Pumpkin spice might sound like a modern craze, but it actually comes from the traditional spices used to flavour American pumpkin pie – think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Over time, shops began selling the blend as “pumpkin pie spice” to make baking easier, and eventually it was shortened to the pumpkin spice we know today. Its huge popularity really took off when coffee shops started adding it to lattes in the early 2000s, and from there it became a full-on autumn obsession.

These days, it’s less about pumpkins and more about that cosy, warming flavour that instantly makes you think of crisp mornings, falling leaves, and the start of the festive season.

In the UK, I’ve really noticed a huge surge in autumn-inspired bits and pieces popping up in shops over the past few years, with social media only adding to the trend by celebrating all things cosy and seasonal. One thing that’s also made a big comeback is Gilmore Girls – a show I first watched back in 2010. Re-watching it now with my teenage daughter feels wonderfully nostalgic, and it’s no surprise the series has found new life as the ultimate backdrop for autumn. With its golden leaves, coffee-fuelled chatter, and the charm of Stars Hollow, it perfectly captures that sense of autumnal comfort.

Why Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice?

Most shop-bought spice blends can be a little pricey, and sometimes the flavours just don’t hit the right balance. By making your own, you can:

-Enjoy that deliciously warm, aromatic flavour in both sweet and savoury dishes

-Adjust the strength to your taste (love ginger? Add a little more!)

-Always have a jar ready in your cupboard

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How to Use Pumpkin Spice

This mix isn’t just for lattes (although it’s perfect in a frothy coffee or hot chocolate). Here are some of my favourite ways to use it:

• Sprinkle over sweet potato or squash before roasting, especially for soups (try it in this butternut squash soup)
• Add a pinch to your morning porridge or overnight oats
• Bake into cakes, cookies, and muffins
• Toss through a seasonal salad for a cosy twist

You’ll find this spice mix recipe and a delicious Butternut Squash & Pecan Salad in my cookbook Air Fryer.

Final Tip

A little goes a long way! This blend has a strong, aromatic flavour, so start with a small pinch and add more if you want extra warmth.

And if you want to make your spice mix look extra cute on the shelf, I found my little pumpkin-shaped jar in B&M Bargains.