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No apple pie spice? Discover the perfect Apple Pie Spice Substitute that will elevate your baking. Best of all you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry.
Apple pie spice is a blend of aromatic spices typically used to enhance the flavor of apple-based desserts, such as Apple Cranberry Pie and Apple Crisp. It commonly includes cinnamon, nutmeg, Allspice, and sometimes cloves, creating a warm and comforting flavor profile perfect for apple-centric treats.
Substitute for Apple Pie Spice
But what if you don’t have any or can’t find it? Below are some of the best substitutes for apple pie spice.
1. DIY Apple Pie Spice Blend
The best substitute for apple pie spice is Homemade Apple Pie Spice, which includes many common pantry spices. You can easily blend some up so you always have it on hand.
2. Cinnamon
To substitute cinnamon, you can simply use ground cinnamon on its own. Apple pie spice often contains cinnamon as a primary ingredient, so using cinnamon alone will provide a similar warm and sweet flavor to your baked goods.
Start by using half the quantity of cinnamon as a substitute: 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon equals 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice. This ratio closely approximates the amount of cinnamon typically found in a standard apple pie spice blend.
3. Allspice
You can use Allspice as an apple pie spice alternative. Allspice offers a warm and slightly peppery flavor that complements apple desserts. If you don’t have any you can also use an Allspice Substitute.
Because of its intricate flavor profile, allspice can be quite potent. To ensure it doesn’t overwhelm your recipe, consider using only one-third of the amount called for in your recipe (e.g., 1/3 teaspoon of allspice as a substitute for 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice).
4. Nutmeg
Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that complements apple-based desserts, making it an excellent stand-in when you don’t have apple pie spice available. Here are some Nutmeg Substitutes if you don’t have any.
Replace apple pie spice with a 1/4 measurement of nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
5. Nutmeg and Cinnamon
Because cinnamon and nutmeg constitute the predominant components of apple pie spice, they deliver the closest flavor match; simply blend them in a 2:1 ratio, combining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon with ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to seamlessly replace 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
6. Pumpkin Pie Spice
To use Pumpkin Pie Spice as a substitute, you can directly replace it in a one-to-one ratio in your recipe. The flavors of pumpkin pie spice, which typically include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, complement apple-based desserts beautifully, making it a convenient alternative when apple pie spice isn’t available. If you don’t have any you can also use a Pumpkin Pie Substitute and you can learn more about Apple Pie Spice vs Pumpkin Pie Spice if you’d like to use it.
7. Five Spice Powder
Five Spice Powder can be used as a substitute by replacing it in a one-to-one ratio in your recipe. Five spice powder typically contains warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes star anise, which can add a unique twist to your apple-based dishes, creating an intriguing flavor profile.
8. Chai Spice Mix
To use Chai Spice Mix as a replacement for apple pie spice, you can substitute it in a one-to-one ratio in your recipe. Chai spice mix often contains cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other warm spices, which can add a delightful and aromatic twist to your apple-based desserts, offering a unique and exotic flavor profile.
Recipes that Use Apple Pie Spice
DIY Apple Pie Spice
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Spice Jar for storage
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
- 1½ teaspoons Ground Cardamom
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice
Instructions
- Blend the spices seamlessly – this recipe is simplicity itself. Measure out the various spices, combine them with a gentle whisk, and store the resulting mixture in an airtight container.
Notes
- Substitute apple pie spice. Many baked apple recipes will use the spices that are in apple spice spice. You can easily swap those spices for your own homemade apple pie spice by totaling the amount needed and using that amount of your spice blend. For example, Old Fashioned Apple Crisp uses 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and instead, you can swap that for your homemade blend.
- 1 tablespoon of apple pie spice. To make only 1 tablespoon you will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
- 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice. If you only need 1 teaspoon of the spice blend you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cardamom, a pinch of ginger, and allspice.
