Apple Pie Spice Blend

The warming and soothing spices in a homemade Apple Pie Spice Blend are what makes apple pie one of North America’s favourite desserts. But the blend isn’t just limited to apple pies, which is why keeping a batch on hand at all times is a great idea!

In a world where the start of fall weather invokes everything pumpkin spice, let’s not forget about the original gangster of autumn spice blends, the Apple Pie Spice Blend! I’m going to go on record here and state that an apple pie spice blend is the OG because apple pies have been around since the recipe was first recorded back in the 1300s. Pumpkin spice – even though I love it dearly and am not knocking it – only dates back to the 1890s.

I’m also obsessed with anything pumpkin-flavoured but not everyone feels the same way. What is it with the pumpkin spice hate? Every year the memes and the anti-pumpkin remarks seem to come around earlier and earlier. I could never get enough pumpkin spice flavour.  In fact, it’s not only present in our home during the fall.  I will often bake pumpkin spice-flavoured scones or cookies throughout the year.  Because why not!?

With that said, Dear Reader, I have not yet come across a recipe with pumpkin spice as a listed ingredient that cannot be substituted or benefit from an apple pie spice blend. So, give it a go if you don’t care much for pumpkin spice. The only difference in the two is that where pumpkin spice has cloves, apple pie spice does not; it has cardamom instead.

LET’S CHAT ABOUT SPICES FOR A BIT!

Anyone who knows me well will confirm that I am obsessed with spice racks and spice jars. John.e can attest to the fact that over the past ten years, I have updated and completely changed our spice storage system at least a half a dozen times.

Initially, I had to have all of our spices in mason jars. That lasted for a year or so. Then, I found some really great glass jars with a pull-off lid. The seal was great, but again, they were quite big. Next, I used smaller bottles, and then spice bottles that I picked up from Ikea. I could go on, but I digress.

My obsession has taught me a few things about buying spices. First, keep your spices in a cabinet or at least out of direct sunlight. Yes, I have my spice rack on the wall in my kitchen, but it is as far away from the windows as I could possibly get it.

Secondly, buy spices in small amounts. You should never have more than three to six months supply. Spices lose their pungency and flavour. The only seasonings I buy in larger quantities is salt and pepper. That’s why I love the McCormick jars. They’re not too large for me, but keep in mind, I cook quite often. And, when I run out, it’s easy to replace that one jar.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE AN APPLE PIE SPICE BLEND

The following is a list of the ingredients needed to prepare this recipe. For exact amounts and measurements, refer to the printable recipe card located near the bottom of this post. 

• Cinnamon – Cinnamon is a spice created from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree.   The bark is dried until it curls into a roll known as a cinnamon stick.  These are ground into powder.  Commonly found in baked goods, cinnamon is aromatic with a warming flavour.
• Ginger – Ground ginger is fresh ginger that has been peeled and dried before being ground into a powder.  It has a pale yellow in colour and a pungent, spicy smell.  It adds a warming, spicy flavour to recipes.
• Nutmeg – Nutmeg is a seed that comes in whole or ground form.  It is a key ingredient in many baked goods and is essential to anything eggnog related.  I often use it in fall dishes, especially in mashed potatoes!
• Allspice – Contrary to what its name suggests, allspice isn’t a blend of other spices.  Allspice comes from a dried brown berry from a tree.  It is a warm-tasting spice and is very aromatic.
• Ground Cardamom – Cardamom is a spice that comes from the seeds of plants in the ginger family. It has a complex flavor that’s warm, slightly pungent, and aromatic. Cardamom is used in both sweet and savory dishes.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE APPLE PIE SPICE BLEND

This recipe – if one can even call it that – is quite easy. If you can measure the ingredients into a bowl and stir them together until very well blended, then you can make this! Be careful when mixing the spices together. I like to use a whisk and stir slowly to avoid getting spice dust in the air.

When you have mixed the spices and seasonings well, transfer them all to a clean mason jar. Be sure to label the jar with the name of the spice blend and the date you made it. Store your spice blend in a pantry or dark cupboard. This will help to keep your spice blend tasting fresh.

The shelf life of spices and seasonings vary and every one has an opinion about how long they last. For me, I like to buy spices in low quantities so that I know they will be used up in about six months time. Some spices though, just can’t be used up that quickly. If you keep them in a dark pantry and sealed well in jars, they can keep for up to a year.

QUESTIONS?

If I have not answered all of your questions in the text above, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! You can contact me by sending me a message in the comments section further down the page. I will try my best to answer as soon as possible! You might reach me even faster by following me on Facebook and sending me a private message. Scroll down below the recipe card to find my Follow Me on Social Media box and never miss another recipe!