Quick Answer
The main differences between apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice are:
- Apple pie spice contains cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes ginger. Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- Pumpkin pie spice has a stronger flavor with the addition of cloves. Apple pie spice has a more subtle flavor.
- Apple pie spice is better suited for recipes with apples like apple pies, applesauce, baked apples, etc. Pumpkin pie spice is better for recipes with pumpkin like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin lattes, etc.
Ingredients
While apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice blend contain some of the same ingredients, there are a few key differences in what goes into each one:
Apple Pie Spice
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds warmth, sweetness, and a distinctive spice flavor.
- Nutmeg – Nutmeg provides a sweet, fragrant aroma and flavor.
- Allspice – Allspice has peppery, clove-like notes.
- Ginger (optional) – Ginger adds a little heat and complements the other flavors.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Cloves – Cloves have a strong, pungent, sweet-spicy flavor that gives pumpkin pie spice its signature taste.
The addition of cloves is what distinguishes pumpkin pie spice from apple pie spice. Cloves provide a more complex, robust flavor that pairs especially well with pumpkin. Apple pie spice has a simpler ingredient list that gives it a more delicate flavor.
Flavor Profiles
The different blend of spices lead to apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice having distinct flavors:
Apple Pie Spice Flavor
– Warm, sweet
– Mildly spicy
– Fragrant
– Delicate
– Well-balanced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice
Pumpkin Pie Spice Flavor
– Warm, robust
– Intensely spicy from cloves and ginger
– Strong aromatic flavor
– More complex blend with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves
While apple pie spice lets the apple flavor shine through, pumpkin pie spice is bold enough to stand up to the strong flavor of pumpkin. The cloves add a spicy, peppery taste that makes pumpkin pie spice vibrant.
Uses
Apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice are best suited for different types of recipes and applications:
Apple Pie Spice Uses
– Apple pies
– Applesauce
– Baked apples
– Apple crisps and crumbles
– Apple muffins and breads
– Apple cakes and cookies
– Apple cider
– Oatmeal and apple dishes
– Any recipe with apple as main ingredient
Pumpkin Pie Spice Uses
– Pumpkin pie
– Pumpkin bread and muffins
– Pumpkin pancakes and waffles
– Pumpkin lattes and coffee drinks
– Pumpkin cookies and cakes
– Pumpkin butter
– Roasted pumpkin seeds
– Pumpkin-flavored products like yogurt and ice cream
– Any recipe with pumpkin as main ingredient
Apple pie spice complements apple’s flavor while pumpkin pie spice was designed specifically to accentuate pumpkin. So it’s best to use apple pie spice for apple recipes and pumpkin pie spice for pumpkin recipes.
Can They Be Substituted for Each Other?
In a pinch, apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice can be substituted for each other. The flavor won’t be quite the same but the spices used are similar enough that it will work.
Keep in mind:
- Apple pie spice in pumpkin recipes will give a milder flavor. You may want to add a pinch of cloves or use a little more apple pie spice.
- Pumpkin pie spice in apple recipes may overpower the apple flavor. Use less pumpkin pie spice or leave out the cloves.
The amounts aren’t perfectly interchangeable. Start with 3/4 of the amount and adjust to taste. Going back to the primary purpose of each blend, apple pie spice works best for apple and pumpkin pie spice is ideal for pumpkin. But the two can be used in place of each other when needed.
Can You Make Your Own?
Absolutely! Making your own apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice at home is easy and allows you to customize the flavor.
Homemade Apple Pie Spice
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon | 2-3 tsp |
| Nutmeg | 1-2 tsp |
| Allspice | 1-2 tsp |
| Ginger | 1 tsp (optional) |
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use in any recipe that calls for apple pie spice.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon | 2-3 tbsp |
| Ginger | 1-2 tsp |
| Nutmeg | 1-2 tsp |
| Allspice | 1-2 tsp |
| Cloves | 1 tsp |
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use in any recipe that calls for pumpkin pie spice.
Making your own allows you to tweak the amounts of each spice to suit your taste. You can leave out cloves from apple pie spice or add more cloves to pumpkin pie spice if you want an extra kick.
Should You Use Pre-Made or Make Your Own?
There are pros and cons to both pre-made spice blends and homemade:
Pre-Made Spice Blends
Pros:
- Convenient and saves time
- Consistent flavor in every batch
- Long shelf life when stored properly
Cons:
- Harder to adjust flavor
- Can lose potency over time
Homemade Spice Blends
Pros:
- Customize amounts of each spice
- Maximizes freshness and flavor
Cons:
- Takes more time
- Have to make new batches more frequently
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and convenience. Pre-made blends offer consistency while homemade allows for more customization. Both get the job done deliciously!
Popular Brands
Some popular brands of pre-made apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice include:
Apple Pie Spice
– McCormick
– Spice Islands
– Trader Joe’s
– Stonewall Kitchen
– Frontier Co-op
– Savory Spice Shop
Pumpkin Pie Spice
– McCormick
– Spice Islands
– Penzeys
– Stonewall Kitchen
– Frontier Co-op
– Savory Spice Shop
– Trader Joe’s
McCormick is the most widely available brand. Stonewall Kitchen and Penzeys are higher end gourmet options. Trader Joe’s, Frontier Co-op, and Savory Spice Shop offer good quality at a reasonable price point.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to confuse apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using pumpkin pie spice in apple recipes: Can overpower apple flavor
- Using apple pie spice in pumpkin recipes: Won’t have enough spice flavor
- Assuming amounts are interchangeable: Start with 3/4 of amount and adjust
- Adding cloves to apple pie spice: Changes flavor profile
- Leaving cloves out of pumpkin pie spice: Won’t taste like typical pumpkin pie spice
Stick to apple pie spice for apple recipes and pumpkin pie spice for pumpkin recipes whenever possible. And customize the blends to your taste when making them at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is apple pie spice the same as cinnamon?
No, apple pie spice contains cinnamon but also includes nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes ginger. It’s a blend specifically designed for apple recipes.
What’s the difference between pumpkin pie spice and allspice?
Allspice is an individual spice made from pimento berries. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend that contains allspice plus cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Can I use apple pie spice for pumpkin pie?
It’s better to use pumpkin pie spice in pumpkin pie so you get that signature flavor. But in a pinch apple pie spice can work, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. Add a pinch of cloves or use a little more apple pie spice.
What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?
For 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, substitute:
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice + 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves OR
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger + 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice + 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Can I substitute apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice in recipes?
Yes, in small amounts. Start by using 3/4 of the amount of pumpkin pie spice called for and add more apple pie spice to taste. The flavor won’t be as robust but it will work.
Conclusion
While apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice are similar, they contain different spice blends tailored to complement apples and pumpkin. Apple pie spice lets apple shine while pumpkin pie spice holds its own with pumpkin’s bold flavor.
Use apple pie spice for apple recipes and pumpkin pie spice for pumpkin recipes whenever possible. But the two can be substituted in a pinch by adjusting amounts. You can also easily make your own fresh spice blends at home. Understanding the difference between these two seasoning staples helps ensure your baked goods are perfectly spiced.
