Recipe details
Prep time
5
min
Cooking time
0
min
Total time
5
min
Ingredients
- 100g golden caster sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- A generous grating of nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Now this is quite possibly the easiest recipe ever - simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and decant into a sealed jar! Or better still, combine them in the jar, pop the lid on and shake it like a polaroid picture!
- Read the rest of this post for ideas on how to customise it, lots of tasty ways to use it, and how to store it! Enjoy!
What can you use Pumpkin Spice Mix for?
Homemade pumpkin spice mix is a versatile blend of spices that can be used in a variety of recipes to add warmth and flavour. Here are some ideas for using homemade pumpkin spice mix:
- Pumpkin Pie: This is the classic use for pumpkin spice mix. It's the key ingredient that gives pumpkin pie its signature flavour.
- Pumpkin Bread or Muffins: Add the spice mix to your batter for a flavourful twist on traditional pumpkin bread or muffins.
- Pumpkin Pancakes or Waffles: Incorporate the spice mix into your pancake or waffle batter for a delicious Autumn breakfast.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Make your own pumpkin spice latte by adding the mix to your coffee along with milk and sweetener of your choice.
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup: Create a simple syrup with sugar, water, and pumpkin spice mix to drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or desserts.
- Porridge: Stir the spice mix into your morning oatmeal for a warm and comforting breakfast.
- Smoothies: Add a pinch of pumpkin spice mix to your smoothie for a seasonal twist.
- Yoghurt Bowl: Layer yoghurt with granola, fresh fruit, and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice mix for a tasty and nutritious treat.
- Spiced Nuts: Toss mixed nuts with melted butter, sugar, and pumpkin spice mix, then bake for a crunchy, flavourful snack.
- Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle a bit of pumpkin spice mix on sweet potatoes, carrots, or other root vegetables before roasting for a unique flavour profile.
- Whipped Cream: Mix a bit of pumpkin spice into your whipped cream for a festive topping for pies, hot chocolate, or desserts.
- Ice Cream or Frozen Yoghurt: Stir pumpkin spice mix into your favourite ice cream or frozen yoghurt base for a Autumn flavoured treat.
- Granola: Mix pumpkin spice with oats, nuts, and honey, then bake for homemade granola with a seasonal twist.
- Cider or Mulled Wine: Add a pinch of pumpkin spice mix to your apple cider or mulled wine for an extra layer of flavour.
- Cocktails: Use a small amount of pumpkin spice mix in cocktails like Old Fashioneds, martinis, or even in a spiced rum punch.
- Dessert Bars or Brownies: Incorporate the spice mix into the batter or sprinkle it on top for a unique dessert flavour.
- Popcorn: Toss freshly popped popcorn with melted butter, sugar, and pumpkin spice mix for a delicious Autumn snack.
Remember, the intensity of flavour can vary depending on the specific blend of your homemade pumpkin spice mix, so you may want to adjust the amount used in recipes to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile spice blend!
How long can you store Pumpkin Spice Mix?
Properly stored, a pumpkin spice mix can last up to one year, but ideally several months. To maximize its shelf life, it's important to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from heat and moisture. This helps prevent the spices from deteriorating and losing their flavour. I challenge you to make a batch last a year though!
Why do we go crazy for Pumpkin Spice?
- Nostalgia and Tradition: We associate pumpkin spice with all those cosy, family-filled times like Halloween and Autumn get togethers. Those feelings of warmth and celebration make us love it even more.
- Seasonal Excitement: Pumpkin spice usually shows up when Autumn rolls around, and it's only there for a limited time. That makes us really look forward to it.
- Tasty Spices: Think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves - these spices in pumpkin spice create that comfy, warm feeling we crave.
- Comfort Food Vibes: Pumpkin spice is often used in comforting foods and drinks. It just feels good, especially when it's cold outside.
- Marketing Hype: Companies love to promote pumpkin spice during the season, and it works! Limited-time offers and a buzz on social media get us excited.
- Mix it Up: You can use pumpkin spice in all kinds of recipes, from lattes to pies to soups. It's like a flavour adventure.
- Trendy Flavors: Once something gets popular, everyone wants a piece of the pie. Companies make more pumpkin spice stuff because we keep asking for it.
- Good Memories: If you've had good times with pumpkin spice before, your brain wants more of that good stuff.
- It's a Mood Booster: For some people, the cosy, warm flavours of pumpkin spice can help beat the blues, especially in the colder months.
- Blame the Brain: Our brains like familiar, tasty things. If you've had pumpkin spice before and liked it, your brain tells you to go get more.
The best thing about this recipe is it's so easy and low cost to make . . . and not to mention the house smells amazing after! So to recap . . .
Ingredients:
- 100g golden caster sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- A generous grating of nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Gather the Ingredients: Make sure you have all the spices listed.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine all the spices.mUse a spoon or a small whisk to thoroughly mix them together until you have an even colour of spices.
- Store the Mix: Transfer the mix to an airtight container, like a small glass jar or a spice jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Label and Date: It's a good idea to label the container with the name and date so you can keep track of its freshness.
- Store Properly: Store the pumpkin spice mix in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help maintain its flavour and potency.
- Use in Recipes: Use your homemade pumpkin spice mix in various recipes like pumpkin pies, lattes, cookies, cakes, or any other dishes that call for pumpkin spice.
Notes:
- You can adjust the ratios of the spices to suit your personal taste. For example, if you really love cinnamon, you can add a bit more.
- If you have whole spices, you can grind them using a spice grinder or a pestle and mortar. However, for convenience, pre-ground spices are perfectly fine.
- This mix should last for several months if stored properly. However, like all spices, it will gradually lose its potency over time, so it's best to use it within a year.
Feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom or even a touch of black pepper for a unique twist on the traditional pumpkin spice mix. Enjoy your homemade pumpkin spice!
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