The Essential Homemade Fall Spice Mix: Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Chili, and Chai
The Fall Kitchen
Aren’t you ecstatic about all the cozy foods of the season? This is such a fun time of year to be in the kitchen! From pumpkin-spice-everything to that first pot of chili, every food we’re making is heating up with the comfort we crave as the year cools down. Homemade becomes extra homey in the fall. Today we’re talking about four spice blend recipes essential for instant fall vibes; Pumpkin Pie Spice, Chai Spice, Apple Pie Spice, and Ultra Savory Chili Seasoning. Read on for every recipe on our Homemade Fall Spice Mix list!
Why DIY?
So let’s be real. Yes, you can buy all of these blends pre-made at the grocery store. And that convenience is nice when you’re in a rush! Not knocking it! But here’s the thing. Have you tasted a pre-fab apple pie spice next to a homemade blend? Or a pot of chili with only that red packet to season it? Seriously, there’s no comparison on flavor! Your typical store-bought apple pie spice contains three individual spices, this recipe has five. A chili packet contains five spices (among all the preservatives), mine has eleven! With each extra ingredient in these DIY versions, more flavor and better flavor is layered in.
It goes without saying that another benefit of making your own spice mixes is that you can also adjust the ingredient ratios to suit your preference. Like more heat in your chili? No problem! Bump up the cayenne! If flavor is important to you, DIY is the only way to go!
Nuts & Bolts
For each of the following recipes you’ll need a two-to-three ounce jar (the Chili Seasoning makes a bit more). You can reuse store-bought glass spice jars and simply re-label them, or purchase a set of empty bottles that suits your style. Hobby Lobby and Michael’s both have a great selection. Amazon was my resource for this French-style hexagonal set, plus it came with brown craft paper labels and two funnels! Bonus!
Essential Homemade Fall Spice Mix 1: Pumpkin Pie Spice
This is everyone’s favorite! The warmth of cinnamon and ginger combine with clove, nutmeg, and allspice to create the perfect blend for mixing into pumpkin bread or spicing up your pancakes. Essential for the perfect pumpkin pie!
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Cinnamon, ground
- 2 tsp Ginger, ground
- 2 tsp Nutmeg, ground
- 1 1/2 tsp Allspice, ground
- 1 1/2 tsp Clove, ground
Instructions
- Mix spices together in bowl. Use funnel to pour into 2-ounce jar with tight fitting lid. Store in cool, dark place.
- Use 2-4 teaspoons to make any recipe taste like fall!
Essential Homemade Fall Spice Mix 2: Chai Spice
This hot and spicy blend contains cardamom and black pepper for an authentic chai flavor, and that distinctive kick. Try it in my Vanilla Chai Pear Bread for an easy, cozy dessert!
Chai Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, ground
- 4 1/2 tsp Ginger, ground
- 1 1/2 tsp Cardamom, ground
- 1 1/2 tsp Clove, ground
- 1 1/2 tsp Nutmeg, ground
- 3/4 tsp Black Pepper, ground
Instructions
- Mix spices together in bowl. Use funnel to pour into 2-ounce jar with tight fitting lid. Store in cool, dark place.
- Use 2-4 teaspoons in any dessert recipe where the warm flavors of chai would taste amazing!
Essential Homemade Fall Spice Mix 3: Ultra Savory Chili Seasoning
Deep, layered, complex…this mix makes an exceptional pot of chili! All the usual suspects are here; chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper. But a few more ingredients come out to play and something magical happens; smoked paprika for that trademark richness, red pepper flakes to add a rounder kind of heat, oregano for an herby top-note, and a touch of cocoa for a can’t-put-your-finger-on-it earthiness. Try this one, friends! You’ll love it! (Side note- I don’t include salt in this recipe so make sure you add that to taste.)
Ultra Savory Chili Seasoning
Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp Chili Powder or Ancho Chili Powder
- 3 Tbsp Cumin, ground
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Oregano, dried
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 tsp Sweet Paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp Cocoa Powder
Instructions
- Mix spices together in bowl. Pour into small mason jar. Store in cool, dark place.
- Use 2-4 Tablespoon of seasoning blend for a 3 quart sized pot of chili. Remember to add your own salt as this recipe leaves that to your taste preference.
Essential Homemade Fall Spice Mix 4: Apple Pie Spice
My mom makes the best apple pie I’ve ever tasted and, lucky you, this spice blend is patterned after hers. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice combine in perfect balance for that classic taste. One thing I’ve started changing up lately though is adding in a little cardamom. Warms it up even more! Try this blend in Apple Cider Donuts if you want to change up your apple repertoire!
Apple Pie Spice
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp Cinnamon, ground
- 1 1/2 tsp Nutmeg, ground
- 1 1/2 tsp Cardamom, ground
- 1 tsp Ginger, ground
- 1/2 tsp Allspice, ground
Instructions
- Mix spices together in bowl. Use funnel to pour into 2-ounce jar with tight fitting lid. Store in cool, dark place.
- Use 1-3 teaspoons in apple pie, muffins, cookies, or any other baked good in need of a warm, spicy kick.
Enjoy this fall season in the kitchen! Let me know what you’re making these days, and if you try one of these homemade fall spice mixes I’d love to hear about it!
*This post contains no affiliate links, nor is this a sponsored post. All enthusiams are my own.
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