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Spice Up Baking: 5 BEST Apple Pie Spice Substitutes

There’s nothing like the smell of fresh apple pie wafting through the kitchen.

The warm, sweet spice blend is synonymous with fall baking.

But what exactly is in apple pie spice? According to The Spruce Eats, the popular mix usually contains cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger.

If you don’t have apple pie spice on hand, no worries.

There are a few easy substitutes that will work just as well in your recipes.

In this article, we’ll share the 5 best substitutes for apple pie spice that will give your pies and other fall treats the perfect flavor.

What is Apple Pie Spice?

Apple pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that is used to flavor apple pies and other fall desserts.

While the exact proportions of each spice vary depending on the recipe, the end result is always a warm and fragrant mixture that brings out the natural sweetness of apples.

Apple pie spice has its origins in England, where it was first used to flavor a traditional dish called Apple Betty.

This dish consisted of apples that were peeled, cored, and sliced thin, then layered with bread crumbs and spices.

The Betty was then baked until the apples were tender and the breadcrumbs were golden brown.

Today, Apple Betty is still made in many homes across England, but it is the American version of apple pie that has become truly iconic.

The key to a good apple pie is in the filling.

The apples should be peeled and thinly sliced, then tossed with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and of course, apple pie spice.

The filling is then spooned into a pre-baked pie crust and baked until the apples are soft and the juices are bubbling.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Apple Pie Spice

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have apple pie spice on hand, never fear.

These five substitutes will do the trick.

1 – Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a warm, woody flavor that is both sweet and spicy.

It is often used in baking, as it pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.

Cinnamon is also a popular ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

In its whole form, cinnamon looks like sticks or quills.

Ground cinnamon is a fine, powdery spice that is easy to add to recipes.

When used in baking, cinnamon can be substituted for apple pie spice.

This spice blend typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

If you don’t have apple pie spice on hand, you can simply use cinnamon to flavor your pies and other desserts.

Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe, as cinnamon is significantly sweeter than the other spices in the blend.

2 – All Spice

Allspice is a spice that tastes like a combination of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

It is often used in baking and can be added to both sweet and savory dishes.

Allspice has a warm, pungent flavor and is generally sold in ground form.

If you don’t have allspice on hand, you can substitute it with a combination of other spices.

Simply mix together equal parts cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Or, if you’re short on time, you can use apple pie spice as a 1:1 replacement.

Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different than if you had used allspice.

3 – Nutmeg + Cinnamon

Nutmeg and cinnamon are two of the most popular spices in the world.

They are used in sweet and savory dishes alike, and they have a long history of culinary use.

Both spices have a warm, spicy flavor that is perfect for fall and winter dishes.

Nutmeg is slightly sweeter than cinnamon, while cinnamon has a more savory flavor.

Cinnamon is also more pungent than nutmeg.

When used together, these spices create a complex flavor that is perfect for apple pies and other fall desserts.

If you don’t have apple pie spice on hand, you can easily substitute nutmeg and cinnamon.

Just be sure to use a 1:1 ratio of nutmeg to cinnamon.

This spice blend will give your pies the perfect flavor for fall.

4 – Pumpkin pie spice

Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves that is used to flavor pumpkin pies.

It can also be used to add fall flavor to other dishes such as oatmeal, cookies, and apple pies.

The spice blend has a warm and sweet taste with a hint of heat from the ginger and cloves.

Cinnamon is the most dominant flavor, followed by ginger.

The nutmeg adds a slightly earthy flavor, while the cloves provide a touch of sweetness.

Pumpkin pie spice can be purchased pre-mixed or made at home using equal parts cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can substitute apple pie spice or make your own blend using these spices.

5 – Ginger + Cinnamon

If you’re looking for a spice blend that’s warm and fragrant, try ginger + cinnamon.

This combination is perfect for adding a little extra flavor to sweet and savory dishes alike.

The rich taste of ginger pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cinnamon, creating a balance that is both pleasurable and addictive.

And because both spices are so versatile, they can be used in a wide variety of recipes.

When it comes to baking, ginger + cinnamon make an excellent substitute for apple pie spice.

Simply add a teaspoon or two to your favorite recipes for pies, cakes, or cookies.

You’ll be amazed at how these spices transform the flavor of your desserts.

So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, reach for the ginger + cinnamon instead of the apple pie spice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apple pie spice is a great way to add flavor to your pies and other desserts.

However, if you don’t have any on hand, there are several substitutes that will work just as well.

Nutmeg and cinnamon make a great combination, or you can try pumpkin pie spice.

If you’re looking for something, a little different, ginger + cinnamon is a perfect alternative.

So next time your recipe calls for apple pie spice, reach for one of these substitutes and enjoy the flavor of fall.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Apple Pie Spice

Elevate your baking with these 5 top substitutes for apple pie spice. Perfectly curated alternatives to enhance your recipes and capture the essence of classic apple pie flavor.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Cinnamon
  • All Spice
  • Nutmeg + Cinnamon
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Ginger + Cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
Keyword Substitutes for Apple Pie Spice
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