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Would you believe me if I told you that most of the “pumpkin” flavor you associate with pumpkin spice anything comes from the spice, not the pumpkin? It’s true. Pumpkin, on its own, has a very mild, light, and dare I say plain flavor. It begs for warming spices to reach its full cozy potential.

Today I’m sharing my go-to homemade pumpkin spice blend with a surprise ingredient — Chinese Five Spice — that will change your entire perspective on pumpkin spice. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. You’ll never go back to those bland store-bought versions again!

This recipe makes about 3 tablespoons — perfect for baking a pie, whipping up a batch of apple pumpkin muffins, or adding to your morning coffee. If you want enough to fill a spice jar, you can easily multiply the recipe.

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What is Chinese Five Spice?

Chinese Five Spice is a bold, aromatic blend known for its warming, deep, and distinctly spicy (but not hot) flavor. While it’s called “Five Spice,” the exact mix isn’t always the same — and sometimes, there aren’t exactly five spices at all.

Common ingredients include:

Other blends may include ginger, nutmeg, turmeric, Mandarin orange peel, or licorice.

In Chinese cuisine, Five Spice represents the five traditional elements — wood, fire, earth, metal, and water — and aims to balance five key flavors: sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and savory. Traditionally, it’s used to season fatty meats like duck or pork, but I, personally, think it’s incredible in fall desserts, especially anything with pumpkin or squash.

How to Use Pumpkin Spice Blend

You can use this DIY pumpkin spice mix in any recipe that calls for pumpkin spice — or even in recipes that use cinnamon, clove, or allspice.

Jenn’s Kitchen Tip:

If your recipe calls for individual “fall spices” such as cinnamon, cloves, or allspice, replace the total amount with this blend. For example:

If the recipe calls for 1 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg + ½ tsp ginger = 2 tsp pumpkin spice blend.

Storage and Freshness

This Pumpkin spice will keep well in an airtight container or jar for up to 1 year.

For best flavor, use fresh spices. If yours are older, add an extra ½ teaspoon to boost flavor.
Buy all your spices at the same time and make the blend right away for peak freshness.

Le Parfait Wide Mouth 350ml (12oz) French Glass Jar w/Airtight (Pack of 4)

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Check out my DIY Spice Jars Blog Post for labels and details for spice storage.

Cooking with Kids

DISCLOSURE: Please keep in mind that the following tips are general and are meant to be suggestive. I personally use these strategies with my own kids, who are all unique even within my own family of five. Therefore, please regard these as suggestions or ideas. If you feel that your child requires more or less assistance, then go with what you and your child are comfortable with. Ultimately, you know your child best.

If you’re looking for an easy (and low-mess) way to get the kids in the kitchen, this pumpkin spice blend is perfect. There’s no stovetop or oven involved—just measuring, mixing, and storing.

Measuring Practice: Let them scoop the cinnamon, ginger, and other spices into the bowl — great for number recognition and motor skills.
Mixing Magic: Let them whisk everything together, then portion some into a “chef’s jar” for them to use on oatmeal or toast.
Label & Decorate: Give them stickers or markers to decorate a jar label.

BONUS IDEA: Try some Sensory Fun and food education! Have them (CAREFULLY) smell each spice before adding it. Ask: “Does this smell sweet or spicy?”

This simple activity gives kids pride in creating something they can taste in cookies, muffins, or their morning apple cider — and makes them more eager to try new recipes.

Try it in

Pumpkin Spice and Pumpkin Spice Scotcheroos — Pumpkin Spice Scotcheroos – Recipe Coming

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

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Pumpkin Spice Blend

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This pumpkin spice blend recipe is easy to make. Combine ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and my secret ingredient – Chinese five spices. Stir them together and make your favorite pumpkin recipe! The recipe yields approximately 2 tablespoons. You can easily double or triple the recipe.

Total Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 3 Tablespoons

Ingredients

Scale

2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice

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Instructions

In a small bowl, put in all of the spices. Whisk all of the ingredients together. *Ground ginger can clump, so whisking or mixing with a fork usually helps to rid any clumps better than a spoon.
Pour the spice mixture into your desired jar that seals well. A small funnel makes this step a little easier
Store at room temperature in a dry place, like a cupboard, drawer, or pantry.
This Pumpkin spice will keep well in an airtight container for up to 1 year (See notes for more on this)

Equipment

Mora Ceramics Small Mixing Bowls Set of 2 – 2.5 & 1.6 Qt (Vanilla White)

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Walfos Stainless Steel Mini Whisks, 5in and 7in

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Notes

Storage and Freshness

Fresh spices are generally more potent. So you might need to add an extra 1/2 teaspoon if they are older.
If you’re concerned about knowing how long your spices will last, maybe you don’t know how old the spices are in your cupboard, you can buy them all at the same time to ensure equal freshness.

Author: Jenn Giam Smith
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: spices
Cuisine: Universal