Getting the perfect apple pie spice mix can sometimes feel like hitting a culinary jackpot.
We’ve all been there, right in the middle of baking, only to realize a key spice is missing from our pantry. No sweat, friends!
We’re here with the scoop on the top five backup players that’ll save your pie in a pinch.
Think of them as your baking pinch hitters.
With these swaps, your apple pie will still be the talk of the table, maybe even more so.
Ready to get that pie smelling like a sweet, spiced slice of heaven?
Keep reading, because we’re about to turn your baking disaster into a delicious victory.
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.
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