What’s apple pie spice, precisely?

Pumpkin spice might get all the eye because the calendar flips to fall, however its lesser recognized cousin, apple pie spice, is worthy of sharing the highlight. So, what precisely is apple pie spice, and the way do you employ it?

A spice that’s every thing good 

Pie spices, like apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice, are spice blends meant to streamline your baking whereas additionally delivering most taste. Each model has their very own proprietary mix, so no two bottles of pie spice would be the similar. However all will comprise quite a lot of heat spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, that means you may attain for only one jar to measure from and add to your dish, reasonably than having to hunt by your spice rack for a laundry record of particular person spices. And when you have restricted pantry area, a spice mix may help cut back the quantity of separate spices you might want to maintain readily available.

King Arthur’s apple pie spice is a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice — hallmarks of traditional apple pie taste. Different blends might comprise mace as a substitute of nutmeg, which is botanically associated and has an identical taste, and typically additionally floor cardamom and/or ginger. (Pumpkin pie spice, alternatively, often comprises just a few extra spices, particularly cloves, and isn’t at all times as cinnamon-forward as apple pie spice.)

Images by Kristin Teig; meals styling by Liz Neily

(Apple) spice it up

Cinnamon-heavy, floral-scented apple pie spice can be utilized in apple pie filling, in fact, but in addition in your favourite fall recipes. Strive it in any baking recipe the place apples are the star, comparable to muffins, muffins, scones, or apple crisp, or wherever a touch of heat spice is welcome, like sprinkled on high of oatmeal or combined with sugar as a coating for doughnuts. Apple pie spice can be a stunning companion to apple cider, whether or not stirred straight right into a steaming mug, added to apple cider caramels, or included right into a cider cake.

How you can make your personal apple pie spice

Should you don’t have a jar of apple pie spice readily available, you may make your personal by mixing collectively 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice (or ginger). And sure, you may swap in pumpkin pie spice for apple pie spice in a pinch; simply know that the flavors will not be fairly the identical.

Cowl picture (Fried Apple Pies) by Rick Holbrook; meals styling by Kaitlin Wayne.