When you bake during fall and winter, spices play a huge role in enhancing flavors. Two popular spice blends that make frequent appearances in seasonal baking are mixed spice and pumpkin pie spice. While these two blends may seem similar, they differ in origin and ingredients.
So, is mixed spice the same as pumpkin pie spice? The short answer is no. Although they share a few ingredients, their flavor profiles and uses set them apart. In this guide, we’ll explore how they differ, where they come from, their common ingredients, and the best ways to use them in your recipes.
What Is Mixed Spice?
Mixed spice is a traditional British blend primarily used in baking. Many people in the UK refer to it as “pudding spice” because it commonly flavors traditional British desserts like fruitcakes, hot cross buns, and puddings.
Common Ingredients in Mixed Spice:
- Cinnamon: This warm, sweet spice typically forms the base of mixed spice.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a sweet, nutty flavor that works well with cinnamon.
- Allspice: Allspice provides a rich, slightly peppery taste similar to cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg combined.
- Cloves: These offer a sharp, spicy kick to the blend.
- Ginger: Ginger introduces a bit of heat and warmth.
- Mace: Mace, which is the outer layer of the nutmeg seed, delivers a flavor that’s more delicate than nutmeg.
In some recipes, mixed spice may also include cardamom or coriander for extra depth. Bakers usually use this blend to spice cakes, fruit loaves, and seasonal treats like Christmas pudding.
What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
In contrast, pumpkin pie spice is a popular American spice blend that people use primarily in fall baking, especially in pumpkin pie. The blend has gained widespread popularity in the U.S. thanks to its role in Thanksgiving dishes and seasonal treats like pumpkin bread and pumpkin spice lattes.
Common Ingredients in Pumpkin Pie Spice:
- Cinnamon: Like mixed spice, cinnamon forms the base of pumpkin pie spice.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg contributes a warm, slightly sweet flavor.
- Ginger: This spice gives the mix its signature warmth and slight heat.
- Cloves: Cloves add a bold, spicy note.
- Allspice: Allspice provides complexity, with its combination of cinnamon, cloves, and peppery undertones.
In some homemade or store-bought blends, pumpkin pie spice might include cardamom or mace, but they aren’t common ingredients. Pumpkin pie spice pairs especially well with the mild, earthy taste of pumpkin.
Key Differences Between Mixed Spice and Pumpkin Pie Spice
Although mixed spice and pumpkin pie spice contain similar base spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, their distinct purposes and flavor profiles set them apart.
1. Regional Origins
- Mixed Spice: This blend comes from the UK and flavors traditional British baked goods. People often use it in festive dishes like fruitcakes, hot cross buns, and puddings.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This American blend is widely used in fall, particularly for pumpkin-flavored treats. It’s a staple during the autumn months, especially around Thanksgiving.
2. Flavor Profiles
- Mixed Spice: The flavors in mixed spice tend to be milder and more floral. The presence of mace gives it a subtle sweetness, while the overall profile remains delicate.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend has a stronger, bolder flavor. The addition of allspice and a higher concentration of cloves make it more robust, which pairs well with pumpkin-based dishes.
3. Best Uses
- Mixed Spice: Commonly used in British baked goods, mixed spice is perfect for flavoring fruitcakes, spiced loaves, and buns. It works well with dried fruits, like raisins or currants, and adds warmth to traditional desserts.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: You’ll find pumpkin pie spice in pumpkin-based desserts like pies, bread, and muffins. Its strong, bold flavor enhances sweet pumpkin dishes and gives seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice lattes their distinct flavor.
Can You Substitute Mixed Spice for Pumpkin Pie Spice (or Vice Versa)?
If you find yourself needing one spice blend but only have the other, you can substitute them with a few tweaks, though their flavors aren’t identical.
Substituting Mixed Spice for Pumpkin Pie Spice:
If you plan to substitute mixed spice for pumpkin pie spice, you may want to add a bit more allspice or cloves to mimic pumpkin pie spice’s stronger, bolder taste. Mixed spice may work well in pumpkin pies or pumpkin bread, but it won’t have quite the same robust flavor.
Substituting Pumpkin Pie Spice for Mixed Spice:
You can use pumpkin pie spice in place of mixed spice, but be mindful that the stronger flavor, especially the higher concentration of cloves and allspice, might overpower lighter desserts like scones or British fruitcakes. To avoid this, try using slightly less pumpkin pie spice than the recipe calls for.
DIY Blends: How to Make Your Own Mixed Spice and Pumpkin Pie Spice
If you don’t have either blend in your pantry, you can easily make them yourself with a few simple spices. Below are recipes for creating both mixed spice and pumpkin pie spice.
DIY Mixed Spice Recipe:
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon mace (optional)
DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe:
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
Mix the ingredients together and store your blend in an airtight container. Both blends will last for months and work in various baking and cooking applications.
Creative Ways to Use Mixed Spice and Pumpkin Pie Spice
Beyond their traditional uses, both can elevate a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas on how to use each blend in creative ways:
How to Use Mixed Spice:
- Spiced Fruitcakes: Add mixed spice to fruitcakes to complement dried fruits and nuts, creating a richly spiced dessert that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Hot Cross Buns: Mixed spice is essential for giving hot cross buns their characteristic flavor.
- Scones: Use mixed spice in scone batter for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Apple Crumble: Sprinkle a bit of mixed spice over apples before baking to create a cozy and flavorful apple crumble.
How to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice:
- Pumpkin Pie: Naturally, pumpkin pie spice belongs in pumpkin pie, but it also works beautifully in pumpkin cheesecakes, pumpkin muffins, and other baked goods.
- Pumpkin Spice Lattes: Make your own pumpkin spice latte by mixing the spice blend with milk and coffee for a seasonal homemade drink.
- Savory Dishes: For a surprising twist, toss roasted sweet potatoes or carrots with pumpkin pie spice for a sweet and savory side dish.
- Pancakes and Waffles: Add pumpkin pie spice to pancake or waffle batter for a breakfast that tastes like fall.
Conclusion: Is Mixed Spice the Same as Pumpkin Pie Spice?
While mixed spice and pumpkin pie spice share some key ingredients, they differ in their origins, flavors, and uses. Mixed spice tends to have a more delicate, floral profile and is commonly used in British desserts like fruitcakes and puddings. Pumpkin pie spice, on the other hand, has a bolder, spicier taste that works best in pumpkin-based and autumnal treats.
When you understand the differences between these two blends, you can confidently choose the right one for your recipe—or make easy adjustments if you need to substitute one for the other.