A well-spiced, sweet, crunchy apple pie is a total obsession in many homes. So, let’s bring you all the ins and outs of apple pie spice and its ingredients that give the true definition to your apple pies!
The apple pie spice is basically a blend of ground spices. It typically comes together with ingredients such as:
You can easily purchase pre-made apple pie spice blends from the store or make your own batch at home. So, let’s get to know about this flavorful fall spice mixture!
What Is Apple Pie Spice?
Apple pie spice is literally a blend of ground spices known to have originated from European cuisine. Just like pumpkin pie spice does not contain pumpkins, apple pie spice also doesn’t contain any traces of apples in it.
But, the blend itself has got its name because many use this mixture as the primary flavoring element when making apple pies, especially during the months of the fall. The recipe seems not to have evolved much over time, so it sticks to some standard spices all the way through.
Most commercially made apple pie spice options are made with two to three ground spices. But, homemade recipes reach a step forward where they have used up to five spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and ginger.
However, this super flavorful spice blend doesn’t only add life to apple pies. But it also gives a depth of flavor to breakfast oatmeal, cakes, puddings, cookies, biscuits, and many other desserts and baked goods.
What Spices Are In Apple Pie Spice?
01- Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the primary ingredient of this spice blend that owns the bulk of the recipe. This is actually a non-negotiable element that gives the depth and required sweetness with its distinctive woody, slightly spicy, and citrusy undertones.
Ground cinnamon pairs well with all the other ingredients used in this blend and complement a wide variety of fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, bananas, etc.
02-Nutmeg
Ground nutmeg is another spice that bestows its unique nutty, warm, and slightly sweet elements. This spice is very aromatic and gives a deep aroma to this blend. Moreover, nutmeg makes an insanely delicious combination when incorporated with cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and cardamom.
03- Ginger
Ground ginger is not a staple in this blend like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. Yet most recipes include this amazing spice for its warm, pungent, slightly sweet, peppery and citrusy flavor notes.
This spice makes a perfect medley with the rest of the spices used, complementing many baked goods, desserts, and sweet treats.
04- Allspice
Wonderful allspice gives the perfect punch of zest to the apple pie spice blend. This spice is warm and has a flavor combination of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, making it an excellent baking spice!
Ground allspice is often paired with cinnamon and nutmeg in this mixture, and they collectively add flavor to many cakes, puddings, cookies, etc.
05- Cardamom
Cardamom is a unique spice with almost menthol-like, fruity, and piney flavor notes. This spice is actually the main ingredient that differentiates apple pie spice from the pumpkin pie spice blend.
Ground cardamom gets along really well with all the other spices used in this and adds a profundity of flavor to many treats made in the fall.
If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe
Carl Sagan.
Other Apple Pie Spice Ingredients
As mentioned previously, the traditional recipe of this spice blend has not evolved much depending on the brands or people. But some variations may include additional ingredients like ground mace, cloves, and even sugar.
Is Apple Pie Spice Vegan-Friendly?
Apple pie spice is made with ground spices and does not typically contain any non-vegan ingredient. Therefore, this blend can be considered safe to be consumed by vegans.
Is Apple Pie Spice Gluten-Free?
We examined a number of pre-made and homemade apple pie spice recipes and found that the majority contain only ground spices in them without any other additive. Besides, the traditional recipe of this blend does not contain any gluten-related ingredients.
So, we can say that this is a gluten-free spice blend, but we suggest you check the list of ingredients if you are concerned.
What Is The Difference Between Apple Pie Spice And Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice are two of the most confusing spice blends since they have many similar elements. However, the main difference between these two spice blends comes down to the ingredients used.
Both the blends contain cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. But pumpkin pie spice contains ground cloves as an additional ingredient, and most blends do not contain cardamom.
In addition, pumpkin pie spice is used to make pumpkin pies, while apple pie spice is used to make apple pies. But, thanks to this subtle flavor difference, pumpkin pie spice can be used as a substitute for apple pie spice and vice versa.
Enjoy Your Autumn Treats With The Amazing Apple Pie Spice Blend!
The warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, and ground ginger always make this spice blend extra special. This can instantly transform many of your baked goods and desserts to a whole new level, making them irresistible family treats throughout the fall and even after that!
