Easy Allspice Seasoning Recipe

The holiday season and the comforting smell of allspice go hand in hand. And if you don’t have it on hand, did you know it’s an easy spice to replicate with just three ingredients? I am happy to share this simple recipe for allspice seasoning that will keep you from running to the store as you do your seasonal baking.

If you’re like me, you’ve run across ingredient lists that call for a spice or other item you don’t often keep in the pantry.

More often than not, that’s because you are making something for a special occasion or time of year, like the holidays. Naturally, these kitchen adventures are precisely the last moment you want to rush out to the market.

Allspice fits the bill for this kind of situation, like pumpkin pie spice and specific spice blends. Thankfully, it’s a flavor that you can replicate with things you are more likely to already have in your spice cabinet. Yay!!

What is allspice?

Allspice is kind of like it sounds — certainly not all spices, but a single one that tastes like a combination of three. The spice is made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree, which is native to Central America and the Caribbean. The berries are also called Jamaica peppers or pimento … not to be confused with the sweet red pimento peppers of the Capsicum annuum plant (the ones we use in pimento cheese). When you dry and grind those peppers, you get paprika!

When you grind dried, unripe whole allspice berries, they produce a flavor with warm, sweet and peppery notes that European explorers likened to blending cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove – hence the ‘all’ spices in one.

You may already be guessing how to mimic all spice when you don’t have it on hand: you simply mix those three ingredients!

Dishes and recipes that call for allspice

Not long after its discovery, allspice quickly found its way into traditional dishes across the globe and eventually into our modern kitchens. While it is often associated with desserts like pumpkin pie and gingerbread cookies, it also shines in savory dishes.

This versatile spice (and substitute) has a unique ability to enhance both sweet and savory flavors, too ­— from Jamaican jerk chicken to Swedish meatballs, adding a delicious complexity that keeps your taste buds guessing.

You can incorporate allspice into your cooking in various ways. A pinch of ground allspice or all spice seasoning will elevate your homemade barbecue sauce and add depth to vegetable stews. All spice seasoning also pairs wonderfully with fruit dishes like baked apples, or those with mangoes or pineapples, giving you a satisfying sweetness with a slightly spicy kick.

Ingredients you need to make this homemade allspice recipe

Here are the three simple spice-shelf staples that you’ll need, plus a little info about what they do to replicate the delicious flavor of allspice in a pinch.

• Ground Nutmeg: Lends fragrance, warmth and sweetness.
• Ground Cloves: Adds an intense, bold peppery flavor and aromatic warmth. Also, the allspice tree is a relative to cloves.
• Ground Cinnamon: Its aromatic, sweet, and slightly woodsy flavor brings balance to the blend.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Bowl
• Air-tight storage jar
• (Optional) mortar and pestle or electric spice grinder

Frequently asked questions about allspice and all spice seasoning

Here are a few common questions and answers about things that tend to come up whenever I share this simple recipe. If you have a question I’ve not covered, ask in the comments section, and I will reply as soon as possible.

What is the recommended ratio of each spice for creating an allspice substitute?

Some people use equal parts of ground nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon are typically recommended to create a balanced allspice substitute. However, feel free to adjust the ratio according to your personal taste preferences. This recipe calls for double the cinnamon over the other two ingredients.

How can I ensure that my allspice substitute has the best flavor?

While it’s not required, grind the spices yourself for the best flavor. You can grind whole spices using a mortar and pestle or an electric spice grinder. Store your allspice seasoning substitute in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

Can I use this allspice substitute in any recipe that calls for allspice?

Yes, this homemade allspice substitute can generally be used in recipes that call for allspice. However, keep in mind that individual preferences for spice levels and flavor profiles may vary, so you might need to adjust the amount used or experiment with the blend to find the perfect balance for each dish.

More grandma-approved recipes to try

If you enjoyed this recipe for an all-spice seasoning substitute, take a look at some of these other delicious recipes where you may want to incorporate it:

• Classic Pumpkin Pie From Scratch With Whipped Cream
• Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe
• Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Apple Pizza
• The Best Pecan Pie

If you decide to try this recipe, let me know. I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!