What can I substitute for mixed spice?
Running low on mixed spice? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About mixed spice
Mixed spice is a traditional British and Australian blend of warm spices, typically including allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and coriander seed. It is used extensively in baking, particularly in fruit cakes, puddings, biscuits, and hot cross buns, lending a sweet, warming, and aromatic depth. The blend differs from American 'pumpkin pie spice' in that it includes allspice and coriander, giving it a more complex and subtly floral character.
Best substitute
pumpkin pie spice
Pumpkin pie spice is the closest American equivalent and works well in most baked goods, though it lacks coriander and allspice, making it slightly less complex. It contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, covering most of the core flavour notes.
Use 1 tsp for every 1 tsp of mixed spice
bakingpuddingsfruit cakesNot suitable for: recipes requiring allspice depth
Alternative
allspice (ground)
Ground allspice alone is a surprisingly effective substitute because it naturally carries notes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a single spice. It won't perfectly replicate the blend but delivers a similar warm, aromatic profile in baked goods and puddings.
Use 1 tsp for every 1 tsp of mixed spice
bakingfruit cakespuddingssaucesNot suitable for: recipes needing layered spice complexity
Alternative
DIY mixed spice blend
Combine 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground cloves, and ¼ tsp ground coriander to closely replicate a standard mixed spice blend. This is the most accurate substitute and can be made in advance and stored in an airtight jar.
What is mixed spice called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | mixed spice |
| Canada | mixed spice |
| New Zealand | mixed spice |
| United Kingdom | mixed spice |
| United States | pumpkin pie spice |
Common names for mixed spice
pudding spicecake spiceBritish mixed spice