Homemade Gingerbread Spice Substitute

Homemade gingerbread spice substitute is easy to make yourself. Use it for baking bread, muffins, or add to your coffee during the holidays for added YUM. If it’s the holidays and you want to make our gingerbread dough from scratch this is helpful to have on hand.

If you’re having a hard time finding bottled German gingerbread spice at the store, no problem! You can make the same thing at home for a lot less and then you can enjoy it year round too. (affiliate links present)

What is in Gingerbread Spice

1. You most likely already have cinnamon
2. Allspice and nutmeg
3. Ginger
4. Cardamom
5. Ground Cloves of course

We used a similar combination to make ginger banana bread which turned out amazing. I usually just bottle it though and use it as an added holiday cheer in a cup of hot chocolate or coffee though. If you want to enjoy Christmas flavors year round, this is how.

You will need 6 spices that you may already have in your cabinet already. If you don’t I will provide links where you can grab what you need online. It is helpful to have an empty container with a shaker on top too.

If this is the first time mixing your own seasonings you just need a bowl and spoon to blend it all together. A small funnel and empty spice jars are a must and you can get it all together in one order. Then just place on top and pour in enough to fill 3/4 of the way full. You’ll get a few so you might choose to gift it to friends and neighbors during the holidays!

Gingerbread Spice Mix for Coffee

I rotate this with pumpkin spice inside a cup of hot or our Frozen Coffee recipe for me in the Fall, and sometimes inside hot cocoa for the girls, it’s perfect for pancake batter or on top too. Put a dollop of whipped cream on top sprinkled with this in December for a fun morning treat.

None of these are left whole, I think that is a given but always want to be specific when I explain something. If you love this flavor in all baked goods this is a great way to add a tad or more to your holiday baking items this year.

If making cookies from cake mix like we did with our air fryer gingerbread cookies you wouldn’t need this. You could add it though to amp up the flavor more.

How to Make Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mix

Once you have your cinnamon allspice ginger mixture together you just stir until blended. If there are any chunks you do want to break those apart until smooth, you can use the back of a fork to do that best. When ready and bottled up in a sealed container you can use it in all sorts of things.

Add it into a number of other recipes to kick it up a notch like the combo of zucchini gingerbread loaf we love. Mix all dry ground spices in a sealable container. Then add a sprinkle into your hot holiday drink to add an extra seasonal flavor to it. On top of some whipped cream is a great way to serve it. Sprinkle into your recipe of choice instead of packaged ready made mixes.

Gingerbread Spice Recipes

Looking for a recipe for gingerbread loaf you love at Starbucks? We have that for you. Another favorite is a German cookie called Lebkuchen. Like I said, this is more of a sprinkle for added flavor vs. using it inside a baked good but I have done that if this spice is called for.

I love it added into dalgona coffee, a sprinkle on top with some whipped topping, or inside hot cocoa for an added gingerbread flavor.

Do you have a different way you are planning to use this? Maybe in Gingerbread Cheesecake? I would love to hear so we can try that the next go around. I typically grab larger jars of the ingredients below at Christmas time because they always offer them on sale. Then I mix this up in small jars and enjoy it in all the things year round. It is fun to surprise someone in February. lol

What is the difference between pumpkin pie spice and gingerbread spice?

Both actually include most if not all of these same ingredients, though in different amounts. This one is much heavier on the ginger and allspice (great for chocolate gingerbread cake) where the other has more cinnamon in it. When you make it homemade though you can adjust all of that to your liking, that is the great part about it.

How to Store Spices

Properly storing spices is essential to maintaining their flavor and potency. When spices are exposed to air, light, heat, and moisture, they can lose their aromatic qualities more quickly. Here’s how to store spices to keep them fresh and flavorful:

1. Transfer spices from their original packaging to airtight containers. Glass jars with tight-sealing lids, plastic containers with airtight seals, or metal tins work well. Ensure that the containers have a good seal to prevent air from entering.
2. Spices should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture, as these elements can cause flavor deterioration. Store spices in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry, away from the stove or any heat sources.
   • Moisture can cause spices to clump and lose flavor. Make sure the storage area is dry. Don’t use damp utensils or measuring spoons when handling spices, as this can introduce moisture.
3. Clearly label each container with the spice name and the purchase or expiration date, if available. This makes it easy to identify and rotate your spices.
4. Whole spices, such as whole peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, or whole nutmeg, tend to retain their flavor and aroma longer than pre-ground spices. Grind whole spices just before use to maximize their freshness.
5. When measuring over a hot pot or pan, be cautious not to introduce heat into the spice container, as it can cause clumping or spoilage. Use a separate container or a cool surface for measuring.
6. Buy in smaller quantities, especially if you don’t use them frequently. This helps ensure that your spices remain fresher for a longer time. Consider buying whole spices or seeds in bulk if you only need a small amount.
7. Organize your rack or storage area to keep spices visible and accessible. This helps you use them before they lose their potency. Rotate your spice collection by using older spices first and replenishing with fresh ones.

Magnetic racks can be attached to the inside of a cabinet door or placed on a wall. They are an excellent space-saving solution and keep spices away from light and heat. Don’t Store in the Freezer – Avoid storing spices in the freezer, as the fluctuating temperatures and potential exposure to moisture can negatively impact their quality.

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