Homemade Mixed Spice Recipe

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: My Homemade Mixed Spice is an easy, fragrant blend that brings comforting warmth and festive flavor to all your sweet and savory dishes.

• Versatile: Perfect for Christmas cakes, puddings, mince pies, or savory holiday meals.
• Quick & Easy: Mix in minutes with simple pantry spices.
• Irresistibly Aromatic: Fills your kitchen with the comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Fresh & Flavorful: Small batches stay potent and delicious for up to 6 months.

I think we can all agree that the best part of the holidays isn’t just the family time—it’s the food. Every table is different, but that heartwarming feeling you get when you bite into a holiday dessert is universal. For me, it’s a slice of Homemade Mince Pie or a piece of Christmas Cake slathered with butter.

Growing up in Ireland, some of these traditional ingredients are hard—or expensive—to find in the U.S. That’s why I started making my own, from Glacé Cherries to Homemade Mixed Spice and Candied Citrus Peel. They’re easy to make at home and always taste better than anything store-bought.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated omitted 10/31/2025, to include a NEW step-by-step tutorial video, New photography, explanations of ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, difference between mixed spice and all spice, uses, and Pro Chef Tips.

Table of Contents

• What is Mixed Spice
• Spice Ingredients
• How to Make Mixed Spices
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead and Storage Instructions 
• What’s the Difference Between Mixed Spices and All Spice?
• FAQs
• What Traditional Recipes to Use This in

What’s Mixed Spice?

Mixed spice is a pre-blended combination of warm, aromatic spices commonly used in British and Irish baking. It’s similar to pumpkin pie spice but often a bit more complex.

It’s most often used in holiday desserts like Christmas cakes, puddings, mince pies, and sometimes even in savory dishes to add depth.

Tools You Need

• Measuring spoon
• Mixing bowl

Spice Ingredients

Cinnamon

• Sweet and warming, it provides the comforting base note that makes baked goods feel cozy and festive.

Nutmeg

• Nutty and slightly sweet, it adds depth and a hint of spiciness that complements other flavors.

Allspice

• A  single spice with flavors reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving a rounded, aromatic complexity.

Cloves

• Strong, aromatic, and slightly bitter, they bring an intense warmth and holiday character to recipes.

Mace

• The delicate outer layer of nutmeg, offering a subtle warmth and slightly floral undertone that enhances other spices.

Ginger

• Mildly spicy and zesty, it adds a bright kick and balances the sweetness in desserts.

Coriander

• Earthy with a gentle citrusy note, it rounds out the blend and adds subtle depth.

How to Make Mixed Spice for Baking

1. Mix together: Blend all spices together, and store in an airtight jar away from direct sunlight.

FULL (PRINTABLE) RECIPE BELOW! 

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• Use a substitute if needed: If you don’t want to make your own, pumpkin spice blends work well as a substitute.
• No Strict Ratios of Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
• Make in small batches: Mixing smaller amounts keeps your spice fresher and more flavorful longer.
• Seal for ultimate freshness: Vacuum-sealing your blend helps preserve its aroma and potency.
• Try related homemade ingredients: You can also make your own Candied Mixed Peel and Glacé Cherries for baking.
• Store properly: Keep in an airtight container or a sealed jar, away from heat and sunlight.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Make Ahead: You can prepare your Mixed Spice up to 6 months in advance. Mixing in small batches ensures maximum flavor.
• Store Properly: Keep the blend in an airtight jar or container, away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Maintain Freshness: For ultimate potency, consider vacuum-sealing the jar to lock in the aroma and flavor.
• Use Within 6 Months: Spices gradually lose their flavor over time, so plan to use your mix within half a year for the best results.

What’s The Difference Between Mixed Spice and Allspice

• Allspice – A single spice derived from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree. Its flavor is naturally a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Mixed Spice – A blend of several ground spices, usually including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, mace, ginger, coriander, and often allspice. It’s specifically made to add warm, aromatic flavor to baked goods and holiday treats.
• Key Difference – Allspice is one spice with a unique flavor, while mixed spice is a pre-made combination of multiple spices designed to be versatile in sweet and savory dishes.

FAQs

Do I need a spice grinder to make this?

Not necessarily. You can use pre-ground spices and mix them by hand, in a jar, or in a blender if you prefer.

Can I make large batches?

You can, but small batches are recommended to keep the spices fresh and aromatic.

How much mixed spice should I use in recipes?

Most recipes call for 1–2 teaspoons per cake or batch of cookies, but adjust based on your preference.

How do I keep mixed spice from clumping?

Store in a completely dry jar, and consider adding a small dry rice grain to absorb moisture. Shake before each use.

Is mixed spice gluten-free?

Yes! All the traditional ingredients in mixed spice are naturally gluten-free.

What Traditional Recipes to Use This in

• Easy Last Minute Christmas Pudding
• Hot Cross Buns Recipe
• Traditional Mincemeat Recipe
• Sugar Free Candied Spiced Nuts
• Irish Christmas Cake Recipe

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated omitted 10/31/2025, to include a NEW step-by-step tutorial video, New photography, explanations of ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, difference between mixed spice and all spice, uses, and Pro Chef Tips.

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