You know how pumpkin spice makes everything feel cozy and nostalgic? Well, this Fall Spice Blend brings that same kind of comfort, with warmth from the cinnamon and a special light floral note from lavender.
It will fill your kitchen with that cozy, spiced warmth that makes everything you bake feel extra special.
I first started mixing this blend when I wanted something that carried the same nostalgic comfort as pumpkin spice, but felt lighter and more aromatic.
Cinnamon and cardamom were my base, but the secret is mahlab, a spice made from cherry pits that has this beautiful almond-cherry aroma. It gives Mediterranean pastries their signature flavor. From there, I added a hint of lavender, a touch of vanilla sugar, and just enough black pepper to make it quietly complex.
What does this Fall Spice Blend taste like?
It's warm and cozy like pumpkin spice, but a little lighter and more aromatic. You'll taste cinnamon and mahleb first, it's slightly nutty and gently sweet, followed by hints of cardamom, vanilla, and lavender.
How to Make It
Grind your lavender and cloves until fine, then stir them together with the remaining spices. That's it.
You'll have a jar of warm, fragrant spice that you can sprinkle into everything from cookies to cakes.
Ways to Use
This blend shines in so many ways. Anywhere you'd use warm baking spices, this one fits right in:
- Stir it into cookies, loaf cakes, or muffins for instant warmth.
- Sprinkle over roasted fruit or mix into fruit crisps.
- Add a pinch to your morning coffee or tea (it's incredible in a latte).
- Try it in homemade granola or energy bites for a cozy, spiced twist.
How to Store It
Store it in a clean 1.6 oz spice jar (about ⅓ cup of blend) and keep it in a cool, dry spot. It'll stay fresh for up to six months.
Once you make this spice blend, you'll see why I keep a jar of it in my cupboard.
It has a way of making even the simplest bakes feel comforting and special, like something you'd want to share with someone you love. ♡
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Fall Spice Blend
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About ½ cup (fills one 1.6 oz spice jar / ~55-60 g) 1x
Description
This Spice Blend is cozy and lightly floral. It's a warm twist inspired by Mediterranean flavors. With cinnamon, mahlab, cardamom, and lavender, it adds depth and a subtle sweetness to cookies, cakes, sweet breads, and even your morning coffee.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon (32g)
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons ground mahlab (20g)
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom (6g)
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (1g, from whole cloves)
- 1 teaspoon lavender buds, ground (1g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar (6g)
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper (1.5g)
Instructions
- Grind the cloves and lavender until fine using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- In a small bowl, combine with cinnamon, mahlab, cardamom, vanilla sugar, and black pepper.
- Mix well until evenly blended.
- Transfer to a clean 1.6 oz spice jar (or airtight container). Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Spice Blend
- Method: Hand-Mixed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern-Inspired
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