This super easy, homemade Allspice Recipe comes together in minutes and mimics the taste of the actual dried berry from South America. The perfect combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for all of your culinary adventures.
Spices.
Such a simple word can evoke visions of color, sounds and fragrances, appealing to all of your senses.
Naturally, I am referring to the wonderful spice markets of the world.
But have you ever wondered what is the true definition of a spice?
Wikipedia defines a spice as “a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance primarily used for flavoring, coloring or preserving food”.
Surprisingly, allspice is a separate, unique spice and not a spice blend.
If you are like me, I just assumed that this spice is the combination of a bunch of different spices.
If Pumpkin Spice is the result of whisking together the perfect proportions of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves, why can’t allspice also be a blend of spices?
The truth is that allspice, also known as Jamaican pepper, is a small berry with a pungent, peppery taste, originating from South America. In fact, the flavor and fragrance can be mimicked by using a certain proportion of some common spices you have in your pantry right now.
This spice mixture is wonderful in both savory and sweet dishes.
Let me show you how easy this is!
Ingredients
- Cloves. A very popular baking spice.
- Cinnamon. This warm spice is readily available in sticks or ground.
- Nutmeg. If possible, grate the whole nut for additional freshness.
As far as accessories are concerned, you need a spice grater (if using whole spices), a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Optional: a small whisk.
Instructions
In order to make 1 teaspoon, simply combine 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
That’s it!
Combining cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in the right proportions creates the perfect homemade recipe for an allspice substitution.
So, if you are in the mood to make this spice cake, but realize you don’t have any allspice in your cupboard, you can simply make it!
It goes without saying that if you have access to the actual whole berry, use it! Add them to a marinade; or grind them to use in soups, stews or curries.
Tips
- Based on the quantity you require, feel free to double, triple or even quadruple the amounts indicated in this recipe.
- Shake the jar prior to using it blend to ensure even distribution of the individual spices.
- This spice mix is a great idea for unique homemade gifts.
What is it?
Allspice is the dried berry of a South American tree. It is sometimes referred to as Jamaican allspice.
Where can I add it?
Add allspice to savory dishes like soups and stews if you like a bit of “heat”. It can also be added to sweet dishes, especially when baking. Gingerbread bread or cookies are both great examples.
What’s in it?
A homemade version can easily be made by combining ground cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
What does allspice taste like?
This aromatic spice has a strong pungent taste resembling pepper.
Allspice recipes we love
Recipe origins
I have a fascination with herbs and spices. Their magical ability to elevate the flavor and fragrance of almost any dish is nothing short of spectacular.
My friends and family know this little obsession of mine. In fact, when they travel abroad, I am always the lucky recipient of some exotic spice! I am so grateful for this.
I was recently gifted nutmeg and cloves by a friend who just returned from Greece. Although they are considered warm spices, these basic spices are not very exotic. But I have to tell you, the fragrance was unbelievable!
One Sunday morning, not too long ago, I started baking my honey spice cake when I suddenly realized that I had finished my allspice.
A quick search in my reference books confirmed that I had all of the allspice ingredients to make my own! Before I knew it, I was making the allspice recipe that I am now sharing with all of you.
I hope it comes in handy so that the next time you wonder what spices are in allspice, you will know.
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
Ciao for now,
Maria
★★★★★ If you have made this Allspice Recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Allspice Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon ground
- ¼ teaspoon cloves ground
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ground
Instructions
- Combine all of the spices in a jar.
- Shake to ensure equal distribution of the individual spices.
- Place lid and store at room temperature.
Notes
- Based on the quantity you require, feel free to double, triple or even quadruple the amounts indicated in this recipe.
- Shake the jar prior to using it blend to ensure even distribution of the individual spices.
- This spice mix is a great idea for unique homemade gifts.
Cynthia Walton
I tried to buy allspice at Thanksgiving and my local store was out. I googled it and found out what the ingredients are. Made some up and used it the same day. Thanks for the recipe.
Maria
Fantastic Cynthia! Thanks for sharing.
Val
I remember this the next time I run out of allspice. Thanks for sharing!
Maria
My pleasure Val. It really does come in handy. Thanks for taking the time to comment, appreciate it!