Easy Pumpkin Pie With Allspice and Nutmeg

There’s a certain aroma that defines the holidays. It’s a warm, spicy, and comforting scent that fills the entire house and promises something delicious is coming. For me, that smell is the quintessential fragrance of a pumpkin pie baking in the oven. This favorite family recipe for our super easy pumpkin pie with allspice and nutmeg is the one I turn to year after year for its velvety smooth texture, perfectly balanced spice, and foolproof method. It’s the kind of simple, cherished recipe that lets you create a beautiful, homemade dessert without any fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy the season!

easy pumpkin pie with allspice and nutmeg garnished with whipped cream on a paper plate with blue design

You’ll Love This Easy Pumpkin Pie with Allspice and Nutmeg

Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s talk about why this pie deserves a spot on your holiday table. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece.

  • Incredibly Simple: With a handful of pantry staples and a quick fool-proof homemade crust, this pie comes together in minutes.
  • The Perfect Texture: We’re aiming for a creamy, firm slice that holds its shape but melts in your mouth.
  • A Harmonious Blend of Spices: This isn’t a one-note pie. The classic cinnamon, ginger and cloves get an extra boost from the allspice and nutmeg to create a warm, complex flavor that is simply irresistible.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Bake it a day ahead! The flavors meld and deepen, making it even better the next day.

The Perfect Pie Crust

For this recipe, you have a couple of great options to create your perfect pie:

  • For the Easiest Approach: A high-quality store-bought unbaked pie crust works beautifully and saves time.
  • For a Truly Homemade Experience: I highly recommend using my favorite Double Crust Pastry recipe. It’s my go-to for a reason—it’s reliable, flavorful, and creates the perfect buttery foundation for this spiced filling. Because the recipe makes 2 crusts, you can save the other half for later, make 2 pumpkin pies at once or halve the recipe!

Baking With Kids: A Whirring Good Time

Getting little hands involved in the kitchen creates the best memories, and this pumpkin pie is a fantastic recipe for it! The filling comes together entirely in a blender, which is a major win for both fun and clean-up.

  • The Dump-and-Pour Experts: This is the perfect job for your smallest helpers. Let them be in charge of dumping the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, and cracked eggs into the blender pitcher.
  • The Button Pusher: The grand finale is, of course, blending! The magic of watching all the separate ingredients whirl together into a smooth, orange liquid is pure kitchen science. For a child who is sensitive to sudden loud noises (like mine!), this is a key moment. We always get out the ear defenders first. You can also give them a sense of control by letting them be the one to flip the switch, so the noise isn’t a surprise. It turns a potentially scary moment into a moment of empowered fun.
  • Mini Pies: Sometimes a few tiny pumpkin tarts crafted by little hands are the best way to create a finished product that no one can resist trying! My toddler has never been fan of spices or pumpkin, but he was so excited to make his very own tiny pumpkin ‘muffin’ pie that he even tried it and approved!
baby's first easy pumpkin pie with allspice and nutmeg

Their proudest moment will be when they get to see the beautiful pie (or mini pies!) they helped create come out of the oven and onto the holiday table.

Your Pumpkin Pie Questions, Answered!

Even with an easy recipe, a few questions always pop up. Here are my quick answers to ensure your pie is perfect.

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
    Absolutely! You’ll need about 2 cups of homemade puree. Just make sure it’s thick and has been strained well of excess water, or your pie might not set properly.
  • How do I know when the pie is done baking?
    The classic test is the “knife test.” Insert a knife near the center of the pie; if it comes out clean, the pie is done. Remember, the center will still look a little jiggly, not completely firm—it will continue to set as it cools.
  • Why did my pie crust edges burn?
    This is so common! If your crust is browning too quickly, tent the edges with strips of aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield about halfway through the baking time. This protects the delicate crust while the filling finishes cooking.
  • Can I make this dairy-free?
    You can! Simply replace the evaporated milk with an equal amount of full-fat canned coconut milk and substitute the small amount of butter with a vegan/non-dairy butter or coconut oil (which is solid at room temperature). The result is just as creamy with a very subtle, lovely coconut undertone!
freshly baked easy pumpkin pie with allspice and nutmeg in glass pie dish

Impossibly Easy Pumpkin Pie

Yield: 1 pie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • 1/2 t. allspice
  • 1 t. cinnamon
  • 1/2 t. ginger
  • 1/2 t. nutmeg
  • 2 T. butter
  • 2 t. vanilla
  • 1 c. evaporated or double-strength milk (or 1 (12 oz.) can)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 c. cooked pumpkin (1 regular sized can)

Instructions

  1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until well combined.
  2. Pour into an unbaked pastry shell.
  3. Bake at 350* for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

I hope this recipe turns out as well for you as it has for me every year! Please let me know if you changed anything and if so, how it turned out! I’m never too old to learn new tricks. 😉

Flavors in This Recipe

Here is a closer look at the key flavors that make this recipe special! Click on any spice to explore its full profile, from culinary uses to growing tips. 🙂

Breakfast Recipes for Teething Toddlers

These easy breakfasts keep my teething baby boy munching even through molar season. If we can at least eliminate the hangry issue, that’s one less thing for him to be upset about, right?

Do you also have a small one who is having a hard time with life and struggling to enjoy eating? Here is what I found works for our teething baby!

teething baby smiling at the camera

See? Bubba approves.

I keep some of these breakfasts ready-made by batching one each week and it gives me a small break on the tough days.

Now I have that brief moment in the mornings to have my coffee in peace while he chews…before the day begins.

As one of the many in our generation who is finding there is a dearth of ‘village’, I have learned to have my own back when it comes to meals. Also, I realized that technology can be a resource if used wisely.

My sanity is being preserved by small segments of Trash Truck and Blueberry Muffins today.

#1. Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes

Pancakes are my first choice on days that I have limited time, but need to get something made for snacks and breakfast the next day.

The beauty of these is that they are whole wheat, just sweet enough that you don’t feel the need for syrup or honey and you can add as many different fruits or berries as you like to boost nutrition!

My poor teething toddler struggles to eat whole blueberries, or raw berries of any kind right now, so I cut each berry into quarters and sprinkle a few pieces on top of each pancake as it cooks.

By the time the pancake is cooked, the little berry pieces have also softened and are that much easier to chew. This also allows me to change up the berries if he’s not feeling ‘blue’, or stick with a plain pancake in a pinch.

With a little bit of butter, or just as they are, these little cakes are a win-win for baby and mama!

Cinnamon streusel topped oatmeal muffins on blue and red striped platter

#2. Cinnamon Streusel Oat Muffins

If your little one is needing a bit more spice in their life, these muffins are sure to do the trick.

While the cinnamon streusel topping makes these seem like dessert, the oatmeal ensures that even a ravenous toddler will be satisfied for a couple of hours!

Freshly baked loaf of banana bread

#3. Banana Bread

When my son first started eating solids, he would not eat bananas at all. He still seems weirded out by the texture of the raw variety, but when it comes to this delicious quick-bread, he’s a huge fan.

Oatmeal Pudding

#4. Dairy Free Oatmeal Pudding

Believe it or not, I never actually fed my son baby cereal.

The gluey consistency was not a huge selling point for either of us. So I started just making regular oatmeal, simmered over medium until it became a silky smooth porridge that didn’t even need milk.

With a spoonful of honey or sugar, a pinch of salt and perhaps a sprinkle of cinnamon, this go-to breakfast is perfect for those days when chewing anything is out of the question.

(The cranberries were added for color and because it’s how I serve it to my partner, but clearly the little one isn’t eating those.)

Potato, pepper and onion breakfast hash in small metal pot on tiled table background

#5. Farmstyle Potatoes

There are always those days when our babies are excited about little nuggets of vegetable goodness, and this is my favorite way to circumvent the French fry request.

waffles with berries on white ceramic plate

#6. Whole Wheat Buttermilk Waffles

My son loves to help me cook, especially when there are exciting appliances involved, like the waffle maker. Not only do we stay busy making a batch, they keep wonderfully in the freezer and are easily popped in the toaster for quick breakfasts or snacks.

potato, egg and cheese omelette with green onion garnish

#7. Potato Omelette

I made a gorgeous potato omelette yesterday that was extremely photogenic and didn’t look nearly as drowned in cheese as this one. As luck would have it, we ate it before I thought about taking a picture.

That’s exactly how delicious this breakfast is. It takes a little bit of patience, and my son is frustrated that it does not need to be constantly stirred, but he loves the final result.

#8. Amish Baked Oatmeal

This cereal has many childhood memories for me. It was a fun way to consume oatmeal that seemed almost like a dessert.

Because it has so few ingredients, this is a breeze to whip up even on a tough day. My little one loves helping me mix! For ease of serving, I cook this in muffin form now.

freshly baked bran muffin in pan

#9. Old Fashioned Bran Muffins

This recipe is another one I grew up loving, and I’m so glad my mom still had it stashed away after all these years. I love the hint of richness provided by the molasses.

You can add berries, raisins and just about anything else you please to this recipe. It’s extremely versatile and just as delicious plain as it is with added ingredients. Also, if you have sour milk to use up, this is the perfect way to do it!

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it does include most of my son’s favorite options.

photo of a hand holding out a steaming cup

I hope this post was able to help you simplify your mornings a little bit and give yourself a few more momma moments to breathe.

Have a great week, my friends!

Sweet and Spicy Jerk Pork: The Best Comfort Meal

We recently traveled to a nearby town to stock up on gently used clothes for our growing Hulk baby and stopped for lunch at a Jamaican restaurant. The meal I ordered included some delicious sweet and spicy jerk pork.

I’m sure you can all relate – You have an amazing, authentic lunch and then all you can crave for weeks is the meal you had there. So then, of course, you do your best to recreate it.

This last week was rough. Everything emotionally exhausting that could happen in one week, did. Somehow, creating this spice mix and using it to create a delicious meal made things a little easier after the chaos. May it also save your sanity today!

Roasted sweet and spicy jerk pork shoulder

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Jerk Pork

Before we get to the ingredients, let’s talk about why this recipe is a keeper. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a flavor experience.

  • An Explosion of Flavor: This isn’t a one-note spice rub. It’s a complex blend of sweet, spicy, and savory that creates an incredible crust on the pork.
  • Comforting & Healing: There’s something truly therapeutic about creating a beautiful, aromatic meal from scratch, especially after a long week.
  • Feeds a Crowd (or Provides Leftovers!): A pork shoulder roast is perfect for a family dinner with plenty left for amazing lunches the next day.
  • Incredibly Versatile: The homemade jerk seasoning is the real star—you can use it on chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables.

Chef’s Tips & Tricks

A few simple tricks will make your jerk pork roast absolutely unforgettable:

  • Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: While you can cook the roast immediately, letting it rest with the rub in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) is the single biggest thing you can do for depth of flavor. The spices truly penetrate the meat.
  • The Low & Slow Secret: Pork shoulder is a tough cut with lots of connective tissue. Roasting it low and slow (300°F is perfect) is what breaks down that tissue, transforming it into the most tender, pull-apart meat you’ll ever have.
  • Crispy-Ends Bonus: For an incredible treat, once the pork is shredded, spread it on a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. You’ll get amazing crispy, caramelized edges that are packed with flavor.
  • Spice Control: This recipe has a gentle heat. If you love fire, don’t be shy with the cayenne! For a milder version, you can reduce it or replace it with a pinch of sweet paprika.

Serving Your Flavorful Feast

I served this succulent pork with a full Caribbean-inspired spread: Smokey GreensSkillet CabbageField Peas & Snaps (we love Margaret Holmes), Steamed Rice, and Roasted Sweet Potatoes.

Don’t worry, I’ll get to those side dish recipes someday!

Roasted sweet and spicy jerk pork shoulder

Sweet and Spicy Jerk Pork Roast

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 1 c. Brown Sugar
  • 4 t. Garlic Salt
  • 4 t. Dried Thyme or 6 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
  • 2 t. Allspice
  • 2 t. Smoked Paprika
  • 2 t. Chili Pepper Flakes
  • 1 t. Cloves
  • 1 t. Cinnamon
  • 1 t. Nutmeg
  • 1 t. Cumin
  • 1 t. Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 Boneless Pork Loin/Pork Shoulder
  • 1 c. Water/Chicken Broth/Orange Juice

Instructions

  1. Combine all spices and sugar.
  2. Rinse meat and pat dry.
  3. Trim any excess fat if you prefer. About 1/4″ layer on top is ok for me.
  4. Rub spice mixture into meat well on all sides.
  5. Place in iron skillet or other baking dish.
  6. Preheat oven to 300*.
  7. Add 1 c. liquid of your choice.
  8. Cover with foil and roast 4 hours.
  9. Remove foil and roast another 2 hours.

Notes

  • This made just enough for me to use on a whole pork loin. Just remember, never be afraid of too much seasoning. Use your inner chef, but err on the side of too much. I got you.
  • You can also marinate the pork ahead of time in the spice mixture.

A Note on Cooking and Chaos

You might have noticed I mentioned it was a rough week. I don’t say that lightly. In the midst of life’s chaos, the simple, predictable act of measuring spices, the focused attention of preparing a roast, and the nurturing aspect of creating a meal for my family became a small anchor.

There’s science behind it—the attention required for cooking can act as a form of mindfulness, pulling you out of anxious thoughts and into the present moment. The scent of toasting allspice and thyme filling the kitchen is a kind of aromatherapy. And the final moment of sitting down to a meal you built from scratch, no matter how simple, provides a tangible sense of accomplishment on days you feel you’ve achieved nothing else.

So, if you’re also having one of those weeks, I invite you to let this recipe be more than dinner. Let the process be your therapy. Let the flavors be your comfort. This is what “A Kitchen of Herbs” is truly about—using the gifts of the earth to nourish both body and soul.

Flavors in This Recipe

A closer look at the key flavors from my Herbs and Spices collection that created the iconic jerk taste!

Easy Old Fashioned Apple Pie with Lemon and Vanilla

I grew up making this old fashioned apple pie recipe.

In school I was introduced to the cooked fruit method. This recipe is now a hybrid of both. The lemon juice keeps the apples from browning (if you are prepping ahead) and also adds to the depth of flavor. Vanilla just belongs in everything.

If you don’t have pie crust already, I recommend whipping up a batch of Double Crust Pastry now so that it will be easy to roll out by the time you are ready to build the pie.

freshly baked old fashioned apple pie

If you don’t have pie crust already, I recommend whipping up a batch of Double Crust Pastry now so that it will be easy to roll out by the time you are ready to build the pie.

baked pie

Old Fashioned Apple Pie

Yield: 1 Pie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. granulated sugar
  • 1 t. cinnamon
  • 3 T. all purpose flour
  • 5 Gala, Fuji or Rome Apples
  • 1 T. vanilla
  • 1 T. lemon juice or juice of one lemon
  • 6 T. butter, salted
  • 1 Recipe of Double Crust Pastry

Instructions

  1. Peel, quarter and slice apples.
  2. Toss apples with vanilla and lemon juice. This enhances the flavor and also prevents browning.
  3. Combine sugar, cinnamon and flour.
  4. Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture on the bottom pie crust.
  5. Add apples and sprinkle remaining sugar mixture on top.
  6. Dot pie with butter.
  7. Cover with top crust and crimp as desired.
  8. Bake at 350* for 40-50 minutes or until top crust is lightly browned.

Notes

I am not a fan of the sharpness of Granny Smith Apples. If you are, feel free to adjust the recipe accordingly. The apple types I suggested are ones that end up producing a good texture and aren't too sweet or sour in my opinion. You do you! In my experience, Red Delicious apples are also a no go since they tend to turn out too 'spongey' for my taste.

Cinnamon Streusel Oatmeal Muffins

These cinnamon streusel oatmeal muffins were a go-to for us growing up because the oatmeal made them heartier, thus satisfying the appetites of 3 growing boys much more easily. The streusel topping made them ‘fancy’ and kept us from feeling like we were eating a health muffin.

If you don’t feel like messing with muffins, whip out an iron skillet and grease it lightly. You’ll soon learn that just about anything I post can also be made in a skillet.

Alot of the sweetness in the muffin comes from the topping, so adjust to your taste. As they bake, the topping crackles and splits a little bit.

Cinnamon streusel oatmeal muffins on blue and red striped platter

Cinnamon Streusel Oatmeal Muffins

Yield: 24 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
No Ratings

Ingredients

Topping

  • 2 T. Salted Butter
  • 1/2 c. + 2 T. Granulated Sugar
  • 3 T. + 1 t. All Purpose Flour
  • 2 T. Cinnamon

Muffin Batter

  • 2 c. All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 c. Granulated Sugar
  • 2 T. Baking Powder
  • 1 t. Salt
  • 1/2 t. Cardamom (Not necessary, but I like the mellow flavor.)
  • 1/2 t. Cinnamon
  • 2 c. Quick Oats
  • 1 c. Raisins (I never put these in, but knock yourself out.)
  • 6 T. Oil (Anything that is liquid at room temperature works.)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 c. Milk (Dairy, Non-Dairy, you do you.)
  • 1 t. Vanilla

Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 425*.
    2. Grease or line muffin tins with papers.
    3. Melt butter for topping.
    4. Mix in sugar, flour and cinnamon until crumbly and set aside.
    5. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and spices.
    6. Stir in oatmeal and raisins (if adding)
    7. Add oil, eggs, milk and vanilla and mix just until combined.
    8. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
    9. Sprinkle generously with streusel topping.
    10. Bake 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Amish Baked Oatmeal

I grew up eating a lot of oatmeal, in many forms. One of my favorite ways to eat it was this Amish baked oatmeal recipe. I think it’s best hot out of the oven, but even as leftovers it’s delicious.

For easy breakfasts on the go or just to make single servings easier, you can use a muffin tin. Fill them to the brim and bake!

Amish baked oatmeal in a bowl of milk

Amish Baked Oatmeal

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 3 c. Quick Oats
  • 1 c. Brown Sugar
  • 2 t. Baking Powder
  • 1 t. Salt
  • 1 t. Cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 t. Cardamom (optional)
  • 1 c. Milk
  • 1/2 c. Oil
  • 2 Egg
  • 2 t. Vanilla Extract (optional)

Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350*.
    2. In large bowl, combine dry ingredients.
    3. Stir in milk, oil, egg and vanilla.
    4. Pour into greased 8x8 square pan, 8" cake pan or whatever you have handy.
    5. Bake 20-25 minutes, until set and toothpick comes out clean.
    6. Serve warm with milk or refrigerate for up to a week for easy breakfasts!

Notes

Nutritional Boost Options:

2 T. Ground Pumpkin Seeds
2 T. Ground Flax Seed
1 apple, peeled and finely grated