Make The Perfect Homemade Mixed Spice | Bigger Bolder Baking (2024)

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Hi Bold Bakers!

One major constant for the years throughout the ages is that holiday desserts and Mixed Spice go hand-in-hand.

I think we can all agree that the thing we love about the holiday season the most is, yes, family time, bonding, and so on, but that a huge part of this time is centered around delicious traditional dishes. The food might be different on every table in different countries but the one thing we all have in common is that feeling you get when on a cold December day when you eat a holiday dessert — for me, it’sHomemade Mince Pie or a piece of Christmas Cakesslathered with butter.

That feeling you get inside is universal.

When I want to make some of the traditional recipes I grew up in Ireland I find it difficult (or expensive) to buy them in the US. And because I’m always up for a challenge I decided to research making my own ingredients that are commonly found in Irish desserts at Christmas, like Glacé Cherries, Homemade Mixed Spice, and yes Candied Citrus Peel. All easily made at home and much better quality then I can find near me.

What Is Mixed Spice?

Mixed spice is a spice blend commonly used in British and Irish baking, but mostly around Christmas. It is our equivalent to America’s Pumpkin Pie Spice. The blend of spices is very similar, which makes pumpkin pie spice a good substitute for mixed spice if you don’t want to make it or can’t find it.

What You Need To Make Mixed Spice

Well, you’ll simply need a way to mix all of the spices together — you can do it in a bowl with a spoon, in a jar that you shake well, or even in a blender if you want to get your blender dirty for some reason. Really, the only things you need are the pre-ground spices and then something to store the mix in afterward.

If you’re grinding your own, you’ll need a spice grinder!

Here are the spices:

• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoonground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoonsground mace
• 1 teaspoonground cloves
• 1 teaspoonground coriander
• 1 teaspoonground ginger

How To Make Mixed Spice

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Mixed Spice

• Use in myChristmas Cakes, Christmas Puddings, or myHomemade Mincemeat.
• If you need a substitute for mixed spice in a recipe and don’t want to make your own you can just use Pumpkin Pie Spice instead. Both are made up of similar spices.
• Make mixed spice in small batches so it stays fresher longer.
• For ultimate freshness, vacuum seal your spice blend to keep in the flavor.
• Did you know you can make your own Candied Mixed Peel and Glacé Cherries also?

How long does it last?

Store the Mixed Spice in an airtight container in a cupboard away from direct heat or sunlight. It will last for up to 6 months. After this time the flavor will dull so use it up fast.

Make More Recipes!

• Christmas Cake
• Christmas Pudding
• Homemade Mincemeat

And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook!

Full (and printable) recipe below!

Ingredients

Instructions