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Mixed Spice (British Recipe for the US/Canada and Recipes to Use it)

Mixed spice isn’t something you’ll find on North American grocery store shelves so just make your own! It’s so easy and useful for British baking!

mixed spice spilled onto board

If you have ever baked a British recipe and came across mixed spice in the recipe ingredients, and didn’t know what it was, this post will be your go-to guide to save you from a baking mishap.

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mixed spice in a jar

What is Mixed Spice?

Mixed spice is a blend of several spices that is frequently used in British baked goods such as hot cross buns, Christmas pudding, and Welsh cakes. (Find these and other recipe links below.) You may have even seen or heard it mentioned on the Great British Bake Off show.

BBC good food show Scotland

Did you know I was on the interview stage at the BBC Good Food Show and met Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood? 🤩 I even rode in the same taxi with them to go out to dinner! Sadly, no one in the US knew them at that time!

allspice berries in a hand
Allspice berries.

What is the Difference between Mixed Spice and Allspice?

While the former is a blend or mixture of different spices, allspice is actually one spice. Allspice berries are ground and used in a lot of Jamaican recipes. Coincidentally, allspice is part of the blend of mixed spice ingredients. As you can see from the photo above, they are berries, and I crushed them with my mortar and pestle to use in the blend.

spices in a bowl

What can I Substitute for Mixed Spice?

While some will recommend using pumpkin spice blends, I advise against this. The ratio of spices is significantly different, and you won’t have the flavor profile that is indicative of British baked goods. Pumpkin spice is essentially cinnamon with other spices added in much lesser quantities. Just make this recipe, which is super easy (mixing together 7 spices), and you won’t have to substitute anything!

Can you use Allspice instead of Mixed Spice?

In a word, no. See above, as allspice is part of the British spice blend, but cannot be interchanged with it.

mixed spice in a jar

I’ve had this “recipe” on my Welsh cakes post, but it wasn’t printable, but now it is; enjoy!

Homemade British Mixed Spice Recipe

Based on a BBC Food recipe         Makes a small jar

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

adding cloves to the bowl

Put the spices in a bowl.

mixing the spices together

Mix all the ingredients together, and place in a glass jar or container. How cute would it be to give mixed spice in mini jars as a holiday gift?

spoonful of the spice mixture

Keep sealed in a cool, dry place.

mixed spice in a jar

Recipes That Use This British Spice Blend

Welsh Cakes

Welsh Cakes for St David's Day

Harry Potter Rock Cakes

rock cakes or rock buns

Hot Cross Buns

hot cross buns and tea

Mincemeat Filling 

homemade mincemeat filling in a jar

Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.

Christmas Soda Bread

Christmas soda bread
Photo courtesy of FabFood4All

If you are like me, you’ll find that you prefer this British blend more than pumpkin spice mixtures. It’s more balanced, and less pungent. Try it and let me know what you think and check out more British products I love for meat dishes!

mixed spice in a jar

Mixed Spice (British Recipe for the US/Canada and Recipes to Use it)

Servings: 1 small jar
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
A basic British mixed spice recipe.
4.9 from 40 votes

Special Equipment

  • 1 glass jar

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp coriander dried spice
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • ½ tsp mace
  • ½ tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  • Mix all the spices together and place in a glass jar or container.
  • Keep sealed in a sealed container in a dry place.

Notes

Contrary to other sites claiming that pumpkin spice can be a substitute, I would not recommend using it in place of mixed spice. The flavor profile is significantly different.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 57kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 2mg

 

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4.91 from 40 votes (39 ratings without comment)

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13 Comments

  1. 5 STARS! I made Paul Hollywood’s recipe for the Chelsea bun Christmas tree last Christmas. His recipe doesn’t mention the spice mix but I’m going to try it this Christmas! These things are so addictive, especially when they are just out of the oven. They do heat up well too. Chelsea buns will make the mince meat haters reform!

  2. Thanks for sharing your recipe on how to make a mixed spice blend. It sounds like a winner as far as flavor goes! You are correct that it is not seen on U.S. grocery store shelves.

  3. Great idea for a recipe post as I’m always running out of the spice I need in the moment and with this recipe I can now make my own Mixed Spice. Thanks for sharing my Christmas Soda Bread recipe:-)

    1. Oh yes, I didn’t think about all of you in the UK because you can buy it, but as you said, if you’re in the middle of baking and don’t have time to run to the shops, you can also make your own! Yay! Oh, I forgot to tell you I added your recipe, haha! Figured you wouldn’t mind :) Ta!!

    1. You’re welcome, Maggie! It’s so great to be able to make the things we miss from home (assuming you’re originally from the UK if you’re bringing back mixed spice)! I am elated I don’t need to haul back 2Kg bags of Alpen anymore, either! :)