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!
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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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.
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!
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.
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.
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
Put the spices in a bowl.
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?
Keep sealed in a cool, dry place.
Recipes That Use This British Spice Blend
Welsh Cakes
Harry Potter Rock Cakes
Hot Cross Buns
Mincemeat Filling
Christmas Pudding
Christmas Soda Bread
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 (British Recipe for the US/Canada and Recipes to Use it)
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
Nutrition
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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!
Awesome! You’ll have to try my Chelsea bun recipe now and let me know how it compares to Paul’s! :)
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.
isn’t it funny how different countries have different things? we have mixed spice in australia so all is well:)
Oh good!
Perfect timing for holiday baking! Love this, Christina! And here I thought “mixed spice” was just the consider Spice Girl. 🤣
Hahaha! That’s so funny!
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:-)
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!!
Thanks Christina……….sure saves me bringing it back to Canada with me!!!
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! :)