mixed spice

Mixed spice (also called mixed spices) is a ground spice blend traditionally used in British and Commonwealth baking and cooking. The blend is a warm, aromatic combination of ground allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes ginger, coriander, and caraway seeds, though formulations vary regionally. The most common composition centers on allspice as the dominant flavor, with cinnamon providing warmth and depth. Unlike garam masala or Chinese five-spice, which have distinct culinary identities, mixed spice serves as a generalist warming blend for sweet and savory applications.

Mixed spice is a staple in British, Irish, and Commonwealth baking, particularly for cakes, biscuits, puddings, and sweetmeats. It features prominently in Dundee cake, spiced buns, gingerbread-adjacent preparations, and traditional Christmas pudding. The blend is also used to season meat dishes, particularly pork and game, as well as stewed fruits and preserves. A teaspoon or two is typically sufficient for a batch of batter or filling, as the spices deliver concentrated warmth. The blend is favored for applications where a balanced, subtle spiced character is desired rather than a single dominant spice note.