What spice is most commonly used in apple pie?

Cinnamon is the spice most commonly used in apple pie.

Its warm, sweet, woody flavor complements the tartness and aroma of baked apples, which is why cinnamon appears in countless traditional recipes. It is often mixed into the sugar-coated apple filling rather than sprinkled only on top. Ground cinnamon is the usual form, though some cooks use freshly grated cinnamon or add a cinnamon stick while the filling cooks.

Apple pie recipes vary widely by country, region, and apple variety. Nutmeg is another familiar companion spice, while ginger, allspice, cloves, and cardamom appear in some recipes. Those alternatives can be authentic and delicious, but they do not replace cinnamon as the standard answer to this general trivia question.

The choice of apple also affects how much spice a pie needs. Tart cooking apples such as Granny Smith, Bramley, or Northern Spy provide acidity and structure, while sweeter apples may call for less sugar. Cinnamon supplies fragrance and depth, but apples remain the defining ingredient.