Pumpkin Spice Dry Rub
On August 06, 2025
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This Pumpkin Spice Dry Rub brings all those cozy fall flavors to your BBQ. With a perfect balance of sweet brown sugar, warm pumpkin pie spice, and a savory seasoning blend, this rub turns ordinary meats into fall-flavored masterpieces.
Pumpkin Spice Dry Rub
This Pumpkin Spice Dry Rub captures those warm fall flavors, but still works as a legitimate BBQ rub that can stand on its own. The brown sugar creates that beautiful caramelized bark we all crave, while the pumpkin pie spice adds warmth without overwhelming the meat. The black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder keep things grounded in BBQ tradition, making this rub the perfect bridge between summer grilling and fall comfort food.
What started as a joke during a Hey Grill Hey team meeting has become one of my most requested seasonal rubs. People who swear they’re over the whole pumpkin spice trend find themselves sneaking extra servings of anything this rub graces. It’s that good.
What is pumpkin spice rub?
This isn’t your basic pumpkin spice latte in rub form. This is a rich blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves combined with savory garlic and onion powder. The brown sugar doesn’t just add sweetness, it helps create that gorgeous bark that makes your BBQ look just as amazing as it tastes.
The best part is this rub is incredibly versatile. Sure, I designed it for my Pumpkin Spice Pulled Pork, but it’s incredible on smoked turkey, grilled chicken thighs, and even roasted vegetables. I even had someone tell me they loved it so much they were going to try some on their Thanksgiving turkey. It’s perfect for adding a little autumn to all your favorite smoked and grilled meats.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Rub
This rub comes together with just 6 simple ingredients that create autumn BBQ magic when they meet the heat:
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
That’s it! No complicated ingredients, or special trips to a specialty store. Just pantry staples that become something uniquely delicious.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Dry Rub
Making this rub is easier than waiting in line for a pumpkin spice coffee. You’ll likely spend more time deciding what to cook with it than you will making it.
- Mix everything together. Grab a small bowl and add all your ingredients. Use a fork to mix everything well, breaking up any brown sugar clumps. You want this evenly distributed so every bite gets the full flavor experience.
- Store or use immediately. This rub is ready to go right away. Apply it generously to your meat of choice and let those flavors work their magic. Any leftover rub can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months, though I doubt it’ll last that long once you taste what it does to BBQ.
Ways to Use Your Rub
While this rub was created for my famous Pumpkin Spice Pulled Pork, it’s surprisingly versatile. Here are my favorite ways to use it:
Make sure you’ve got plenty of my Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce to drizzle on your meats once you finish cooking. This one-two punch creates the essential fall bite.
Storage and Making Ahead
This rub stores beautifully when kept in a glass spice jar or other airtight container. I like to make a double or triple batch at the beginning of fall and keep it handy when the BBQ craving strikes. Store it in a cool, dry place like your pantry or spice rack to keep those spices fresh and vibrant for up to 3 months.
Because it stores so easily, this rub makes a great gift for the BBQ lovers in your life. Plus, the odds are good you’ll get a tasty meal in the long run.
More Amazing BBQ Rub Recipes
If you love this detour into seasonal BBQ rubs, you’ve got to check out these other flavor-packed options:
Sauces & Rubs
Smoked Turkey Rub
Rubs & Seasonings
Cocoa Chipotle BBQ Rub
Rubs & Seasonings
Mesquite Seasoning Blend
Rubs & Seasonings
Coffee Rub
You can find even more incredible rub recipes here on the site, as well as in the Hey Grill Hey App. Check back often, because I’m constantly adding exciting new recipes.
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Dry Rub Recipe
Embrace your inner pumpkin spice lover with this rub, then get ready to wow your friends and family and friends. Once you try it, make sure to come back and leave a 5-star review to let others know how wonder-fall it really is!
You can find more of my smoking and grilling recipes and videos on YouTube, Instagram, or my Facebook page. I’m here to help you make better BBQ, feed the people you love, and become a Backyard BBQ Hero.
Pumpkin Spice Dry Rub
Video
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Make the dry rub. Combine all the ingredients for your dry rub in a small bowl, then mix until you have an even mixture. I recommend using a whisk or fork so you can break up any clumps.2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon Kosher salt, 1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Use the rub or store for later. Use the rub immediately to give your favorite meats a touch of fall flavor. Store any unused seasoning in a glass spice jar for up to 3 months for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
