This Fall Simmer Pot Recipe fills your home with cozy autumn aromas. Using simple, fresh ingredients—many of which you probably already have—the simmer pot creates a warm, inviting scent that evokes crisp evenings and baked apples.
This stovetop potpourri is an easy and natural alternative to commercial air fresheners. I often simmer a pot when guests arrive or when I want the house to feel especially cozy. It’s flexible: make it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or in a dutch oven and customize the ingredients to suit the season. Below are notes, ingredient ideas, tips, and the simple instructions to make your own fall simmer pot.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Versatile: use a crock pot, dutch oven, or a large stovetop pot.
- Seasonal: the apple and cinnamon base is perfect for autumn, but you can adapt the concept for any season.
- All-day ambiance: keep the pot on a low simmer to scent the entire home.
- Customizable: pick your favorite fruit, spices, or herbs to personalize the scent.
- Natural fragrance: no synthetic chemicals or concentrated essential oils required.
Simmer Pot Ingredients
- Apple slices and peels – Wash, core, and slice an apple (or use a mix). Apples give a warm, apple-pie–like aroma.
- Lemon slices and peels – Thin slices or leftover peels add bright citrus notes.
- Orange slices and peels – Sweet, juicy aroma that pairs well with cinnamon.
- Cinnamon sticks – Brings that classic fall spice scent.
- Nutmeg & ginger – Ground or whole, these spices deepen the autumn fragrance.
- Star anise – Fragrant and visually pretty in the pot.
- Water – Enough to fill the pot and allow simmering without drying out.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Pumpkin spice – Add for extra autumn warmth.
- Apple cider – Replace part of the water with cider for a richer, seasonal scent.
- Fresh herbs – Sage or rosemary sprigs add an earthy herbal note.
If you try different combinations, share what worked best in the comments.
Recipe Instructions
Required Equipment
- Simmer pot – Any large pot will work; a clear glass simmer pot makes a pretty display. A slow cooker with the lid off also works well.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep ahead: If making in advance, wait to add water until you’re ready to simmer.
- Keep it going: Add water periodically to extend the simmer without letting the pot dry out.
Recipe FAQs
Typically 2–3 hours on low, but you can simmer longer if you regularly add water to prevent drying.
Yes. Package the dried ingredients in a jar, add a ribbon and simple instructions for use.
Other Fall Recipes You Will Love
-
Carrot and Butternut Squash Soup
-
Pear Cocktail Recipe
-
Oat Flour Pumpkin Muffins
-
Butternut Squash Feta Salad
Fall Simmer Pot Recipe
205kcal
Equipment
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simmer pot
Ingredients
- 1 apple sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 3 anise stars
- 3 cups water or enough water to fill the pot
Instructions
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Place all ingredients in a simmer pot or large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer as long as desired. Add water periodically so the pot does not dry out.