Discover how to make a fall simmer pot that fills your home with cozy, all-natural autumn scents. Easy, budget-friendly recipe using simple ingredients. Read the post to learn how!
Fall is here, and I’m ready to enjoy all the cozy scents that make home feel warm and inviting. Is there anything better than wrapping yourself in a blanket with a warm drink, surrounded by the smells of cinnamon, apples, and oranges? I don’t think so!
One of my favorite tricks to bring fall into the house is a stovetop simmer pot. If you’ve never made one before, you’re in for a treat—it’s like giving your home a big, warm hug that smells like all the best parts of autumn. Plus, it’s an easy and cheap way to make your house smell like fall, without buying pricey candles or air fresheners.
So, What Exactly is a Simmer Pot?
A fall simmer pot is a pot on your stove filled with water, apples, cinnamon sticks, and cloves, filling your home with delicious smells. As it simmers, your whole house fills with an amazing aroma. It’s like you’ve bottled up the essence of fall and released it in your living room. The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.
Why I Love Fall Simmer Pots
Fall is such a special time around here. My son’s already asking when we can start decorating, and honestly, I’m right there with him. There’s just something about the season that makes everything feel extra cozy.
And the best part? A simmer pot is the easiest way to make your home feel warm and inviting without needing to bake (though that’s always a fun option too, may I suggest this Apple Crumb Pie?).
I love that it’s eco-friendly too—using kitchen scraps like apple peels and orange rinds to make your home smell like a fall wonderland. It’s like creating your very own homemade fall potpourri on the stovetop.
Ready to Make Your Own Fall Simmer Pot? Here’s How!
Okay, let’s skip to the good part. Here’s an easy DIY autumn simmer pot recipe you can customize with what you have in your pantry. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Cozy Fall Simmer Pot
Ingredients
- 1 apple sliced (and yes, you can totally use those peels!)
- 1 orange sliced (rind included, because why not?)
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks the more, the better
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves these little guys pack a punch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that sweet, cozy vibe
- 3-4 star anise optional, but they look so fancy
- A handful of fresh cranberries optional, but they add a nice pop of color
- 3-4 cups of water
Instructions
- Slice and Dice: Start by slicing up your apple and orange. Don’t even bother peeling them—those rinds are packed with fragrance.
- Mix It Up: Toss all your ingredients into a medium-sized pot. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in those star anise and cranberries for some extra flair.
- Add Water: Pour in 3-4 cups of water, just enough to cover everything by about an inch.
- Simmer Away: Place the pot on your stove and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it do its thing, but keep an eye on the water level. Add more as needed so it doesn’t dry out.
- Enjoy the Magic: As your cinnamon and apple simmer pot does its thing, your home will start to smell like a fall festival. Seriously, it’s that good. Leave it simmering as long as you like, but don’t forget to turn it off when you’re done!
Notes
- You can reuse your simmer pot for a day or two—just pop it in the fridge overnight and add more water when you’re ready to reheat.
- No stove? No problem! You can simmer the ingredients in a slow cooker on the low setting.
- Feeling adventurous? Try adding other fall spices like nutmeg, allspice, or even a sprig of rosemary for a unique twist.
Creative Variations for Your Fall Simmer Pot
One of the best things about fall simmer pots is how easy they are to customize. You can mix and match ingredients to create your perfect autumn scent.
Try adding cranberries for a pop of color and a slightly tart aroma, or swap out the orange slices for lemons for a citrusy twist. If you love the smell of fresh herbs, toss in a sprig of rosemary or a handful of bay leaves for a more earthy fragrance. For a richer, spicier scent, experiment with whole nutmeg, allspice berries, or even a few slices of fresh ginger.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make a simmer pot that perfectly captures the essence of fall in your home.
Citrus & Spice:
- Lemon slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Star anise
Apple Pie:
- Apple slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
Cranberry Harvest:
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
Herbal Autumn:
- Bay leaves
- Rosemary sprigs
- Orange peel
- Whole allspice
Spiced Chai:
- Black tea bags
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
- Fresh ginger slices
Pumpkin Spice:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole nutmeg
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla extract
Warm & Cozy:
- Pear slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Vanilla extract
- Whole cloves
Forest Fresh:
- Pine sprigs
- Cedar chips
- Bay leaves
- Cinnamon sticks
Gingerbread:
- Fresh ginger slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Molasses (a small spoonful)
These variations can help you create a variety of scents, allowing you to customize your simmer pot to match your mood or the occasion. Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to find your perfect fall fragrance!
Let’s Wrap It Up
There’s something so comforting about having a fall simmer pot bubbling away on the stove. It’s like the ultimate autumn hack—super easy, budget-friendly, and it makes your home feel like a cozy retreat. Plus, it’s a great way to jumpstart those fall vibes without needing to bake (though that’s always a fun option too).
Whether you’re looking for fragrant fall decorations or just want to fill your home with the best fall scents, a simmer pot is the way to go. So, what do you think? Are you going to give this a try? I’d love to hear about your favorite simmer pot combos or any fun twists you add to the recipe.
Let’s chat in the comments!
