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This fall simmer pot recipe is a simple, all-natural potpourri that will make your home feel cozy, warm, and comforting. It’s an aromatic blend of pumpkin, apples, vanilla, and spices that smells like you’ve been baking all day.
Fall weather is a fleeting luxury in southeastern North Carolina. But over the last week, we have had the most beautiful fall days here at the beach. Sweater weather has finally arrived!
When the air turns cool, I love creating a cozy atmosphere at home. Out come the fuzzy socks, warm blankets, and all the scents of fall filling my kitchen.
And of course, my kitchen is stocked with fall essentials, and I have a pumpkin spice simmer pot going on the stove all day.
The blend of pumpkin spice, citrus, and warm herbs is a natural, homemade fall air freshener that makes even busy days feel cozy and slow.
If you love filling your home with cozy aromas, you will also enjoy my recipes for sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls, pumpkin cobbler, and apple cinnamon bread. They will make your home smell divine!
Here’s to a cozy fall for you and your family!
Ps. If you want all the fall feels, click here to grab 3 more fall simmer pot recipes for FREE!
What Is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot or “stovetop potpourri” is a mixture of aromatic, fresh ingredients and water heated for a few hours to release a concentrated aroma.
Because simmer pots are usually filled with edible and natural ingredients like fresh fruit and spices, they are a healthier alternative to some candles, room sprays, and air fresheners.
Simmer pot concoctions can reflect any seasonal vibe, but they are especially cozy in fall and winter.
Why You’ll Love This Fall Simmer Pot
Cozy: A simmer pot creates a cozy aroma and warms up the kitchen throughout the fall season. It makes your home smell like you are stepping into your grandma’s kitchen.
Easy: Simmer pots are one of the easiest ways to add coziness and warmth to your home. It’s as simple as boiling water.
Autumn Vibes: Fall scents are easy to create with a simmer pot. Add your favorite fall spices, essential oils, and fruits. Basically, if it smells good, you can add it to a simmer pot!
Natural Ingredients: This fall simmer pot recipe uses edible ingredients and is a natural way to add fragrance to your home. So you don’t have to worry about unhealthy chemicals or odorous perfumes.
Ingredients
Water: Use enough water to fill your pot about 3/4 full. You could also use apple juice or apple cider.
Pumpkin Puree: Regular canned pumpkin puree will do.
Apples: Apple slices add a touch of sweet scent. You can use fresh or freeze-dried apples.
Spices: I used cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and pumpkin spice.
Vanilla: For simmer pots, I use store-bought vanilla extract. I like using homemade vanilla, but because it takes four months to make, I save it for baking.
Get the full list of ingredients and measurements on the printable recipe card below.
Tools You Will Need
Dutch oven or large pot – I like to use my 7-quart Cuisinart Dutch oven or 5.5-quart Staub Dutch oven for simmer pots, but any large pot will work. Check out my recommendations for the best pots for simmer pots.
Whisk – I use a whisk to combine the pumpkin and water before adding the remaining ingredients.
Spoon – Stir the ingredients once in a while with a spoon to reinvigorate the aroma and ensure enough water is in the pot.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Fill a large Dutch oven or pot about 3/4 full.
Whisk in the pumpkin puree. Mix until combined.
Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients to the pot of water and stir.
Over medium heat, bring the ingredients to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Reduce to low heat. Simmer, uncovered, as long as desired. Add fresh water as needed.
Tips for Making a Fall Simmer Pot
- I stir my simmer pot about every hour or so to check the water level and reinvigorate the aroma.
- Simmer pots are a great way to use up what you have on hand. Add any leftover fruit, fruit scraps, bay leaves, or expired spices.
- As your ingredients simmer down, add more water. I usually add two cups of hot water as needed.
- Set a timer so you remember to check on your simmer pot and turn off the stove when you are done.
FAQs
Yes! One teaspoon of ground cinnamon is equivalent to one cinnamon stick. Ground cinnamon takes a while to hydrate, so don’t be alarmed if it floats on top for a while.
As long as you keep filling the simmer pot, it will last all day. If you use it for only a few hours at a time, it can last 2-3 days.
I often simmer mine in the morning for an hour or so. Then, I reheat it in the evenings for a few hours. I get a few days out of it that way.
Yes! To reuse your simmer pot the same day, cover it with a lid. When you are ready to cozy up again, remove the lid, add more water, and re-simmer the ingredients.
If you want to reuse it in a couple of days, let the ingredients cool to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you are ready to use it, put it back in the pot, add water, and simmer.
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Fall Simmer Pot Recipe
Equipment
- Stockpot (or enameled Dutch oven)
Ingredients
- Water
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 apple, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Instructions
- Fill a large Dutch oven or pot about 3/4 full.Water
- Whisk in the pumpkin puree. Mix until combined.1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- Add the remaining ingredients to the pot of water and stir.1 apple, 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon whole cloves, 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice, 1 tablespoon vanilla
- Over medium heat, bring the ingredients to a gentle boil.
- Reduce to low heat.
- Simmer, uncovered, as long as desired. Add fresh water as needed.
Video
Notes
- Set a timer so you remember to check on your simmer pot and add water as needed. Never leave a simmer pot unattended or unchecked.
- You can use 3/4 teaspoon of ground cloves if that’s what you have on hand.
- If you don’t have pumpkin spice on hand, add a little nutmeg, star anise, cardamom, or allspice.
- I use whole cinnamon sticks, but you can also use ground cinnamon. One teaspoon of ground cinnamon is equivalent to one cinnamon stick.
- Simmer pots are a great way to use up what you have on hand. Add any leftover fruit, fruit scraps, bay leaves, or expired spices.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is auto-calculated and may not reflect your final product. Please verify independently if needed.
