Simple Fall Simmer Pot Recipe for a Cozy Home

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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.

The mornings have been in the 40s, and the days are in the low 60s. It is really the most perfect time of year.

These cool days have me craving all things cozy at home. I’ve pulled out our favorite things for fall: cozy blankets, warm sweaters, and fuzzy socks.

My kitchen is stocked with fall essentials, and I have a simmer pot on the stove all day.

This pumpkin spice simmer pot recipe has been going on my stove for days now, and my home smells like I just walked into a warm cottage where someone has been baking all day.

This fall simmer pot recipe is one of the best ways to cozy up your home for fall. Even on the days I am busy, it makes being home feel more relaxing and comforting.

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 a 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.

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Best Pots for a Fall Simmer Pot

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You can use any pot suitable for boiling water. The best part is you don’t need to buy anything new or fancy.

• Dutch oven – I use my enameled Dutch oven for simmer pots. It holds plenty of water and doesn’t require much heat to keep the ingredients simmering all day.
• Stockpot – A stockpot will also work to make a simmer pot. If it is very large, I recommend filling it with no more than 8-10 cups of water. Much more will dilute the fragrance too much.
• Saucepan – A large saucepan works great for a simmer pot. Fill it with 6-8 cups of water.
• Crockpot – You can also use a Crockpot for your fall simmer pots. Just add the ingredients, turn the crock pot on high, and simmer without the lid. Keep in mind that it will take longer for the ingredients to simmer in a slow cooker.
• Glass simmer pot – If you want a dedicated pot, you can purchase a glass simmer pot for the stove. These look really beautiful on the stovetop.

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.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Using pretty gold measuring cups and spoons elevates the cozy vibes, but any measuring cups and spoons will get the job done. Also, simmer pots are really forgiving, so don’t get too worked up about the measurements.
• 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.

Simmer Pot Ingredients & Substitutions

• Water – Use enough water to fill your pot about 3/4 full. You could also use apple juice or apple cider.
• Pumpkin puree – I use leftover pumpkin puree after making sourdough pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls or pumpkin cobbler.
• Apples – Apple slices add a touch of sweet scent. You can use fresh or freeze-dried apples.
• Cinnamon – Cinnamon is one of the most comforting scents of fall. I use whole cinnamon sticks, but you can also use ground cinnamon. One teaspoon of ground cinnamon is equivalent to one cinnamon stick.
• Cloves – I prefer a tablespoon of whole cloves for my fall simmer pots. You can use 3/4 teaspoon of ground cloves if that’s what you have on hand.
• Pumpkin spice – Pumpkin spice is the quintessential fall aroma. If you don’t have pumpkin spice on hand, add a little nutmeg, star anise, cardamom, or allspice.
• Vanilla – For simmer pots, I use store-bought vanilla extract. I love baking with homemade vanilla, but because it takes four months to make, I save it for cozy treats like sourdough skillet cookies.

How To Make a Simple Fall Simmer Pot

Fill a large Dutch oven or pot about 3/4 full.

Whisk in the pumpkin puree. Mix until combined.

Add the remaining ingredients to the pot of water and stir.

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.

Tips for Making a Fall Simmer Pot

• Check often – I stir my simmer pot about every hour or so to check the water level and reinvigorate the aroma.
• Use what you have – 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.
• Start with more water – The more concentrated the mixture, the stronger the aroma will be. But I don’t want to add water every 30 minutes. So I start with more water and let it simmer down for a few hours.
• Keep filling it – As your ingredients simmer down, add more water. I usually add two cups of hot water as needed.
• Set a timer – Set a timer so you remember to check on your simmer pot and turn off the stove when you are done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks?

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.

How long will a simmer pot last on the stove?

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.

Can I reuse a simmer pot?

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.

Can I use food scraps for a fall simmer pot recipe?

Yes! Simmer pots are a great way to use scraps. I use my three-year-old’s half-eaten apples, apple peels, orange slices, orange peels, or a combination of fruit scraps. Also, if you have expired spices, add them to your simmer pot.

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