Cozy Fall Simmer Pot Recipe That Smells Like Pumpkin Spice

Use natural ingredients to create the coziest fall atmosphere in your home with this fall simmer pot recipe that smells just like pumpkin spice.

Oh fall. 

One of the things I love most about you and this time of year is the smell. 

From the earthy aroma of fallen leaves to the spicy scent of pumpkin and cinnamon, fall’s fragrance has a way of making everything feel more homey and comforting. 

Don’t you think?

To capture this goodness and spread it throughout our home, I love using a fall simmer pot. 

So this fall, I thought I’d create a simmer pot that’s infused with the scent of quintessential pumpkin spice. 

And boy does it smell good! 

It’s just like having pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffins baking in the oven, but without all the work. 

In this post, I’m sharing my pumpkin spice simmer pot recipe, along with a few tips and variations you can use to make it uniquely your own. 

Let’s dive into creating a cozy atmosphere that embodies the spirit of fall!

What is a simmer pot?

A simmer pot is a simple and natural method of adding fragrance to your home by simmering a mixture of aromatic ingredients in water on the stove. 

Typically ingredients like fruits, spices, and herbs are combined in a pot of water and heated over low heat. 

As the mixture simmers, it releases fragrant steam that fills the air with the coziest aromas. 

Simmer pots are a popular choice for creating a cozy atmosphere during the fall and winter months, but I also like to make them for spring and summer too.

Why a simmer pot?

Now you may be wondering why you need a simmer pot when you can just light a fall scented candle, right?

And while I do love my fall candles, a simmer pot is a natural way to add fragrance to your home without relying on artificial scents. 

Basically, it’s a simple way to embrace the season with ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen already. 

Plus, there’s something so comforting about a pot of fragrant spices and fruit gently bubbling away on the stove, knowing it’s infusing your home with the essence of autumn.

Jump to Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious pumpkin spice simmer pot…

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Easy Fall Simmer Pot Recipe

Get ready to fill your home with the comforting and cozy aroma of pumpkin spice with these easy steps.

One. Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the orange and apple into thick slices.

Don’t worry about peeling them. The peels add extra fragrance and color to the simmer pot.

Two. Combine in a Pot

Place the orange slices, apple slices, pumpkin spice, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and vanilla into a small pot.

Three. Add Water

Pour in 4-5 cups of water, making sure to add enough water so that the ingredients are submerged.

Four. Simmer on the Stove

Bring the mixture to a low simmer over low heat on the stove top. 

Make sure to keep an eye on the water level, adding more as needed to keep the ingredients covered.

Five. Enjoy the Coziness

Let the pot simmer for several hours, filling your home with cozy fall scents. 

You can leave it on the stove throughout the day, just be sure to add water as it evaporates.

Simmering Potpourri Variations to Try

The great thing about stovetop potpourri is that you can easily customize it to suit your mood, the season, or what you might have on hand to create your own homemade scents.

Here are a few variations you can experiment with…

• While oranges and apples are classics, don’t be afraid to try other fruits like pears, lemon slices, or fresh cranberries. Each fruit will bring its own unique scent and color to your simmer pot.
• You can use dried oranges or dried apple slices in your simmer potpourri if you have them on hand.
• Try adding nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom pods for a different aroma. You can also experiment with spice blends like apple pie spice for a different twist.
• Fresh herbs like sprigs of rosemary, bay leaves, or sage can add a refreshing and earthy note to your potpourri. Dried herbs work well too!
• And don’t throw away slightly overripe or bruised fruit because it can still add a wonderful fragrance to your simmer pot. This is a great way to reduce waste and make the most of what you have.

How long should I let the stovetop potpourri simmer?

The stovetop potpourri can simmer on the stove for several hours, or as long as you want the fragrance to fill your home.

Just make sure to keep an eye on the water level and add more if it starts to evaporate.

Can I use a slow cooker for simmer pots instead of a pot on the stove?

Absolutely!

Using a slow cooker is a great way to keep your simmer pot going all day without worrying about it drying out.

Just set your crock pot to low, and enjoy the cozy scent throughout your home.

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xoxo, Heidi