The smell of apple pie baking is one of my favorite things about this time of year. Crisp apples, warm cinnamon sticks, and star anise fill the air – it’s the ultimate cozy fragrance.
This apple pie simmer pot recipe is a simple stovetop potpourri that makes your whole home smell like fall. It’s natural, budget-friendly, and a wonderful gift for guests, neighbors, or teachers. Stay tuned til the end for a beautiful, editable, printable gift tag idea.
I used my ceramic pot for this one, but you can use any pan on the stove. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a rich aroma that feels like apple pie straight from the oven.
What Is an Apple Pie Simmer Pot?
An apple pie simmer pot is a natural air freshener made by simmering fruit and spices in water on the stove. Think of it as fall potpourri you can cook.
As the mixture warms, the fragrance drifts through your home. It’s a cozy steam alternative to candles or sprays and adds a welcoming home smell that’s perfect for this time of year.
Simmer pots are easy to adjust too. If you want a stronger scent, add extra spices or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Apple Pie Simmer Pot Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients used in this cozy fall simmer pot recipe:
- Small pot (I used a ceramic pot, but you can use any pot, a Borosilicate glass pot or a slow cooker)
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 10-12 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4–6 cups of water or enough fresh water to cover the ingredients in the pot
Optional: add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for an even richer fall scent.
Note: double or triple the recipe for larger posts or a slow cooker.
Shopping tip: You can find all of these spices at Walmart, which I highly recommend to keep costs down. Keeping cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves on hand makes it easy to pull together fall simmer pot recipes any time of year.
How to Make an Apple Pie Simmer Pot: Step by Step
- Add the sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves to a medium pot.
- Pour in water until everything is covered.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and, if you’d like, a dash of nutmeg for more depth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let it simmer and steam.
Tip: Check the water level often. Refill with fresh water as it evaporates, so your simmer pot lasts for hours. If you want the fragrance to linger even longer, double the recipe and use a Dutch oven.
Step by Step Instructions with Photos
Cut the apple into slices and add to the pot along with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves.
Next, add water until it covers your fruits and herbs.
Now you can add the vanilla after the water, or if you are like me, you can add it before. There is no right or wrong way.
Next, turn your burner on medium and wait for it to start boiling. Once you see it rumble, turn it to simmer and watch it steam.
What Does It Smell Like?
This simmer pot smells just like apple pie baking in the oven, minus the crust. The aroma of apples, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and vanilla extract creates a warm, spicy fragrance that fills your whole home.
It’s not as sweet as a dessert, but more of a natural, spicy scent that reminds me of crisp fall days and cozy gatherings with guests.
For extra sweetness, add more vanilla extract or sprinkle in nutmeg. For a stronger apple scent, add apple peel or another sliced apple.
Apple Pie Simmer Pot Gift Idea
Simmer pots make thoughtful and affordable gifts. To assemble, place a whole apple, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves into a small bag or jar.
Tie the bag closed with autumn-colored ribbon. I love orange or gingham ribbon for fall. Print my Etsy editable simmer pot gift tag, punch a hole, and thread the ribbon through.
The tag includes instructions so your guests can enjoy the simmer pot right away. These are perfect for Thanksgiving hostess gifts, coworkers, neighbors, or teachers. They look beautiful, smell amazing, and don’t cost much to make.
Also, check out these creative simmer pot gift ideas for even more inspiration. They’re simple, fragrant, and make the sweetest homemade gifts for the holidays.
More Fall Stovetop Potpourri Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this apple pie simmer pot recipe, you’ll love my other simmer pot recipes:
Each recipe uses fresh fruit, herbs, and spices to create cozy fall scents that make your house smell wonderful.
Final Thoughts
This apple pie simmer pot recipe is one of my favorite ways to make my home smell like fall. With just a few simple ingredients, you get the comforting fragrance of apple pie without turning on the oven.
Simmer pots can get expensive, so look for ingredients at places with lower prices, like Walmart.
Whether you’re making it for yourself or putting together simmer pot gift bags with printable tags, this little mixture will make your whole home smell warm and inviting.
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can come back to it whenever you need those cozy fall scents.
Happy Fall!
