There’s something magical about the scent of apples, oranges, and spices drifting through the air on a crisp autumn day. A fall simmer pot is one of the easiest ways to make your whole house smell like the season without candles or chemicals.
With just a few fresh ingredients, a little water, and a pot on the stove, you can fill your home with cozy fall scents.
In this round-up, I’m sharing three of my favorite fall simmer pot recipes: apple pie, cranberry orange, and pumpkin spice. I like to call them Warm Apple Pie, Cranberry Harvest, and Pumpkin Spice Goodness. Each one is simple to make and will wrap your home in warm, welcoming aromas.
What is a Fall Simmer Pot?
A fall simmer pot, sometimes called stovetop potpourri, is a mixture of fruit, spices, and herbs gently heated in water. As it simmers on low heat, the aroma steams and spreads through your home.
They’re beautiful to watch as apple slices and cinnamon sticks float among citrus peels and star anise, and they add a little moisture to the air during the dry months. You can make them on the stove or even in a crock pot or slow cooker for all-day fragrance.
Supplies you’ll need
- Pot for simmering ideas: Copper pot, Dutch oven (Hearth & Hand has a beautiful one), small crock pot (love this one my Drew Barrymore), borosilicate glass and this cute pumpkin Dutch oven.
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Water
Pro tip: You can double or triple these recipes and use a large pot if you want the aroma to last longer without refilling water as often. You can find all my recommended pots to simmer in here.
For gifting, consider clear bags, mason jars, or pretty jars, along with ribbon and printable tags from my Etsy shop. Also, check out all these creative simmer pot giit ideas.
Apple Pie Simmer Pot
This simmer pot smells just like an apple pie baking in the oven. It’s filled with cozy spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise, along with slices of fresh apple. Perfect for September, October, and November, this recipe feels like fall in a pot.
All you do is add all the ingredients and bring them to a boil. Then lower the temperature until it bubbles and steams. It is perfect for everyday and parties, but my favorite is Thanksgiving, when friends and family are around.
Read the full recipe here: Apple Pie Simmer Pot Recipe
Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot
This simmer pot blends the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of orange peels and slices. Add in a few cinnamon sticks and sprigs of rosemary and you have a fresh, festive aroma that’s ideal for November and even carries into Christmas gatherings.
I struggled to add this one to my fall favorites, but honestly, it's perfect for all the cooler months. The colors are gorgeous, and it smells delicious. For fun, I named it Cranberry Harvest. What does it remind you of?
Find the full instructions here: Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot
If you’re a pumpkin spice lover, this one’s for you. Orange, cloves, and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice create a warm, spicy scent that feels like cozy sweaters and crisp leaves. It’s the perfect fragrance to fill your home all autumn long.
This autumnal simmer pot combines all the fall feelings. It is so wonderful, smelling so spicy and rich. Add some coffee to it, and you have a Pumpkin Spice Latte. LOL!
Get the full recipe here: Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot Recipe
How to Make a Fall Simmer Pot Gift
Fall simmer pots make wonderful gifts for friends, teachers, or neighbors. Package your ingredients in a mason jar or clear bag, tie with ribbon, and finish with an editable printable tag from my Etsy shop.
Whole ingredients like apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks can go directly into the bag or jar. Powdered spices such as nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice should be tucked into a small inner bag, like a tiny ziplock jewelry bag, before adding. I used orange and white gingham ribbon for mine to give it a cheerful autumn feel.
Both the pumpkin design autumn gift tag and the apple pie design gift tag come in one Etsy order, so when you buy my autumn gift tag, you get two designs.
These make thoughtful hostess gifts, housewarming gifts, or little surprises for anyone who loves a cozy home smell. For even more inspiration, take a look at my housewarming gift basket ideas.
Tips for the Best Fall Simmer Pot
- Always keep the water above the ingredients
- Simmer on low heat for best results
- A slow cooker works great if you want the aroma all day
- Store cooled ingredients in the fridge and reuse for another day
- Try dehydrating apple or orange slices if you want to prep ahead for gifts
More Fall Inspiration
If you enjoyed these cozy simmer pots, you may also love these ideas:
- Apple Pie Simmer Pot Recipe
- Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot Recipe
- Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot Recipe
- Fall decorating posts
Final Thoughts
Fall simmer pots are more than just a way to make your home smell good. They bring back memories, create a cozy atmosphere, add moisture to dry autumn and winter months, and add a natural touch to the season.
With just a few simple ingredients like apples, citrus, and spices, you can fill your home with the best fall scents.
Whether you simmer a pot on the stove, let one go in the crock pot, or package a recipe as a gift, these little blends of fruit and herbs are a reminder to slow down and savor the season. Try one of these fall simmer pot recipes and let the aroma welcome family and friends the moment they step through your door.
Happy Fall!
I did your apple pie simmer pot while I cleaned my kitchen last weekend and it made me so happy! It really got me in the mood for cozy season even though it’s still very warm where I live.