Simple Fall Simmer Pot to Make Your Home Smell Amazing

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This easy simmer pot recipe uses apples, oranges, and seasonal spices to make your home smell amazing this fall.

Fall simmer pot with text

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Looking for a quick and easy way to fill your home with the comforting “feels” of fall? This simple fall simmer pot recipe is just what you need!

 With fresh, seasonal ingredients like apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and pumpkin pie spice, your house will smell amazing in no time. Whether you’re enjoying a cool autumn afternoon at home or hosting friends for a cozy fall gathering, this simmer pot is a must-try. 

It is one of my favorite ways to relax at home!

Fall simmer pot on stovetop

What You’ll Love About This Fall Simmer Pot Recipe:

  • QUICK TO THROW TOGETHER – This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prep, and once the ingredients are in the pot, you can let it simmer for hours without any additional work. It’s perfect for those days when you need a quick pick-me-up while tackling your to-do list.
  • NATURAL & CHEMICAL FREE – Unlike air fresheners or essential oils, this simmer pot uses natural ingredients like fresh apples, oranges, and whole cloves, making it a healthier, chemical-free alternative to filling your home with pleasant scents.
  • LONG LASTING – Not only will this simmer pot make your home smell incredible right away, but you can reuse the ingredients for 2-3 days. Just refrigerate the ingredients in water overnight and add more water when needed in a clean pot, making it a great way to enjoy a cozy scent all week long.
  • PERFECT FOR FALL PARTIES –  Whether you’re hosting a football game or just want to enjoy a cozy fall day at home, this simmer pot will create the perfect atmosphere. It’s an easy way to set the mood for any occasion while enjoying the best of fall’s comforting scents.
looking down on autumnal simmer pot on white counter

What is a Simmer Pot?

A simmer pot is a simple and natural way to fill your home with wonderful aromas without the need for synthetic air fresheners. It involves simmering a combination of fresh ingredients like fruits, spices, and herbs in water on the stovetop.

As the ingredients heat up, they release their scents into the air, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Simmer pots are perfect for setting the mood during the fall season, filling your home with the comforting smells of cinnamon, apples, and spices.

They’re an easy, low-maintenance way to bring the season’s warmth into your space, and you can even reuse the ingredients for several days, making them a budget-friendly option for keeping your home smelling amazing.

fresh fall simmer pot ingredients sliced on wooden cutting board

Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

  • Apples: Apples bring a sweet, fruity aroma synonymous with fall scents. Any variety works, but yellow apples with a few brown spots are perfect for balance and texture.
  • Oranges: Orange slices add a zesty, citrusy note that brightens the simmer pot’s overall scent profile and complements the warmth of the spices.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon is the hallmark of fall. It infuses your home with a warm, spicy fragrance that instantly creates a cozy atmosphere. Pro Tip: Buy in Bulk at Sam’s Club or Costco!
  • Star Anise: This spice adds a unique, slightly sweet, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and adds depth to the scent blend.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this spice is synonymous with the flavors and scents of fall, offering a comforting, seasonal aroma.

  • Whole Cloves: Cloves add an earthy, sweet-spicy fragrance that enhances the overall warmth of the simmer pot, making your home smell inviting.

  • Water: The base of your simmer pot, water allows the ingredients to simmer and release their natural aromas, creating a long-lasting, soothing scent throughout your home

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collage showing how to make a fall simmer pot on stovetop

How To Make Your Fall Simmer Pot

  • Prep the Ingredients: Start by slicing the apple and orange into rounds or wedges. There’s no need to peel them—just add the apple slices straight to the pot. I use my Dutch Oven for simmer pot recipes.  Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, pumpkin spice, and whole cloves.
  • Add Water: Pour 4-5 cups of water into the pot, ensuring that the ingredients are submerged. You can always add more water if needed as it simmers down.
  • Simmer on Low Heat: Set the pot on low heat and let it simmer for several hours. As the ingredients release their aromas, the whole house will start to smell incredible. Be sure to check the water level occasionally, and add more water if it starts to reduce too much.
  • Reuse the Simmer Pot: To use the same simmer pot for several days, straing your ingredients into a glass jar, cover with water, and close tightly. Store the glass jar in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to use it again, simply pour the contents into a saucepot or dutch oven, adding more water as needed. You can enjoy this simmer pot for up to 2-3 days!

Find the measurements and full recipe below!

close up of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and apples simmering

white ceramic pot with sliced oranges, apples, and pumpkin spices

Fall Simmer Pot Tips & Tricks

  • Adjust the Water Level: IIf the water level decreases too much, don’t hesitate to add more water. The key is to keep the ingredients submerged for the best aroma.
  • Add Vanilla Extract: Try adding a few drops of vanilla extract to your simmer pot. It pairs beautifully with the fall spices and adds a sweet undertone.
  • Customize Your Scents: If you’re in the mood for something more floral, you could also add a few dried lavender sprigs, juniper berries, bay leaves, or rosemary to the pot for a fresh twist.

collage of finished autumnal simmer pot clean scent recipes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long will the fall simmer pot last?
This cozy fall simmer pot will last for several hours on the stovetop. If you refrigerate it overnight, you can reuse the ingredients for up to 2-3 days, adding fresh water each time.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker. Just follow the same steps and set your slow cooker on low. It will work the same way as simmering on the stovetop.

Can I use other spices?
Absolutely! If you like a stronger cinnamon scent, feel free to add extra cinnamon sticks. You could also experiment with other fall spices like nutmeg or ginger.

Fall natural clean living scents

The next time you want to enjoy a cool fall afternoon at home, take 5 minutes to create this simple, “sweater weather”-feeling fall simmer pot. Your home will smell like autumn with fresh apples, oranges, cinnamon, and cloves! It’s the perfect way to relax and embrace the season while filling your space with the comforting scents of autumn. Enjoy the cozy vibes and make your home smell amazing today!

fall simmer pot on white countertop with sliced oranges

Fall Simmer Pot

Yield: 1 Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Estimated Cost: $10

Make your home smell amazing this fall with this easy simmer pot recipe using apples, oranges, and seasonal spices. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon!

Materials

  • 1 large Apple Of Any Variety, Sliced
  • 1 Orange, Sliced
  • 3 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 5 Star Anise
  • 2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 1 teaspoon Whole Cloves
  • 4-5 Cups Water

Instructions

How to Make Your Simmer Pot: 

  1. Add sliced oranges, apples, cinnamon sticks, star anise, pumpkin pie spice, and whole cloves to a simmer pot. Add in 4-5 cups of water until all of the ingredients are submerged. On low heat, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  2. Gently simmer on your stovetop, for at least three hours.
  3. Top off with water as needed.
  4. Enjoy!

Notes: Strain simmer pot ingredients into a mason jar or container. Cover with water. Let cool, and then store in the refrigerator to reuse within 5 days. Pour into pot, top with water, and enjoy a second day of the simmer pot!

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