Home » Herbalism » Cozy Fall Simmer Pot recipe to make your home smell like fall

Cozy Fall Simmer Pot recipe to make your home smell like fall

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

This cozy fall simmer pot recipe will make your whole home smell like fall with the warm and inviting scents of autumn.

It’s time to fill your cozy little space with delightful fall fragrances! 

A DIY simmer pot filled with a combination of fruits, spices, and cones is a simple and natural way to create a warm autumn atmosphere.

Instead of reaching for fall-scented candles often containing petroleum-based ingredients, try a healthier, more budget-friendly option. This simple fall simmer pot is a zero-waste alternative that brings the cozy scent of autumn into your home, and you can customize it to suit your preferences.

You can use fresh herbs and seasonal fruits to create that inviting scent, or opt for dried ingredients, which can be beautifully packed into DIY stovetop potpourri for whenever you need a fall fragrance. They are also a beautiful gift idea for DIY herbal gift.

I got this idea from my sister a long time ago during one of my visits. It transported me back to my grandmother’s kitchen when I entered her home. She was making pear butter in a bubbling copper pot filled with pears and mulling spices. This inspired me, and I realized how easy it is to create a home scent that reminds me of fall.

Since then, I’ve made it a tradition to create my autumn simmer pot every year when the season begins.

Why to make a fall simmer pot?

Why to make a fall simmer pot?

  • Create a Cozy Atmosphere: A fall simmer pot fills your home with warm, inviting scents that evoke the essence of the season, making it perfect for creating a cozy ambiance.
  • Natural Fragrance: Unlike many commercial candles and air fresheners, simmer pots use natural ingredients
  • Zero-waste and Inexpensive: Making a simmer pot is a simple and budget-friendly way to infuse your home with delightful aromas, uzing leftover fruits, herbs, and spices you already have at home

What is an autumn simmer pot?

It is a simple way to infuse your home with the warm, comforting scents of the fall season. It involves simmering a mixture of aromatic ingredients, such as spices, citrus peels, and seasonal fruits, in water on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

It’s also known as stovetop potpourri. You can use a traditional simmer pot that you buy at the store, a crockpot, or simply make it on the stove on low heat.

A fall simmer pot creates a natural and cozy aroma that captures the essence of autumn. For a festive scent, try this Christmas Simmer Pot.

Cozy Fall simmer pot recipe

Simmer Pot Ingredients that make fall scents

You can use both dried or fresh ingredients for your autumn simmer pot; they will work the same way to create a cozy atmosphere. Here’s a list of great ingredients to consider:

Spices

  • Cinnamon Sticks – A warm, sweet-spicy aroma that’s synonymous with fall.
  • Ginger – Adds a spicy kick that enhances the cozy feel.
  • Nutmeg – Contributes a slightly sweet and earthy scent.
  • Allspice – Offers a warm, aromatic flavor reminiscent of baked goods.
  • Whole Cloves – Provides a rich, warm fragrance that evokes holiday baking.

These spices are commonly found in pumpkin pie spice blends!

What is an autumn simmer pot?

Fruits

  • Pumpkin – Adds a sweet, earthy aroma.
  • Apples – Contributes a fresh, fruity scent.
  • Pears – Offers a sweet and juicy fragrance.

Other Ingredients

  • Rosehips are shining red in the autumn season and make a beautiful colorful display.
  • Pine Cones – Provides a woodsy aroma that enhances the autumn vibe.
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprig – Rosemary is my favorite herb for hair growth; however, its herbal note pairs well with sweet scents.
  • Bay Leaves – while I love to brew them into a tea, they also Add a subtle, earthy aroma that works great in this simmer pot.
Cozy Fall Simmer Pot recipe

Liquid

you can use water or if you want to add a little extra aroma and depth, you can consider using apple cider instead of water. 

Cozy Fall simmer pot recipe

This simple and cozy fall simmer pot recipe makes your house smell with the comforting scent of fall.

You can use your simmer pot for up to 2-3 days just by continuing to add water. There is plenty of scent in there.

First Step: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the apples and pears, and cube the pumpkin if using fresh. Don’t bother peeling them; the skins add a lovely fragrance to your simmer pot.

Simmer Pot Ingredients that make fall scents

Second Step: Assemble the Pot

In a large pot or slow cooker, combine all the fresh and dried ingredients. Pour in the water or apple cider until the pot is filled about two-thirds full.

If you have a crockpot, this will make the process even simpler. However, a stovetop potpourri pot works just as well. I simply used my favorite pot for tagine.

For a Crockpot: Fill the pot with water until it’s about two-thirds full. Place all your ingredients, including the sliced apples, pears, pumpkin, and ginger, into your crockpot. Sprinkle the spices evenly over the ingredients.

For a Stovetop Potpourri Pot: Follow the same steps as above but use a stovetop potpourri pot or Dutch oven instead of a crockpot. You’ll need to monitor regularly and add more water as needed. 

Assemble the Pot

Third step: Set the Temperature

Turn the heat on the stove up to bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low simmer. Keep an eye on it and add more water as needed, typically every 30 minutes.

  • Crockpot: Set your crockpot to low heat. As the ingredients heat up, a delightful aroma will begin to fill your home.
  • Stovetop Pot: Position your stovetop potpourri pot on the stove and turn the burner to the lowest heat setting to allow it to simmer. You can also use a simmer plate to maintain the desired low temperature.

Fourth step: Enjoy

As your simmering potpourri heats up, the inviting scents of fall will start to fill your home. The blend of fruits and spices produces a captivating aroma that will make your home feel cozy and inviting. Let it simmer all day for a captivating fragrance throughout the house!

stovetop potpourri.

Simmering potpourri variations

I’ve chosen spices that are closely associated with fall, but don’t hesitate to customize your simmer pot by adding spices you love, such as cardamom pods or star anise, to make it uniquely yours!

Here are a few variations to consider:

  • Vanilla Extract or vanilla pods: Add a splash of vanilla extract for a warm, comforting sweetness that enhances the other aromas.
  • Orange Peels: Incorporate fresh or dried orange peels for a bright, citrusy note that complements the fall spices beautifully.
  • Instead of water, you can add a few splashes of apple cider vinegar.
  • While i used cranberries in Christmas simmer pot, you can still use them in the autumn.

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to create a simmer pot that perfectly captures your autumn vibe!

DIY Fall simmer pot
Yield: 1

Cozy Fall Simmer Pot

Simmering potpourri variations

This cozy fall simmer pot recipe will make your whole home smell like fall with the warm and inviting scents of autumn.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Difficulty Easy

Materials

Spices

Fruits

  • Pumpkin
  • Apples
  • Pears

Other Ingredients

  • Rosehips
  • Pine Cones
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprig

Tools

  • stovetop pot

Instructions

    1. Slice the apples and pears, and cube the pumpkin if using fresh. Don’t bother peeling them; the skins add a lovely fragrance to your simmer pot.
    2. In a large pot or slow cooker, combine all the fresh and dried ingredients. Pour in the water or apple cider until the pot is filled about two-thirds full. If you have a crockpot, this will make the process even simpler. However, a stovetop potpourri pot works just as well. I simply used my favorite pot for tagine.
    • Crockpot: Set your crockpot to low heat. As the ingredients heat up, a delightful aroma will begin to fill your home.
    • Stovetop Pot: Position your stovetop potpourri pot on the stove and turn the burner to the lowest heat setting to allow it to simmer. You can also use a simmer plate to maintain the desired low temperature.
    1. Turn the heat on the stove up to bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low simmer. Keep an eye on it and add more water as needed, typically every 30 minutes.
    2. As your simmering potpourri heats up, the inviting scents of fall will start to fill your home. The blend of fruits and spices produces a captivating aroma that will make your home feel cozy and inviting. Let it simmer all day for a captivating fragrance throughout the house!
    • For a Crockpot: Fill the pot with water until it’s about two-thirds full. Place all your ingredients, including the sliced apples, pears, pumpkin, and ginger, into your crockpot. Sprinkle the spices evenly over the ingredients.
    • For a Stovetop Potpourri Pot: Follow the same steps as above but use a stovetop potpourri pot or Dutch oven instead of a crockpot. You’ll need to monitor regularly and add more water as needed. 

    Notes

  1. Use your simmer pot for up to 2-3 days just by continuing to add water. 
  2. Did you make this project?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

    Vladka Merva on October 10th, 2024

    Leave a Comment

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Skip to Instructions