Easy Fall Simmer Pot That Smells Delicious

This cozy fall simmer pot recipe is simple and easy to make, and it fills your home with a warm, comforting scent. Add a touch of fall to your whole house by simmering this non-toxic, natural concoction that is the best way to welcome guests.

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I absolutely love fall. Sweater weather and carved pumpkins are right up my alley. Autumn is also the perfect time to make a simmering potpourri pot. Besides this autumn simmer pot, we also have edible fall recipes like these maple pecan energy balls or these healthier candied apples. Check out all of our fall recipes for more inspiration.

Why you will love this recipe

• Perfect if you are on the hunt for non-toxic alternatives to commercial air fresheners and chemical-based room sprays.
• They’re a great way to use leftovers. Citrus peels, apple cores, herb stems, and spices that have lost some of their flavor can still add wonderful fragrance.
• A simmer pot often costs much less than buying candles or room sprays.

Ingredient notes

Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.

So the questions are: What are the best things to put in a simmer pot, and what can I boil to make my house smell like fall? The fun thing about simmer pots is that you can choose what you like the best.

Here is what goes into mine:

• Whole Apple – Chopped into slices, leaving the core and peels on.
• Whole Orange and Lemon – Thick slices with the orange and lemon peels on.
• Spices – I use cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and ginger.

Maple leaf from the yard is optional. 😉

Equipment

• Cutting Board and Knife – For chopping up the fruit. I live for my Victorinox chef’s knife.
• Large Pot – You want to use at least a 5-quart pot so you can fill it up.

Instructions

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

Omgsh, friends, this is so easy to do!

First, slice up the fruit into quarter-inch thick slices. Leave those peels on! They will add to the aroma. What smells more delightful than orange peels? Mmmmmm.

Step 2

Next, transfer the citrus and apple slices into a large pot and then sprinkle them with the ground nutmeg and ginger.

Toss in the cinnamon sticks and fill the pot with water, and give it a good stir.

Step 3

Then, set the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a low boil.

Once it is bubbling, turn the temperature down to a low heat and let it simmer away. 

With a warm, cozy aroma, a stovetop potpourri pot will make your whole home smell like this beautiful season.

You could use candles, room sprays, or air fresheners with fall scents to make your house smell lovely, but some of these things can also have toxic ingredients that I prefer to avoid.

A simmer pot for fall on the stove top is a brilliant and safe method with no chemicals. 

Substitutions and recipe variations

• Substitute any combination of fruit. Both limes and grapefruit are lovely.
• Vary the herbs and spices you use. Fresh rosemary sprigs go beautifully with lemon, vanilla extract, and lavender. Try adding star anise, bay leaves, whole cloves, and cardamom pods.
• Use a teaspoon of your fave pumpkin spice blend to boost the cozy vibes.

FAQS

More simmer pot recipes

*Originally posted September 23, 2013, updated on December 31, 2018, updated again on September 17, 2022, and updated again July 29, 2026.*

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