This fall simmer pot combines fragrant apples and oranges with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. The aromatic concoction simmers away on the stove for hours, filling your home with cozy scents that are reminiscent of fun, family, and fall time…

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
It’s fall time. AKA most people’s favorite time of year. I have to admit, it is a wonderful reprieve after a long, hot, sticky summer. I tend to shy away from harsh weather, whether it’s hot or cold, so fall is always a welcoming season for me.
It’s also a time of nostalgic memories for many of us. There are so many festivals and fun gatherings during this season, with so many celebrations and fun date ideas to squeeze in. Not to mention the most delicious seasonal coffee drinks and treats.
Most of us concoct an idea of fall smelling like pumpkin desserts, spiced apples, and lots of other fun goodies.
While I often cook many of these things, I also love adding an intoxicating autumn simmer pot to the stove to simmer away as I clean the house, work, or relax. And let’s not forget how useful it is to have one of these going when guests arrive, so your home always feels like home to them too.
I enjoy keeping this going on a low setting during the duration of family gatherings to entice people and make my home feel cozy and familiar. It works like a charm every time!
Today, I’m going to show you exactly how to whip up this fall stovetop potpourri to have simmering away as guests arrive to your holiday gathering this year. You won’t be disappointed!

What exactly is a simmer pot?
A simmer pot is essentially a liquid potpourri that simmers away on a very low heat for hours. This slowly releases lots of fragrant scents into your home that remind people of home baked treats and other cozy, nostalgic memories.
Is this an edible recipe?
Let me put it this way, this recipe is non-toxic so theoretically you could consume it. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll want to, though. This isn’t meant to be a drink, though it does remind me of a very spiced hot tea!
You could always water it down afterward and then enjoy it as a flavorful tea, but that is not something I have tested myself. Try that at your own risk.
What else can I use in this fall stovetop potpourri?
You can also use the following in this autumn simmer pot:
- Cloves
- Cardamom
- Star of anise
- Rosemary sprigs
- Sliced lemons
- Cranberries
- Flavorful extracts
- Essential oils

Fall Stovetop Potpourri | Autumn Simmer Pot
Tools | autumn simmer pot
Liquid measuring cup
Dutch oven (like this one HERE)
Cutting board and knife
Ingredients | fall stovetop potpourri
Apples – Sliced apples add a cozy, reminiscent scent to your home as they simmer away.
Oranges – Slice oranges into the pot to add a sweet, subtle scent into the air.
Cinnamon sticks – Cinnamon sticks are fragrant and warm, giving everyone all the autumn vibes.
Nutmeg – Sprinkle nutmeg in to add some spice and pizzazz to this fragrant fall mix.
Ginger – Add powdered ginger in for more delicious natural fragrance in your kitchen.

Steps | autumn simmer pot
Start by slicing the oranges and apples into ¼” slices. Set aside.
Fill a large pot with water and add the sliced fruit into the pot.
Next measure out the spices and add them in, stirring together until combined.
Turn the pot on high heat to bring it to a steady boil.
Reduce heat to low to simmer.
Simmer for several hours, adding more water as needed.


Tips for Success | fall stovetop potpourri
You can also make this in a crockpot! This is a great way to use what you already have on hand and use a smaller appliance instead of having the stove going for hours. This can also free up stove space for more important dishes during holiday get-togethers.
I recommend turning this off when the apples and oranges become very brown and soggy. This indicates they’re done and won’t be giving off the sweetest scents any longer. You can, however, simmer this in a crockpot overnight or even over the entire course of a day.

More Recipes for Fall
Fall Stovetop Potpourri | Autumn Simmer Pot
Equipment
- liquid measuring cup
- measuring cups and spoons
- dutch oven
- cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 12 cups water
- 2 apples
- 2 oranges
- 8 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Start by slicing the oranges and apples into ¼” slices. Set aside.
- Fill a large pot with water and add the sliced fruit into the pot.
- Next measure out the spices and add them in, stirring together until combined.
- Turn the pot on high heat to bring it to a steady boil.
- Reduce heat to low to simmer.
- Simmer for several hours, adding more water as needed.