Cozy Fall Simmer Pots You’ll Love
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Nothing says “fall” like the cozy aroma of fresh apple or pumpkin pie. But if you’re like me, pie baking only happens once or twice a year. That’s why I love using fall simmer pots to recreate those scents all season long! With more of us being cautious about artificial fragrances, simmer pots offer a natural, healthier way to make your home smell like autumn.
Why Use a Crockpot for Simmer Pots?
A simmer pot blends fruits, spices, and herbs with water to create a heavenly scent that fills your home for hours. While you can simmer these ingredients in a regular saucepan, I’ve switched to using a mini Crock-pot, and it’s been a game changer. The biggest advantage? Water evaporates more slowly in a crockpot, meaning you won’t need to refill it as often.
You can use any small crockpot, but I love this mini food warmer Crock-pot that comes in chic matte finishes and takes up minimal counter space. It stands about 5 inches tall and holds 2.5 cups of liquid at the max fill line. The cord detaches and wraps around the base of the Crock-pot for clutter free storage. It creates a more subtle aroma than stovetop simmer pots, which is perfect if you’re sensitive to strong smells like me. Not only are they practical for simmer pots, but they also double as the perfect size for warming up lunch at work.
My Favorite Fall Simmer Pot Recipes
There are no strict rules for what you can add to your simmer pot, but here are two of my go-to fall simmer recipes. Feel free to experiment with your own combinations! If you’re a pumpkin spice lover like me, then this first one is a must-try.
Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot
Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot
Materials
- 1 Slice Orange
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 2 Sticks Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Boiling Water
Instructions
- Place one slice of orange in your Crock-pot or saucepan.
- Add the water, spices, and vanilla.
- Set your crockpot on low or keep your stove on a gentle simmer. Add more water as needed to keep the ingredients submerged.
Notes
Caramel Apple Simmer Pots
Do you recall those brisk evenings spent wandering through lively fall fairs, where laughter mingled with the sweet aroma of caramelized sugar? There’s a certain magic in those moments—sharing a sticky, delicious caramel apple with loved ones as the joyful sounds of carnival games and distant giggles wrap around you like a cozy blanket. This caramel apple simmer pot captures that enchanting spirit, filling your home with warmth and sweetness, and transporting you straight back to those cherished autumn celebrations.
Caramel Apple Simmer Pots
Materials
- 3 slices Apple Honeycrisp or Gala
- 2 sticks Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Caramel Bits
- 2 cups Boiling water
Instructions
- Boil your water first so you can melt the caramel.
- Slice the apple and place 3-4 slices in your pot, along with the cinnamon and caramel.
- Stir the caramel so it melts
- Set it on low, and check occasionally to see if more water is needed. Your home will smell like a caramel apple in no time!
Make-Ahead Freezer Simmer Bags
Want your home smelling like fall all season long? Try prepping simmer pot ingredients in bulk and storing them in freezer bags. When you’re ready, just toss the frozen contents into your crock pot or saucepan with water. Frozen fruits like sliced apples and oranges can last 6-8 months, so you can easily stock up for fall and beyond.
Pro Tips for Simmer Pots
To extend the life of your simmer pot ingredients, let the mixture cool, then store it in the fridge. You can usually reuse the same pot once or twice before needing to refresh the ingredients. You can also experiment with other seasonal ingredients like cloves, star anise, lemon or nutmeg for even more variety.
If you loved these fall simmer pot ideas, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter! I’ll be sharing Christmas simmer pot recipes soon, plus free printable gift tags that are perfect for gifting simmer pots to friends and co-workers.
