Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot (Easy Fall Stovetop Potpourri)
If you love the smell of pumpkin spice but don’t necessarily want to bake a pumpkin pie every time you want your house to smell like fall, this Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot is exactly what you need! I’m a big fan of simmer pots, especially during fall and winter when I want the house to feel extra cozy. They’re such an easy way to make your home smell amazing without lighting a candle or using air fresheners. And while I love a good apple cinnamon simmer pot, sometimes I want something that smells a little more like pumpkin pie fresh out of the oven. Mix it up from my normal Team Apple vibes.
The best part of turning to the pumpkin simmer pot side? You don’t actually need any pumpkin! Pumpkin spice gets its signature scent from the spices, not the pumpkin itself. You may already know this from the whole Starbucks-didn’t-have-actual-pumpkin-in-their-PSLs-because-that’s-not-what-pumkin-spice-is saga pre 2015. Anyway, I digress. There’s a good chance you already have everything you need for this simmer pot sitting in your spice cabinet.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot
- Smells like fall! Warm cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice create that classic pumpkin spice fragrance.
- No actual pumpkin needed. All the cozy pumpkin pie scent without cutting up a pumpkin or dealing with any mess.
- Simple pantry ingredients. Most of these spices are probably already in your kitchen.
- Easy to customize. Add a little more cinnamon or vanilla to make the scent your own.
- Perfect for cozy fall days. Let it gently simmer while you’re decorating for fall, preparing for Thanksgiving, or spending a chilly afternoon at home.
Ingredients for a Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot
One of my favorite things about homemade stovetop potpourri is that you don’t have to be super precise with the ingredients. You can adjust the spices depending on what you have on hand and which scents you love most.
Here’s what you’ll need, approximately:
- 3 cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon is the star of this simmer pot and gives it that familiar, warm pumpkin spice scent. Plus the cinnamon sticks make it look pretty in an otherwise fairly bare looking simmer pot (definitely not living up to my floral simmer pot in terms of appearance).
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves: Cloves add a rich, slightly sweet and spicy fragrance that makes the whole house smell cozy.
- 1 teaspoon allspice: Allspice brings a little bit of everything—warmth, sweetness, and a hint of peppery spice. You can use whole berries for the appearance but I have never in my life had those on hand so I just sprinkle in ground allspice.
- 2–3 slices fresh ginger: Ginger adds a subtle warmth and balances the sweeter spices. You can substitute ¼ teaspoon ground ginger too.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg is an essential part of that classic pumpkin pie scent.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Vanilla adds a soft sweetness that makes the mixture smell even more like something delicious baking in the oven.
- 4–6 cups water: Enough to keep everything gently simmering.
Does Pumpkin Spice Actually Have Pumpkin in It?
Back to that part about the PSLs. Nope! Despite the name, pumpkin spice doesn’t actually contain pumpkin. Pumpkin spice, also called pumpkin pie spice, is a blend of warm spices traditionally used to flavor pumpkin pie. It usually includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes allspice.And those spices are responsible for most of the scent we associate with pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, and all those cozy fall treats. So there’s no need to add actual pumpkin to your simmer pot. The spices do all the work!
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot
Making this homemade fall stovetop potpourri is about as easy as it gets. It takes just a few minutes to put together, and then your stove does the rest.
Step 1: Gather Your Spices
Measure out your cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg. If you’re using fresh ginger, slice off 2–3 thin pieces. There’s no need to peel it as long as it’s washed.
Step 2: Add Everything to a Pot
Place all the spices into a small saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the vanilla extract if you’re using it, then pour in 4–6 cups of water.
Step 3: Bring to a Gentle Simmer
Heat the mixture over medium heat until the water begins to simmer. Once you see small bubbles, reduce the heat to low. You want the water to gently simmer, not boil rapidly. A slow simmer allows the spices to gradually release their fragrance without evaporating all the water too quickly.
Step 4: Enjoy the Pumpkin Spice Scent!
Let the mixture gently simmer and fill your kitchen with that warm, cozy pumpkin spice fragrance. Check the water level frequently and add more as needed to keep the spices submerged. Never leave your simmer pot unattended or allow the water to boil dry. Turn off the heat whenever you cannot monitor it.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Stovetop Potpourri
- Use whole spices when possible. Whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries release their fragrance gradually and tend to look prettier in the pot. Ground spices work, but they can make the water cloudy and leave a little residue behind.
- Keep the heat low. A gentle simmer is all you need. Boiling the water rapidly won’t necessarily make your home smell better, but it will make the water evaporate faster.
- Adjust the spices to your preference. Love cinnamon? Add another stick! Prefer a sweeter fragrance? Add a little more vanilla. Simmer pots are very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
- Add more water as needed. Depending on your stove and pot, water can evaporate surprisingly quickly. Check it frequently and top it off with fresh water.
- Use a smaller pot. You don’t need a huge stockpot for this recipe. A small saucepan or Dutch oven works perfectly and looks pretty sitting on the stove.
Can I Use Pumpkin Pie Spice Instead of Whole Spices?
Absolutely! If you have a jar of pumpkin pie spice sitting in your pantry, you can use that instead. Start with 1–2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice in 4 cups of water. You can also add a cinnamon stick or a splash of vanilla extract for a little extra fragrance. Just keep in mind that ground pumpkin pie spice will make the water cloudy and may settle at the bottom of the pot.
Can You Reuse a Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot?
Yes! One of the nice things about using whole spices is that you can often simmer them more than once. If you’re taking a break from simmering, simply turn off the heat and let the pot cool. You can add more water and start simmering again later the same day.
If you want to save it until the following day, allow the mixture to cool promptly and transfer it to a covered container in the refrigerator. Use it within 24 hours, especially if you’ve added fresh ginger.
Keep in mind that the fragrance will get weaker with each use. You may want to add another cinnamon stick or a few cloves to freshen things up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a pumpkin spice simmer pot need pumpkin?
No! Pumpkin spice is a combination of spices traditionally used in pumpkin pie. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice create that classic fall fragrance without any actual pumpkin.
How long does a pumpkin spice simmer pot last?
You can simmer it for a few hours or longer as long as you’re home, actively monitoring it, and adding water as needed. The fragrance will gradually fade as the spices release their aroma.
Can I make this simmer pot in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add the spices and water to a small slow cooker and set it to low. Follow your appliance’s instructions regarding lid placement and safe operation. Check the water level regularly, and never allow it to run dry.
Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices?
Yes, although whole spices generally work better for simmer pots. Ground spices can make the water cloudy and leave residue in your saucepan, but they’ll still release their fragrance.
Why doesn’t my simmer pot smell very strong?
If the fragrance seems weak, try adding another cinnamon stick or a few extra cloves. Older spices may have lost some of their potency, so fresher spices tend to give you a stronger scent. You can also try using a slightly smaller amount of water, making sure there’s still plenty to keep the spices submerged.
Can I leave my pumpkin spice simmer pot on the stove all day?
You can keep it gently simmering for an extended period while you’re home and able to monitor it, but never leave it unattended. Water evaporates as it heats, so you’ll need to check the pot frequently and add more water as needed. Always turn off the stove before leaving home or going to bed.
More Cozy Fall Simmer Pot Recipes
If you love filling your home with warm, seasonal scents, here are a few more homemade simmer pot recipes to try this fall!
- Apple Cinnamon Simmer Pot: A classic fall combination of fresh apples and warm cinnamon that’s perfect for crisp autumn days.
- Pear Vanilla Simmer Pot: A softer, slightly sweet simmer pot made with pears, vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot: The perfect simmer pot to transition from late fall into winter and the holiday season.
Make Your Home Smell Like Pumpkin Spice
There’s just something about the smell of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg that makes a house instantly feel cozier. And when those spices are gently simmering together on the stove, it’s hard not to think of pumpkin pie, fall baking, and all the best parts of fall. This Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot is one of the easiest ways to bring those cozy fall scents into your home, and you don’t even need a pumpkin to make it!
Whether you’re decorating for fall, getting ready for Thanksgiving, or just want your house to smell like you’ve been baking all afternoon (without actually baking anything!), this simple stovetop potpourri is the perfect little fall pick me up.
