This simple and easy stovetop potpourri is the perfect apple cinnamon scent to enjoy all season long this fall! This recipe is perfect to simmer on the stovetop when you have guests over or when you want to fill your home with crisp autumn scents for hours and hours.
Apple Cinnamon Fall Stovetop Potpourri
When the seasons start to change and the temperatures drop there is nothing better than breaking out your favorite fall scent and filling your home with warm and cozy smells. I love to wrap myself in a warm blanket with a hot mug of apple cider and enjoy my favorite fall dessert while smelling the crisp scents of Autumn.
My favorite fall scents mimic the falling leaves with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. I love candles. When I say I love candles I mean I am burning a candle pretty much 100% of the time in the fall (except when I am sleeping of course). Sometimes you just want to switch things up and do something a little different like make a stovetop potpourri instead!
This recipe is perfect for fall and will fill your whole home with apple cinnamon scents for hours and hours. This even makes for a good way to rescue some apples you may have just sitting around the house!
What is Stovetop Potpourri?
So what exactly is stovetop potpourri? Potpourri is a mixture of spices and fruits (dried or fresh) that are used for scent. Potpourri can be dry including herbs and spices or it can be made with liquid and simmer on the stovetop. Stovetop Potpourri recipes are popular around the holidays with scents to match the changing seasons of fall and winter.
Stovetop potpourri fills the home with the smells of seasonal spices and lasts longer than just lighting a traditional candle. This potpourri is perfect for a day where you are relaxing at home or hosting a house full of guests for the holidays!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It takes less than 5 minute to throw together!
- The smells from this potpourri will last all day.
- You can use ingredients you likely already have on hand like fruit and spices!
- The simmering stovetop will fill your home with warmth and inviting autumn scents.
To Make Apple Cinnamon Stovetop Potpourri You Will Need:
Water – This will prevent the spices and fruits from drying to the sides of your pot. Simmering the spices is what gives off the scent in this recipe.
Apples – Sliced apples add that perfect crisp fall scent.
Cinnamon Sticks & Cinnamon – The most important part! Cinnamon sticks typically last longer and give off more scent than using just cinnamon alone in my experience. I like extra cinnamon in mine so I use cinnamon sticks and extra cinnamon on top of that. You can skip the extra cinnamon if the cinnamon sticks give off enough of an aroma for you.
Cloves & Nutmeg – Adds the warm fall spice scents to this potpourri.
Vanilla Extract – Gives the potpourri a fresh warm vanilla undertone to cut some of the spices.
How To Make Apple Cinnamon Fall Stovetop Potpurri:
- Slice apples into 1/4″ slices and add to your dutch oven or pot.
- Add cinnamon sticks, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla extract stirring until ingredients are combined.
- Move the dutch oven or pot to the stovetop and add the water.
- Heat mixture on low until simmering, do not cover.
- Leave simmering potpourri on low on the stovetop until all of the water has evaporated.
- Check the mixture hourly to ensure it does not need more water to be added as the water will evaporate over time.
- Enjoy the crisp apple cinnamon scents of fall!
Apple Cinnamon Fall Stovetop Potpourri
Materials
- 8 Cups Water
- 2 Apples (Sliced, I used Honeycrisp)
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 Tsp Cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp Cloves
- 1 Tbsp Nutmeg
- 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Slice Apples into 1/4" slices and spread in the dutch oven in an even layer.
- Add cinnamon sticks, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla extra.
- Move Dutch oven to stovetop and add water.
- Heat on low until simmering. Simmer for hours and enjoy!
Notes
- Check the mixture hourly to ensure no water needs to be added as water will evaporate over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave this on the stovetop when I leave the house?
No, you should never leave the stovetop on when leaving the house. If you have this potpourri going and need to leave I suggest turning the stove off and leaving the mixture uncovered. This will help to not only cool the dutch oven or pot but the scents will continue to permeate despite the stovetop being turned off.
How long does this apple cinnamon stovetop potpourri last?
This can be left on the stove for hours as long as you check it and add water as needed. This potpourri can last 2-3 days if you keep adding water and it does best when stored in the refrigerator overnight.
Can you make this stovetop apple cinnamon potpourri in a slow cooker?
Yes! If you choose to make this recipe in a slow cooker make sure to cover with a lid to slow down the rate of evaporation. Remember to add water as needed and to check it hourly.
