Persimmon Pudding (Recipe + Video) - Little Sweet Baker (2024)

This delicious persimmon pudding is delightfully moist and chewy. It’s loaded with naturally sweet persimmons and has the most beautiful aroma of brown sugar and cinnamon. Persimmon Pudding (Recipe + Video) - Little Sweet Baker (1)

What does persimmon taste like?

Persimmons have a very mild and sweet taste, like pumpkin sweetened with honey. Certain types of persimmons, like Hachiya, can have a very unpleasant, chalky taste if not fully ripe. But once completely ripened, the texture is silky and watery like applesauce and quite enjoyable to eat. Other types, like Fuyu, can be eaten while the fruit is still a little firm.

What is persimmon pudding?

Persimmon pudding is an American dessert made with persimmons. It’s very moist, sweet, and dense in texture, similar to an English toffee pudding. It’s often served with ice cream, whipped cream, or hard sauce. Persimmon Pudding (Recipe + Video) - Little Sweet Baker (2)

Why this recipe is so great:

  • Packed with fruit – For those who are lucky enough to have a persimmon tree in their backyard, this is a great way to use a lot of that lovely fruit. For those who love persimmon, well then this dessert was made for you, because it’s jam-packed with it.
  • Easy to make – All you have to do is mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, combine the two, and bake! Easy peasy.
  • Mouthwatering good – There are only 4 tablespoons of butter in this 13 x 9″ cake, yet it’s rich and dense like a brownie. With the mild taste of persimmon fruit, brown sugar and cinnamon were added to bring a warm depth of flavor to the pudding cake. The taste is fruity and sweet with a hint of molasses and spice. It’s super moist and has a nice contrast with the added walnuts or pecans to balance the chewy texture.
  • Here are some reviews:

“Made this yesterday. My family can’t stop eating it. Great recipe and helpful information on working with persimmons!” -Mary

“It’s awesome! I’ve waited all year to have persimmons again to bake this wonderful cake. It’s my boyfriend’s fav cake. Thank you for ur fantastic recipe!” – Shireen

“I LOVE this recipe. Have made it at least a dozen times and works every time. Haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love it, even those who don’t like persimmons.” – Belinda Persimmon Pudding (Recipe + Video) - Little Sweet Baker (3)

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • Overripe persimmons
  • Unsalted butter
  • Eggs
  • Granulated & brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract & ground cinnamon
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder & salt
  • Walnuts or pecans

How to make persimmon pudding:

(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below) Persimmon Pudding (Recipe + Video) - Little Sweet Baker (4)

  1. Remove any seeds and lightly puree the persimmon pulp to break apart the seed casings using a stand or handheld blender. Measure out 2 cups for the pudding.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the persimmon pulp, butter, eggs, sugars, and vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Sift the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and stir by hand until combined. Fold in the chopped nuts.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13″ glass baking dish. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Expert tips:

What type of persimmon to use:

Any type of persimmons that gets soft when ripened, like Hachiya, Sharon fruit, or wild American persimmons are best to use for this recipe.

How to ripen persimmons:

The old trick my mom taught me was to place the unripe persimmons in a plastic or paper bag with an apple. The natural ethylene gas released from the apple will help ripen the persimmons quickly, in about 3-6 days.

How to make persimmon pulp:

Remove the stem and break or cut the fruit in half. Remove any hard black seeds and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Then using a stand or handheld blender, pulse the fruit a few times to break up the seed casings. And there you have it, persimmon pulp. Persimmon Pudding (Recipe + Video) - Little Sweet Baker (5)

FAQ:

Where did persimmon pudding originate?

In the state of Indiana, where wild persimmons are native to the region. Persimmon festivals are also popular in the area, where they host persimmon pudding contests. Some recipes go as far back as 150 years.

Does persimmon pudding need to be refrigerated?

It can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, but after that, it should be refrigerated because the cake is quite moist.

Can persimmon pudding be frozen?

Yes, persimmon pudding freezes well. Tightly wrap the cake in a double layer of plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature or warm up slices in the microwave before serving.

You might also like:

  • Sticky Toffee Pudding
  • Easy Bread Pudding
  • Baked Rice Pudding

Did you make this recipe? Please kindly leave a comment with your star rating below.

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Persimmon Pudding (Recipe + Video) - Little Sweet Baker (6)

Persimmon Pudding Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 16 reviews

  • Author: Lily Ernst
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 min
  • Yield: 18-24
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

A dense, moist, and chewy spiced pudding cake made from the delicious persimmon fruit.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (500ml) persimmon pulp (about 3 large, 4 medium, or 6 small fruits)
  • 4 tbsp (60ml) melted unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200g) lightly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (see notes*)
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt
  • 1 tsp (5ml) ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (125g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9″ glass baking pan and set aside.
  2. Remove the stem and break or cut the fruit in half. Remove any hard black seeds and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Then using a stand or handheld blender, pulse the fruit a few times to break up the seed casings. Measure out 2 cups.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the persimmon pulp, butter, eggs, sugars, and vanilla.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Sift the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and stir by hand until combined. The batter will be lumpy. Fold in the chopped nuts and pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  6. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the edges start brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil and continue baking until done. Enjoy with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

*Most readers love this recipe as is. Though I have received feedback from a few readers that have reduced the amount of granulated sugar by half (or even omitted it altogether) because they found the cake too sweet. So depending on how sweet your persimmons are and your taste preference, feel free to adjust the amount of granulated sugar accordingly.

Leftovers can be tightly covered and stored at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

This recipe was originally published on November 16th, 2018, and has been recently updated with new photos and more information.

Persimmon Pudding (Recipe + Video) - Little Sweet Baker (2024)

FAQs

Why did my persimmon pudding turn black? ›

But after baking, this pudding will turn dark brown. Don't worry! That's perfectly normal. It's the reaction between the pigments in the persimmon and the alkaline baking soda in the batter that creates this browning.

What does persimmon pudding taste like? ›

Sweet but subtle, persimmon pudding often contains hints of nutmeg or cinnamon, added spices that some say resemble the natural taste of the fruit.

How do you soften persimmons for baking? ›

Unripe hachiya and fuyu persimmons should both be stored at room temperature. If you want them to ripen a little faster, try placing them in a paper bag with a banana or an apple and storing them on the counter. Bananas and apples both produce ethylene gas, which can speed up the ripening process.

What type of persimmons for baking? ›

Fuyu persimmons serve a multi-purpose use. They're best eaten raw or sliced and added to salads, cereal, smoothies, but they are also suitable for baking and roasting. Hachiya persimmons, on the other hand, boast a creamy, jelly-like consistency best for baked goods such as muffins, cookies, bread, and puddings.

What to avoid when eating persimmon? ›

Tea and persimmon contain tannins, which have been found to make protein harder to digest. So when tea and persimmon are eaten with crab, which is rich in protein, we might experience indigestion.

What does baking soda do to persimmons? ›

When persimmons are beaten to a pulp, tannins form complexes with carbohydrates, causing the pulp to stiffen to a gel-like consistency. When baking soda is added, a reaction with the moist and slightly acidic persimmon creates carbon dioxide (CO2), which also plays a role in encouraging the pulp to thicken.

What do persimmons symbolize? ›

Persimmons carry a rich cultural significance, often associated with luck and prosperity. In many cultures, the fruit is a symbol of perseverance, reflecting a deep understanding of inner strength. Its presence in folklore and tradition is a testament to the fruit's esteemed status throughout history.

Are persimmons good for you? ›

Persimmons are low in calories and high in fiber – a combination that makes them a good choice for weight control. Their mix of antioxidants and nutrients – including vitamins A and C – makes them ideal for a healthy diet.

Can dogs eat persimmons? ›

Yes, dogs can safely eat persimmon fruits as an occasional treat. While dogs can consume persimmon skin, they should not eat the seeds because these cause digestive problems. In addition, you should only feed your dog a few slices or a small handful a day, as large amounts of persimmons can lead to an upset stomach.

Why is my dried persimmon turning white? ›

The fruit slowly dries and the sugar in the fruit comes to the surface, and the fruit flavor concentrates. The outside of the fruit turns white from its own sugar looking a bit like white mold. It's not moldy; it is purely the sugar from the fruit itself rising to its surface.

What months are persimmons in season? ›

Just be sure to catch them while you can! They are in season from October through January. What to look for: Two common varieties are Hachiya and Fuyu; they differ slightly in appearance but have unique textures and flavors. Hachiya persimmons are round with one pointy end (think: super-sized acorn).

Will persimmons ripen if picked green? ›

The flesh will soften in time when the fruit is stored at room temperature. If persimmons are harvested before their size and color are fully developed, they will never fully ripen.

How do I know if my persimmon is Fuyu or hachiya? ›

How to Tell Fuyus and Hachiyas Apart. The one you can eat like an apple—Fuyu—is short, squat, and firm. The persimmon you have to ripen until it is squishy, and then you eat or use the pulp—Hachiya—looks like a large orange acorn.

What is the closest fruit to a persimmon? ›

Persimmons are a tree fruit related to the date plum, the black sapote, and the mabolo.

What is the difference between persimmons and Fuyu persimmons? ›

Hachiya vs.

Thus, hachiya persimmons should be eaten they are totally softened - you know when to eat a hachiya when it feels like a water balloon or an over-ripe tomato. Fuyu persimmons are far less astringent. This means that fuyu persimmons can be enjoyed while still firm as well as when they are soft.

Why do persimmons turn black? ›

The mechanism of this alteration has been studied in depth, and the oxidation of tannins has been reported as a key process. Other factors frequently associated with internal browning is storage under controlled or modified atmospheres; in this case the flesh browning occurs mainly in the flesh of the fruit.

Is it safe to eat persimmon with black spots? ›

Pick out firm persimmons that are bright orange without too much black staining. A little bit of black staining is fine, but don't pick one that has large dark black spots - the black will be on the inside as well and while there is no harm in eating that, it feels weird eating fruit with black spots inside.

What is the black mold on my persimmons? ›

Fungal and bacterial infections cause black spots on persimmon leaves. High humidity and overwatering exacerbate the problem; proper care is crucial. Use fungicides and prune to treat and prevent further leaf damage.

How can you tell if a persimmon is rotten? ›

An overripe persimmon tends to be mushy and may have dark, wrinkled skin. The color might be deeper than usual, and it could have an overly sweet, fermented smell.

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