If you’re craving a slice of cozy, fall-inspired comfort, look no further than this Amazing Persimmon Bread Recipe. It’s a moist, warmly spiced quick bread bursting with the luscious sweetness of ripe persimmons and dotted with the crunch of nuts and chew of dried fruit. Every slice brings a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds, making it an absolute must-bake for holiday gatherings or simply a special treat to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet each plays a key role in crafting the rich flavor, tender crumb, and inviting aroma of this bread. From the fragrant spices to the creamy tang of sour cream, every element elevates the final loaf.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your bread while keeping it tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds an extra boost to the rise for perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, comforting spice that defines fall baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and a hint of nuttiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Introduces a slightly sweet, aromatic touch.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the persimmon flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a rich caramel note.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness.
- 1 cup persimmon pulp (very ripe Hachiya persimmons): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and luscious moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with its sweet, floral aroma.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and tender crumb texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For delightful crunch and earthiness.
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional): Adds bursts of chewy, sweet-tart flavor.
How to Make Amazing Persimmon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper if you want an easy release later. Getting these steps right upfront ensures your bread bakes evenly and comes out flawlessly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step makes sure your spices and leavening are evenly distributed throughout the bread, which is key for balanced flavor and perfect rise.
Step 3: Combine Sugars and Oil
In a large mixing bowl, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined. This mixture will be the sweet, moist base that harmonizes with the persimmon.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time until your batter is velvety smooth. Then stir in the persimmon pulp, vanilla extract, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. This combination adds incredible moisture and flavor complexity to the bread.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so keep it gentle for a tender crumb.
Step 6: Fold In Nuts and Dried Fruit (Optional)
If you’re including nuts or dried fruit, fold them in now for bursts of texture and flavor that make each bite exciting.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is where all your effort turns into golden, fragrant perfection.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully lets those flavors develop and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
How to Serve Amazing Persimmon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar enhances the bread’s sweetness and makes it look irresistible. If you want something richer, a spread of softened butter or cream cheese gives it a luscious touch.
Side Dishes
This persimmon bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a rich latte, perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. Think warm, spiced drinks that echo the flavors in the bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, slice the bread and serve it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and some toasted nuts on top. You can also turn slices into French toast for a decadent brunch or layer with mascarpone and fruit for an elegant dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover persimmon bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread for longer storage by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It’ll keep fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven to revive their fresh-baked warmth and softness. This little step makes your Amazing Persimmon Bread Recipe taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of persimmon?
For this recipe, very ripe Hachiya persimmons work best because of their soft texture and sweetness. Fuyu persimmons are firmer and less sweet, which may affect the bread’s moisture and flavor.
Is it necessary to include nuts and dried fruits?
Not at all! Nuts and dried fruits are optional but add delightful texture and flavor contrasts. Feel free to omit or substitute with your favorites like chocolate chips or seeds.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the sour cream or Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream substitute to maintain moistness without dairy.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked.
Why does the bread taste better the next day?
Allowing the bread to rest overnight gives the flavors time to meld beautifully and the texture to settle, resulting in a more fragrant and moist slice.
Final Thoughts
This Amazing Persimmon Bread Recipe is one of those timeless treasures that brings warmth, flavor, and a bit of seasonal magic to your kitchen. I encourage you to try it soon—whether for holiday celebrations or a comforting personal treat, this bread will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll return to year after year.
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Amazing Persimmon Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amazing Persimmon Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for fall baking. Made with ripe Hachiya persimmons, warm spices, and optional nuts and dried fruits, it offers a delightful sweetness and a tender crumb. Ideal for a holiday loaf or a cozy dessert, this bread features a lovely balance of flavors and textures that improve even further the day after baking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup persimmon pulp (from very ripe Hachiya persimmons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly and optionally line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until evenly combined.
- Combine Sugars, Oil, and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the eggs and beat the mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add Persimmon and Dairy: Stir the persimmon pulp, vanilla extract, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) into the wet mixture, combining well.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Optional Ingredients: If using, carefully fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruits to evenly distribute through the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use only very soft, ripe Hachiya persimmons for the best flavor and texture.
- The bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop fully.
- Wrap tightly and store at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
