Persimmon Pudding is a classic American dessert that showcases the deep, caramel-like flavor of ripe persimmons. This moist, spiced pudding cake has a texture somewhere between a steamed pudding and a dense quick bread. Its use of seasonal fruits, warm spices, and nuts makes it a nostalgic winter favorite. Often served during fall and holiday gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup persimmon pulp
- ½ stick margarine (or ¼ cup butter)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup nuts (chopped )
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Persimmon Base
- Prepare 1 cup of persimmon pulp.
- Cream margarine (or butter) with sugar.
- Add egg and beat well.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Assemble Batter
- Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with milk.
- Stir in persimmon pulp.
Step 4: Add Mix-ins
- Finally, fold in raisins and chopped nuts.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour mixture into a well-greased 1½-quart baking dish.
- Bake in a slow oven at 300°F for 2 hours.
Tips
- Replace margarine with butter for richer flavor (card already allows this).
- Add orange zest for a bright citrus lift.
- Swap raisins for chopped dates or dried cranberries.
- Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or hard sauce.
- Add ½ teaspoon ginger for more pronounced holiday spice.
- Substitute walnuts or pecans depending on preference.
- Bake in individual ramekins for faster cooking.
- Add a splash of bourbon to the batter for a festive version.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a vintage presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 170mgPotassium: 405mgFiber: 4gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 3mg
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