Persimmons bring a sweet, honey-like flavor to fall and winter dishes that few other fruits can match. These vibrant orange fruits come in different varieties and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.
Whether you prefer the crisp, apple-like texture of Fuyu persimmons or the soft, pudding-like consistency of Hachiya persimmons when ripe, you’ll find delicious ways to incorporate them into your cooking.
From muffins and cookies to salads and smoothies, persimmons are more versatile than you might think. You can wrap them in prosciutto for an elegant appetizer, blend them into baked goods, or showcase them in a colorful fall salad with other seasonal ingredients like pomegranate and apples.
1. Classic Persimmon Bread
Persimmon bread is a delicious fall treat that makes perfect use of ripe persimmons. This sweet, moist loaf combines the unique flavor of persimmon pulp with warm spices.
Use very ripe Hachiya persimmons for this recipe. When they’re soft and jelly-like, scoop them out and mix into your batter.
The basic recipe includes flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and persimmon pulp, often enhanced with spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Many bakers add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
Bake your bread at 350°F in buttered loaf pans until a toothpick comes out clean. This bread keeps well and makes a great breakfast or snack.
2. Persimmon Nut Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts
These classic persimmon cookies combine the unique sweetness of ripe Hachiya persimmons with warm spices and delightful textures. The cakey cookies are packed with crunchy walnuts and chewy raisins for a perfect seasonal treat.
Blend persimmon pulp with your wet ingredients before combining with flour and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations in many families.
Drop the dough by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes. Substitute dried cranberries for raisins if you prefer a more tart flavor profile.
3. Spiced Persimmon Oatmeal
Spiced Persimmon Oatmeal offers a delicious way to enjoy this seasonal fruit in a warm breakfast. You can make this comforting dish with milk or water and quick-cook steel cut oats.
The star ingredient is persimmons—typically one or two Fuyu persimmons work well. Add warmth to your bowl with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for that perfect fall flavor.
This breakfast option balances healthy ingredients with sweet, satisfying taste. The persimmons add natural sweetness and a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with the hearty oats.
Try topping your oatmeal with additional persimmon slices or a sprinkle of toffee bits for extra texture and flavor.
4. Persimmon Pudding with Sticky Toffee Sauce
This delightful dessert combines ripe Hachiya persimmons with a warm, rich toffee sauce. The result is a moist sponge cake that’s both sweet and slightly spiced.
The fragrant cinnamon enhances the persimmon’s natural flavors. The cake itself has a wonderful gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the sticky toffee sauce.
This is an easy one-bowl recipe that delivers impressive results. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped crème fraîche for an elegant finish to any meal.
5. Persimmon and Brie Crostini
Persimmon and Brie Crostini makes a delicious and easy appetizer for your next dinner party. This elegant dish combines thinly sliced baguette with creamy Brie cheese and sweet Fuyu persimmons.
Top each baguette slice with a piece of Brie and a slice of persimmon. Sprinkle a bit of sugar on top, about 1/8 teaspoon per piece, then broil until the sugar melts.
The combination of warm, melty cheese with the sweet persimmon creates a perfect balance of flavors. You can use any triple-cream cheese if Brie isn’t available.
For a more complex flavor profile, add crispy bacon bits as some variations suggest.
6. Persimmon and Bresaola Bites
These elegant appetizers combine the sweetness of persimmons with savory bresaola. Bresaola is a dry-cured beef that pairs wonderfully with the fruity flavor of persimmons.
Slice firm Fuyu persimmons thinly and wrap each slice with a piece of bresaola. Secure them with a toothpick if needed.
For extra flavor, add a small dollop of soft cheese like chèvre between the persimmon and meat. A light drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of black pepper creates the perfect balance of flavors.
Serve these bites at your next gathering for an impressive starter that takes minimal effort to prepare.
7. Persimmon Tart with Almond Cream
This elegant dessert combines the sweet flavor of persimmons with rich almond cream. The creamy almond base provides a perfect contrast to the fruit’s natural sweetness.
To make this tart, use a buttery crust, almond cream (also called frangipane), and ripe persimmons. Fuyu persimmons work well for this recipe, and you’ll need about 7 large ones.
Make the almond cream by mixing cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth. This creates a nutty foundation that complements the persimmon’s flavor.
Try sprinkling cinnamon on top before baking for extra warmth. The finished tart looks beautiful and tastes even better.
8. Persimmon Chutney
Persimmon chutney transforms this sweet fruit into a versatile condiment perfect for your table. This sweet and tangy preserve combines persimmons with apple cider vinegar, onions, and spices.
You can make it with the skin on to maximize flavor and reduce waste. Common ingredients include raisins or sultanas, brown sugar, lemon juice, and warming spices like ginger, coriander, and cloves.
This chutney pairs wonderfully with cheese and crackers for a quick appetizer. It also serves as an authentic condiment for curries and other savory dishes.
Making a batch lets you enjoy persimmons year-round, especially when you have an abundant harvest.
9. Persimmon Compote
Persimmon compote is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy this fall fruit. It’s simple to make and can be used in many different dishes.
Combine chopped persimmons with water, honey, and a splash of cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
This sweet treat works well as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes. You can also spread it on toast or use it as a filling for pastries.
The natural sweetness of persimmons means you don’t need to add much honey. Adjust to your taste preference.
10. Hachiya Persimmon Smoothie
Hachiya persimmons make wonderful smoothies when they’re fully ripe and soft. Unlike their Fuyu cousins, Hachiyas need to be completely soft before use to avoid astringency.
For a basic Hachiya persimmon smoothie, combine one peeled ripe persimmon with a frozen banana and a half cup of frozen mango. Add a dash of warming spices like pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to complement the persimmon’s natural sweetness.
You can enhance the flavor by adding clementines for citrus notes. For extra nutrition, add goji berries or pomegranate seeds.
Blend everything until smooth, adding your preferred liquid as needed for consistency.
11. Fuyu Persimmon and Fuji Apple Crumble
Fuyu persimmons and Fuji apples create a perfect balance in this delicious crumble. The honey-sweet flavor of persimmons complements the tartness of apples beautifully.
Slice firm Fuyu persimmons and crisp Fuji apples, then season them with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger. Top the fruit mixture with a crunchy oat crumble made with butter, flour, brown sugar, and a handful of chopped nuts if you prefer.
Macadamia nuts work especially well here. Bake until the topping turns golden brown and the fruits become tender.
This warm dessert is perfect for cool evenings and can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
12. Persimmon Salad with Beet and Citrus
This refreshing salad combines the sweet flavor of persimmons with earthy beets and tangy citrus. The contrasting colors make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Roast peeled beets until tender, then slice them thinly. Peel and slice ripe Fuyu persimmons into wedges.
Segment blood oranges or Meyer lemons for a vibrant citrus element. Arrange the sliced beets, persimmons, and citrus segments on a platter with some endive and watercress for a peppery crunch.
Whisk together some of the reserved citrus juice with olive oil for a simple dressing. Add crumbled feta on the bottom of your serving plate for a creamy, tangy foundation that balances the sweet fruits perfectly.
13. Persimmon Pumpkin Muffins
Persimmon Pumpkin Muffins combine the best of both fruits for a moist, flavorful treat. They’re perfect for fall baking but can be enjoyed year-round.
Mix persimmon pulp with your usual pumpkin muffin ingredients. The persimmon adds extra moisture and a sweet, subtle flavor that complements the pumpkin spices.
Mix together persimmon pulp, oil, eggs, cinnamon, sugar, baking soda, and salt until smooth. Add flour and baking powder to complete your batter.
Top these muffins with a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking or add vanilla icing for extra sweetness. They’re delicious with breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
14. Persimmon Jam
Persimmon jam is a simple yet delicious way to use these sweet autumn fruits. You only need four basic ingredients: ripe persimmons, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
You don’t need additional pectin as persimmons naturally contain enough to set the jam properly. Use any variety of persimmon including Fuyu, Hachiya, or even wild American persimmons.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or some orange zest. This versatile jam works wonderfully on toast, in pastries, or as a glaze for meats.
It’s also perfect for preserving persimmons when they’re in season.
15. Persimmon and Goat Cheese Crostini
This elegant appetizer combines sweet persimmons with tangy goat cheese on crispy toast. The contrast of flavors creates a delightful sweet-savory experience that’s perfect for entertaining.
Spread a mixture of goat cheese and fresh ricotta on toasted baguette slices. Top with thin slices of firm but ripe Fuyu persimmons.
For extra flavor, add a hint of fresh ginger and lime zest to your persimmons. Some recipes incorporate rosemary and orange to complement the goat cheese.
Finish your crostini with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of additional lime zest for a bright, festive appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
16. Persimmon Salsa with Jalapeño
This fresh persimmon salsa adds a sweet twist to your typical salsa recipe. Fuyu persimmons work best as they are firm and can be diced easily.
Mix diced persimmons with finely chopped red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl. Add fresh lime juice and salt to taste.
For extra flavor, add mint, ginger, or basil to your persimmon salsa. The heat from the jalapeño balances with the sweet persimmons.
This salsa pairs well with chips, grilled meats, or fish. Prepare it up to 4 hours ahead of time to let the flavors blend.
17. Persimmon Ice Cream
Persimmon ice cream is a delightful fall dessert that showcases the fruit’s unique flavor. Make it at home by blending ripe persimmons into a creamy base.
Add spices like cardamom or cinnamon to enhance the persimmon’s natural sweetness. Some recipes include honey for extra depth.
Cook cream with sugar and spices, then mix in persimmon puree. After chilling, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker.
Use either type of persimmon for this treat. The total preparation takes about 4 hours, including chilling.
18. Persimmon Pavlova
Pavlova is a perfect dessert to showcase the sweet flavor of persimmons. This elegant treat features a crisp meringue shell with a marshmallow-like interior.
Top the traditional vanilla pavlova base with whipped cream and sliced ripe persimmons. Add other fruits like raspberries and blueberries for color contrast and flavor variety.
Prepare this impressive dessert ahead of time for dinner parties or special occasions. The edges of the pavlova brown slightly during baking, creating a toasted marshmallow taste.
19. Persimmon Cheesecake
Persimmon cheesecake transforms the unique flavor of ripe persimmons into a creamy dessert. This twist on traditional cheesecake uses persimmon pulp for natural sweetness and autumn spice.
Use 2 cups of persimmon puree and three 8-ounce packages of cream cheese in the typical recipe. Add warming spices like cinnamon and ginger to complement the fruit’s flavor.
For the crust, use a walnut base with brown sugar and melted butter. This nutty foundation pairs with the persimmon filling.
Serve this cheesecake at Thanksgiving or any fall gathering when persimmons are in season.
20. Persimmon Glazed Chicken
Persimmon glazed chicken combines sweet and savory flavors for a delicious main dish. The natural sweetness of ripe persimmons creates a perfect glaze that caramelizes on chicken.
Combine persimmon, maple syrup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger in a saucepan. Simmer until it thickens into a glaze.
Use this glaze on any chicken parts, though thighs work especially well. The glaze adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
For extra flavor, add garlic, sage, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your glaze. This creates a more complex taste profile.
21. Persimmon and Spinach Salad with Pomegranate
This vibrant salad combines fresh baby spinach with sweet persimmons and tart pomegranate seeds for a balanced flavor. The contrast of textures makes every bite interesting.
Start with a bed of chopped spinach in your salad bowl. Add sliced Fuyu persimmons when they are firm and sweet.
Scatter pomegranate seeds for a juicy burst in each bite. Complete your salad with crumbled goat cheese or feta for creaminess.
Add crunch with toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. Dress simply with olive oil and a touch of honey-mustard dressing.
This colorful salad works as a side dish or light meal.
Choosing and Preparing Persimmons
Persimmons are delicious fall fruits that require proper selection and preparation to enjoy their sweet flavor. Understanding the different types and how to handle them helps you make the most of these seasonal gems in your recipes.
Types of Persimmons and Their Uses
You’ll encounter two main varieties of persimmons in markets: Fuyu and Hachiya.
Fuyu persimmons are squat and round, resembling an orange tomato. You can eat them while still firm, similar to an apple.
Fuyus work best in:
- Raw applications like salads
- Sliced on cheese boards
- Diced in salsas
- Quick-cooking recipes
Hachiya persimmons are larger and acorn-shaped with a pointed bottom. Eat them only when completely soft and ripe to avoid bitterness.
Hachiyas excel in:
- Baked goods like cookies and cakes
- Puddings and custards
- Jams and preserves
- Smoothies and purées
How to Ripen and Store Persimmons
Eat Fuyu persimmons when firm or let them soften at room temperature. Allow Hachiya persimmons to ripen fully until they feel like water balloons—soft and squishy.
To speed up ripening, place persimmons in a paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas from the fruit accelerates the process.
Check daily for ripeness. Store firm persimmons at room temperature until they reach desired ripeness.
Once ripe, transfer persimmons to the refrigerator where they keep for 2-3 days. Freeze persimmon pulp for future baking by scooping out the flesh and storing it in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
Tips for Prepping Persimmons for Recipes
Proper preparation ensures the best flavor and texture in your recipes.
For Fuyu persimmons:
- Wash the fruit thoroughly.
- Remove the leaf-like calyx at the top.
- Slice or dice with the skin on, or peel if preferred.
For Hachiya persimmons:
- Wait until completely soft.
- Cut in half and scoop out the jelly-like pulp with a spoon.
- Remove any seeds you encounter.
Some recipes call for persimmon purée. Blend ripe Hachiya pulp until smooth.
For clearer jellies or syrups, strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve. When baking with persimmons, their high moisture content can affect recipes.
Reduce other liquids or increase dry ingredients slightly to compensate.
Elevating Persimmon Recipes
Persimmons can transform from simple fruits into culinary masterpieces with the right techniques and pairings. Use these sweet autumn gems in both sweet and savory applications.
Flavor Pairings and Ingredient Substitutions
Persimmons pair well with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. These combinations enhance their natural sweetness.
Try matching persimmons with tangy goat cheese, creamy brie, or sharp blue cheese on charcuterie boards. Substitute persimmons for apples or pears in many recipes.
In baking, try a 50/50 mix of Fuyu persimmons and apples in crumbles or pies for a unique twist.
Sweet Pairings:
- Honey and maple syrup
- Vanilla or almond extract
- Dark chocolate
- Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
Savory Pairings:
- Prosciutto or other cured meats
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Mild greens like arugula or kale
Incorporating Persimmons Into Different Cuisines
Persimmons fit naturally into many global cuisines. In Mediterranean cooking, add sliced Fuyu persimmons to tabbouleh with fresh herbs and bulgur wheat for a refreshing salad.
For Asian-inspired dishes, try persimmons in rice bowls with ginger and soy sauce. Italian cuisine welcomes persimmons in risotto with sage and parmesan.
The fruit’s sweetness balances the savory elements perfectly. For Mexican flavors, add diced persimmons to salsas with lime and jalapeño.
Blend persimmons into smoothies with milk kefir and almonds for a nutritious breakfast. Add just a touch of maple syrup to bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness.
For special occasions, transform persimmons into elegant desserts like panna cotta topped with persimmon purée. Incorporate them into traditional holiday cakes with warming spices.
