Name: Persimmon Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 very ripe Hachiya persimmons; 3/4 cup brown sugar (160g); 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (120ml); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts (57g)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a sweet, warmly spiced treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, this Persimmon Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Moist, tender, and filled with the rich flavor of ripe hachiya persimmons combined with cinnamon, nutmeg, and crunchy toasted walnuts, it’s a comforting loaf that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a simple weekend indulgence, this persimmon bread will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds several bowls and dishes arranged neatly with cooking ingredients. At the top center, a white plate with thin blue stripes contains four bright orange persimmons with green tops. To the left is a small clear glass filled with golden yellow oil. Below that, a white bowl with a thick blue rim is full of white flour. In the center is a small round dish with a blue pattern holding chopped brown nuts. To the right, a small grayish white plate holds two brown eggs. Next, a white bowl is filled with light brown sugar. Above the eggs and sugar, four tiny clear bowls contain different dry ingredients: cinnamon powder, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder, each casting soft shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Persimmon Bread Recipe just right is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that blend beautifully to create incredible flavor. Each component plays a special role—from the ripe persimmons adding natural sweetness and moisture, to the warm spices that create that cozy feeling with every bite.

Very ripe hachiya persimmons: These provide the sweet, smooth base that makes this bread irresistibly moist.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the persimmon perfectly.
Extra virgin olive oil: Keeps the bread tender and adds a subtle fruity note.
Large eggs: Bind everything together for that perfect crumb.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice essential to the autumnal flavor profile.
Ground nutmeg: Provides a gentle, nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
All-purpose flour: The structure base for the bread’s soft yet sturdy texture.
Baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly light and fluffy.
Chopped toasted walnuts: Add a delightful crunch and savory contrast in every bite.

How to Make Persimmon Bread Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare your loaf pan by brushing it generously with olive oil or using baking spray to prevent sticking. This simple prep step ensures your bread will come out beautifully once baked.

Step 2: Purée the Persimmons

Remove the stems from three of your persimmons and slice them in half. Carefully check for any seeds and scoop out the luscious pulp. Use a food processor, blender, or immersion blender to purée the fruit until completely smooth. You’ll want about 1 1/2 cups for the recipe; if you need to, purée a bit more from a fourth persimmon. Any extra puree can always be saved for smoothies or desserts.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your fresh persimmon purée with brown sugar, olive oil, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This combination creates a fragrant, velvety wet mixture that’s the flavorful foundation of your bread.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Now it’s time to bring in the dry ingredients. Add the all-purpose flour and baking soda to the wet mixture and gently stir with a rubber spatula until mostly combined. To finish, fold in the toasted walnuts carefully—it’s important not to overmix here to keep your bread light and tender, with just the right amount of crunch.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top for an even finish. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be nothing short of heavenly while it bakes!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then gently remove it and set on a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier, so you get perfect wedges every time.

How to Serve Persimmon Bread Recipe

A loaf of brown bread with a textured, slightly cracked crust is partially sliced into four pieces that reveal a dense interior with visible lighter chunks, likely nuts, and darker specks. The slices are stacked loosely, overlapping each other on a light-colored wooden board lined with white parchment paper. A knife with a smooth beige handle lies beside the slices, its blade resting on the parchment. The background is a white marbled texture with two blurred red apples in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your persimmon bread, try topping slices with a pat of honey butter or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. A sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely finishing touch and enhance presentation.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for a delightful afternoon treat. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweet spices with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Slice the persimmon bread thick and toast it lightly, then top with almond butter and sliced bananas for an elegant yet simple snack. Alternatively, use it as a base for a unique bread pudding by cubing the loaf and baking it with custard and dried fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, your persimmon bread will stay fresh for up to four days at room temperature. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain its moisture and texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this Persimmon Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen bread, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. Warm slices briefly in the toaster oven or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use other types of persimmons in this recipe?

While hachiya persimmons are ideal because of their soft texture and rich sweetness, you can experiment with fuyu persimmons if they’re very ripe. Just be sure to adjust the puree consistency, as fuyus are firmer.

What if I don’t have walnuts? Can I substitute?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds would add a delightful crunch and flavor variation. Feel free to tailor it to your taste or allergy needs.

How ripe should the persimmons be?

To get the best flavor and moisture, the persimmons should be very ripe and soft to the touch, almost custard-like. If they’re not quite there, the bread may turn out dense or less flavorful.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Keep an eye on the texture—sometimes adding a bit of xanthan gum helps mimic the structure of gluten.

Is this bread sweet enough to be dessert?

This persimmon bread has a balanced sweetness that works well as both a snack and a dessert. If you prefer it sweeter, adding a glaze or serving with sweet spreads makes it feel even more indulgent.

Final Thoughts

This Persimmon Bread Recipe is a true gem that brings the comforting flavors of fall right into your kitchen with minimal effort. Its moist crumb, lovely spice, and delightful crunch make it a pleasure to bake and enjoy with family or friends. Give it a try—you might just find yourself baking it over and over again!