Home · Recipes Persimmon Walnut Cake Author: Maryanne CabreraPublished: Nov 14, 2011Updated: Oct 2, 2023 View Recipe9 ReviewsThis post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy. This Persimmon Walnut Cake is similar in texture to banana nut bread. It is a very moist and dense cake that tastes like autumn! Persimmons have taken over my kitchen. I have baskets of persimmon all over the counter, some 15 cups of puree stacked in the freezer, and loaves of delicious persimmon walnut cake cooling on the dining table. Persimmons are available between September and December, usually peaking sometime in November. There are many varieties of persimmons, but the two most common in the United States are the hachiya and fuyu. What is the difference between Hachiya and Fuyu Persimmon? Haychiya The hachiya (left in photo above) is elongated and acorn shaped. They are quite tart when firm. Please do not eat them while there are unripe. Trust me, it does not taste pleasant. Ripe hachiyas are very sweet and juicy. As a child I used to freeze them, slice off the top and eat the inside of the fruit like sorbet. In my opinion, hachiyas are best for baking. Like any other fruit puree, it adds moisture and sweetness to baked goods. Fuyu The fuyu (right in photo) is much smaller and flatter than the hachiya. It sort of resembles a tomato. The fuyu is a little less intimidating to those new to the fruit. I like eating the fuyu raw. It is crisp like an apple. I like to peel the skin and quarter it into wedges. The fuyu is best eaten while it is still firm. I rarely use fuyu for baking. Rather, I find it better for snacking and salads. My parents have five persimmon trees in their backyard–three of the hachiya and two of the fuyu. My dad planted it 23 years ago when we moved into the house. It has been bearing fruit every autumn for as long as I can remember. Around this time every year, my parents brings shopping bags full of persimmon to neighbors and friends. How to choose persimmons? Most grocery stores carry the hachiya variety. They usually sell them while they are still very firm. When purchasing persimmons, look for plump ones that feel heavy for their size. Their skin should look smooth and glossy, without any bruises or blemishes. How to ripen persimmons? You can quickly ripen the fruit in a paper bag or just let them sit out at room temperature. As they ripen, they become deeper orange in color. You can notice the difference from the firm hachiya in the first photos to the soft wrinkly ones photographed with the baked cake. Once ripe, store the fruit in the fridge. Hachiyas turn overripe very quickly. I puree and freeze them once they are soft and save it for future uses. Persimmon Walnut Cake This is my favorite persimmon recipe. Its similar in texture to banana nut bread, but persimmon is much milder in flavor than banana. It is a very moist and dense cake that tastes like autumn. This cake stores and freezes well. Once frozen, let the cake sit out at room temperature for a couple hours to let it thaw. Warm it in the microwave for a couple seconds or serve it at room temperature. Either way, it will taste as good as it did the day you baked it. Persimmon Walnut Cake 5 from 1 vote Yield: makes one 9-inch loaf and five 5×3 inch mini loaves Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Ingredients3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt2 teaspoons baking soda1/2 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon ground cinnamon3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed1 1/4 cup granulated sugar1 cup unsalted butter, melted, cooled to room temp4 large eggs, room temp, lightly beaten1/4 cup honey whiskey2 cups persimmon puree2 cups walnuts, toasted, roughly chopped2 cups golden raisins, or diced dried fruit of choice Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Place in large bowl and whisk in brown sugar and granulated sugar.Make a well in center of dry ingredients. Add in melted butter, eggs, liquor, and persimmon puree. Mix until combined. Fold in nuts and raisins.Divide among loft pans. Bake the 9-inch pan for an hour or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. The mini loaf pans should take about 45 minutes. NotesADAPTED FROM DAVID LEBOVITZ Author: Maryanne Cabrera Did you make this recipe?Show us on Instagram! Tag @littleepicurean and hashtag #littleepicurean. Interested in more persimmon recipes? Here are some favorites: Persimmon Cranberry Pie Persimmon Rum Bundt Cake Bruleed Persimmon Tarts Autumn Persimmon Arugula Pasta
Tina says: November 14, 2011 I have never baked or cooked with persimmons but this post is very inspiring. The way you described this does make me want to have a slice. The ingredient list does have some tasty flavors in it. Thanks for sharing. Reply
Anonymous says: December 3, 2011 I was a persimmon virgin until I read your blog. I went to the local market, chose the hachiya variety and waited for them to ripen. The finished product was fabulous. I brought it to work and it disappeared quickly. I fudged the recipe just a bit by adding a large overripe banana and a quarter cup of honey since I only had striaight Jack Daniels in the kitchen. All I can say is WOW!! -Susan from Crystal Lake Reply
the little epicurean says: December 4, 2011 I’ve never tried banana and persimmon together, but I’m sure the sweetness of both fruits taste great together. Thanks for the trying out the recipe, Susan! I’m glad you went out and tried persimmons! They’re my favorite fall fruits! Reply
Anonymous says: December 3, 2012 This bread was quite time consuming, but I really enjoyed it for breakfast. I ran out of brown sugar and had slightly less than 3/4 cup. I have a sweet tooth so I’d probably add more sugar. Not that much persimmon flavor, but still good. Reply
Anna says: March 6, 2019 You are a true professional, your photos always inspire me! My favorite blog! Reply
Rosemary says: November 14, 2021 Is there something else I can substitute for the honey whiskey since I don’t use liquor? Reply
Maryanne Cabrera says: November 16, 2021 You could use 100% apple juice, milk, or milk alternative of choice.
Clare Thomas says: July 10, 2022 Family loved this recipe and a great way to use an abundance of persimmons. Reply