If you’ve never made Amazing Persimmon Bread before, you’re in for a treat that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly sophisticated. This recipe transforms delicate, jammy Hachiya persimmons into a rich, fragrant quick bread that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg. Every bite is moist and tender, studded with toasted nuts and optional dried fruit, making this loaf just as lovely for a holiday breakfast as it is for an afternoon snack. If you love old-fashioned, comforting bakes with a twist, Amazing Persimmon Bread will easily become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Amazing Persimmon Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Amazing Persimmon Bread is all in the balance of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients with ultra-ripe, seasonal fruit. Each component brings something special—flavor, texture, sweetness, or structure—to make every slice unforgettable.

Persimmon Pulp (2 cups, from very ripe Hachiya persimmons): The star ingredient, bringing moisture, natural sweetness, and a gorgeous sunset hue to the bread.
Baking Soda (2 teaspoons): Essential for lifting and aerating the dense batter, reacting beautifully with the acidic persimmon pulp.
All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): Gives the bread its structure and tender crumb.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a warming spice note that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
Ground Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): For a gentle hint of spice that deepens the flavor profile.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Elevates the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Granulated Sugar (1½ cups): Ensures the bread is sweet but not cloying, letting the persimmon shine through.
Brown Sugar (½ cup): Contributes rich caramel notes and extra moisture.
Vegetable Oil (1 cup): Keeps the crumb extra moist for days after baking.
Large Eggs (4): Bind everything together and provide a lovely, tender texture.
Milk (⅓ cup): Adds just enough liquid to keep the batter smooth and pourable.
Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Deepens the sweetness and perfumes the loaf.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1 cup): For crunch and earthy, buttery undertones.
Raisins or Chopped Dates, optional (1 cup): Offer chewy pops of sweetness in every bite—totally up to you!

How to Make Amazing Persimmon Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pans

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F and greasing two 9×5-inch loaf pans. It’s best to do this first, so you’re ready as soon as the batter comes together. A little nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter works wonders to prevent sticking. Place your ingredients out on the counter for smooth sailing—this way, you won’t be scrambling when it’s time to add each one.

Step 2: Thicken the Persimmon Pulp

Scoop the soft, jelly-like flesh from your ripe Hachiya persimmons and measure out two generous cups. Stir in the baking soda right in a small bowl and give it 5 to 10 minutes to rest. This helps the persimmon thicken up deliciously and react with the baking soda, setting the stage for a nicely risen loaf with unbeatable tenderness.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is evenly distributed. This step means you’ll get those warm spices in every bite, never clumped up or patchy—one of the little secrets to perfect Amazing Persimmon Bread.

Step 4: Cream Sugars and Oil

Grab your largest mixing bowl and beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and almost creamy. The oil will keep things moist, while both sugars contribute complexity and that rich, caramel-like finish.

Step 5: Blend in Eggs and Persimmon Mixture

One at a time, add in your eggs, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air and gives the bread lift, making sure every slice is light yet decadent. Once the eggs are in, stir in the persimmon pulp mixture, milk, and vanilla extract, blending until smooth and golden.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined—no over-mixing, or you might end up with tough bread instead of tender Amazing Persimmon Bread. You want to stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

Step 7: Stir in Nuts and Dried Fruit

Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans (and the raisins or chopped dates, if you’re using them). The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly how it should look! Every scoop should have a treasure trove of nuts and fruit for ultimate texture.

Step 8: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared loaf pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The tops should be deep golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a crumb or two. If the loaves are browning too fast, gently tent them with foil towards the end of baking.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the loaves cool in their pans for about 10 minutes—this lets them firm up and makes removing them a snap. Run a knife along the edges, then tip them out onto wire racks to cool completely. While it’s tempting to slice into the Amazing Persimmon Bread right away, it’s even better once it’s cooled, allowing flavors and moisture to settle perfectly.

How to Serve Amazing Persimmon Bread

Garnishes

A little extra flourish goes a long way! Dust your loaf with powdered sugar for snowy charm, or brush with a light maple glaze for special occasions. Chopped candied ginger or a few extra chopped nuts on top bring both sparkle and crunch to your Amazing Persimmon Bread.

Side Dishes

This bread is lovely with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or milky tea. If you’re serving it for brunch, pair slices with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a dab of mascarpone, plus a bowl of citrus fruit or berries for fresh contrast. It even works as a sweet side at a cozy holiday brunch spread with quiches or savory tarts.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut thick slices and toast them in butter for a luxurious breakfast treat, or cube the bread for a dreamy bread pudding. If you want to make Amazing Persimmon Bread the centerpiece, arrange slices on a pretty board with cinnamon sticks, whole persimmons, and clusters of grapes for a show-stopping autumn or winter table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Amazing Persimmon Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep at room temperature for up to three days. The bread honestly gets even moister and more flavorful after a day, making it ideal for baking ahead.

Freezing

You can freeze the whole loaf or slices. Make sure it’s completely cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months, making Amazing Persimmon Bread a wonderful make-ahead treat for surprise guests or busy mornings.

Reheating

To refresh a slice, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast it gently. If you’ve frozen the loaf, let it thaw at room temperature (still wrapped) before serving. Warmed slices bring back that just-baked magic and make your house smell amazing all over again!

FAQs

Can I make Amazing Persimmon Bread with Fuyu persimmons?

Fuyu persimmons are firmer and less suitable for this recipe. The ultra-ripe, jelly-like texture of Hachiya persimmons is what gives the bread its signature moisture and flavor. Stick to Hachiyas for the best results.

What can I use instead of nuts if I have allergies?

You can simply leave the nuts out or try adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Dried cranberries or chocolate chips can be a fun swap as well, adding a new twist to your Amazing Persimmon Bread.

How do I know when my persimmons are ripe enough?

A ripe Hachiya persimmon should feel like a water balloon—super soft and almost custardy inside. If they’re not squishy, let them ripen at room temperature (or quickly in the freezer) until they’re fully jelly-like for the sweetest, most flavorful bread.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Scoop the batter into muffin tins (fill about 3/4 full) and bake at 350°F for 22-28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll get adorable, portable Amazing Persimmon Bread muffins perfect for sharing.

Why is my bread dense or gummy?

This often happens if the persimmons weren’t ripe enough or if the batter was over-mixed. Be sure to use fully ripe Hachiya persimmons, and gently fold the ingredients just until combined for the perfect tender crumb.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for that wow-factor dessert or a comforting treat to share with friends, Amazing Persimmon Bread is bound to impress. It brings together tradition, flavor, and a touch of homey magic in every slice. Give it a try, and see just how quickly it becomes a staple at your table!