Baked persimmons are the perfect fall dessert—sweet, tender fruit with hints of honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The caramelized edges and warm spiced aroma will fill your home with the cozy vibes of autumn. Whether served on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they make for a comforting and elegant treat.
This simple yet indulgent dessert showcases the natural sweetness of persimmons while enhancing them with rich flavors. The combination of warm honey and cinnamon makes it a crowd-pleaser during the colder months, ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy gathering.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 ripe persimmons, peeled and sliced
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
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A pinch of salt
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Slice the persimmons into 1/2-inch thick rounds and remove the seeds.
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Arrange the persimmons in a baking dish.
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Drizzle with honey and olive oil (or butter), then sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
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Toss gently to coat the persimmons evenly in the spices and sweetener.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the persimmons are soft and caramelized around the edges.
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Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Baked Persimmons: A Decadent and Simple Dessert
In the world of fruit-based desserts, few dishes are as satisfying and indulgent as baked persimmons. A fruit often overlooked in everyday cooking, persimmons offer a unique blend of sweetness and texture that makes them the perfect candidate for roasting. When paired with honey and warm spices, these baked persimmons transform into a delightful dessert that’s not only easy to prepare but also feels wonderfully decadent.
This dessert is an ideal choice for those seeking a healthy yet indulgent treat. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party or family gathering. With minimal prep time and the oven doing most of the work, baked persimmons allow you to enjoy a rich, flavorful dessert without much effort.
The Appeal of Persimmons
Persimmons are a fascinating fruit with a flavor that’s difficult to find in other fruits. With a sweet, honey-like taste, ripe persimmons are soft, juicy, and packed with nutrients. There are several varieties of persimmons, but the most commonly used for baking and eating raw are the Fuyu and Hachiya varieties.
Fuyu persimmons are astringent-free and have a firm texture, making them perfect for baking. Unlike other varieties that can have a tough or unpleasant taste when unripe, Fuyu persimmons are delicious even when slightly firm, which makes them easy to work with for recipes like baked persimmons. Their natural sweetness and mild flavor allow them to pair beautifully with spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, and they complement the rich warmth of honey or maple syrup.
Persimmons have a special characteristic when cut in half: they reveal a star-shaped pattern in the center. This star is not only aesthetically pleasing but also adds a visual appeal to the finished dessert, making each baked persimmon half look like a work of art.
The Magic of Baking Persimmons
Baking persimmons brings out their natural sugars, turning them into a soft, sticky, and utterly indulgent dessert. When roasted, the fruit’s flesh becomes tender and juicy, while the outer skin caramelizes slightly, adding complexity to the flavor.
One of the key components of this recipe is the syrup that coats the persimmons. Combining apple juice, coconut oil, and warm spices creates a flavorful syrup that enhances the persimmons’ natural sweetness. As the fruit bakes, it absorbs the syrup, resulting in a sticky, spiced glaze that coats the fruit. The baking process also intensifies the flavors, allowing the spices to infuse the persimmons and giving them a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
The beauty of baked persimmons lies in their simplicity. There’s no need for complicated ingredients or difficult techniques. All you need are ripe persimmons, a handful of pantry staples, and a little time in the oven. In less than an hour, you can have a rich, flavorful dessert ready to be served.
Sweeteners and Spices: Perfect Pairings
The choice of sweetener and spices in baked persimmons plays a crucial role in enhancing the fruit’s flavor. While honey is the traditional sweetener used in this recipe, you can easily substitute it with maple syrup if you’re looking for a plant-based or vegan alternative. Maple syrup adds a different kind of sweetness, with its rich, earthy undertones, which pairs beautifully with the spices and the natural flavors of the persimmons.
Spices are another essential part of this dessert. Ground ginger and cardamom are the stars in the spice department, bringing warmth and a slight hint of heat to the dish. These spices complement the sweet, fruity flavor of the persimmons and make the dessert feel extra cozy, perfect for fall or winter gatherings. Nutmeg can be added as an optional ingredient for an extra layer of flavor, but even without it, the ginger and cardamom will provide plenty of warmth.
The use of apple juice in the syrup further enhances the fruity, tangy notes of the persimmons. Freshly squeezed apple juice is preferred, as it will impart a fresher taste compared to store-bought versions. The apple juice adds a touch of tartness that balances the sweetness of the honey, preventing the dessert from becoming overly sugary.
Why You Should Try Baked Persimmons
There are numerous reasons why baked persimmons should make their way into your regular dessert rotation. First and foremost, the recipe is incredibly easy to execute. With only a few basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Unlike many fruit-based desserts that require careful attention, baked persimmons allow the oven to do most of the work. All you need to do is prep the fruit and pour over the syrup the oven takes care of the rest.
Another reason to love baked persimmons is their versatility. Not only do they serve as a delightful stand-alone dessert, but they also pair well with a variety of other foods. For example, you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped coconut cream, or even a bit of yogurt for a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced fruit. The baked persimmons can also be used as a topping for porridge or granola, adding a natural sweetness that elevates your breakfast or brunch.
Baked persimmons can even be incorporated into savory dishes. Roasted meats like chicken or pork pair wonderfully with the sweet, spiced fruit, creating a unique contrast of flavors. The addition of baked persimmons as a side dish is a great way to make your meal feel more festive and special without requiring too much additional effort.
Additionally, this recipe is a healthy option for those who are mindful of their sugar intake. While persimmons are naturally sweet, using a modest amount of honey or maple syrup keeps the dish from becoming overly sugary. The fruit itself is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice for anyone looking to indulge in a guilt-free treat.
Variations to Suit Your Taste
One of the most appealing aspects of baked persimmons is their adaptability. If you’re looking to experiment with different flavors, there are numerous variations you can try. For example, adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract can lend the dish a more traditional pie-spiced flavor, while swapping the coconut oil for butter will give the dessert a richer taste.
For a more tropical twist, you could top the baked persimmons with toasted coconut flakes or pair them with a scoop of coconut milk ice cream. Alternatively, for a more indulgent experience, you might drizzle some dark chocolate over the baked persimmons once they’ve cooled, creating a luxurious contrast to the spiced fruit.
For those who prefer less sweetness, the amount of honey or maple syrup can be reduced, allowing the natural flavors of the persimmons to shine through. You could also experiment with using different fruit juices in the syrup, such as orange or pear juice, for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
Conclusion:
Baked persimmons are a simple yet indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their natural sweetness, warm spices, and tender texture, these roasted persimmons provide a satisfying and healthy alternative to more traditional desserts. The combination of Fuyu persimmons, honey, and spices makes for a flavor-packed treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Whether you’re serving them as a side dish to roasted meats, pairing them with creamy desserts like ice cream, or simply enjoying them on their own, baked persimmons are a delightful way to bring the cozy warmth of roasted fruit into your kitchen. Experiment with the recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite spices, toppings, or side dishes. This dessert is not just about indulging your sweet tooth – it’s about celebrating the unique flavor of persimmons and the simple joy of creating something delicious with minimal effort.