James Beard Persimmon Bread Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 13, 2023 | Last Updated on November 10, 2023

When you are searching for a unique and delicious dessert bread recipe, look no further than James Beard Persimmon Bread. This classic American treat has origins in the Southern United States and is packed with flavor from a combination of unique ingredients. With its moist texture and subtle notes of nutmeg and cognac, this bread will become an instant family favorite.

Now, you must be thinking about how to make this amazing bread at home. Don’t worry, we have got you covered. Just follow the simple steps given in the recipe card below.

What Is James Beard persimmon bread?

James Beard Persimmon Bread is a classic American dessert bread that was first created in the American South. It is made with ripe persimmons, chopped pecans, raisins, butter, eggs, and seasonings such as nutmeg and cognac. The bread is lightly sweetened which gives it a subtle flavor that pairs well with cream cheese or homemade icing.

Where Did I First Try James Beard persimmon bread? 

The first time I came across this recipe from James Beard cookbook, I was pleasantly surprised. This recipe sounded like a delicious treat that would be perfect for the upcoming holidays. 

After reading the ingredients list and preparation instructions, I knew I had to try this bread right away. I gathered all the necessary ingredients with measurements and gave it a go. 

Since I wanted to pack in as much flavor as possible, I used ripe persimmons for the puree and plump raisins. I also added in buttery pecans to give it that crunch. The result was an aromatic and moist bread that had the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and savory. 

The nutty flavor of the pecans was a nice contrast to the sweet persimmon puree. I loved how the cognac imparted subtle notes of warmth to this delicious treat. The best part about this recipe is that it is easy to make in no time. 

With just a few simple steps, I had a loaf that was ready for baking. After it came out of the oven and cooled down, I served it with a dollop of cream cheese. The texture and flavor were so divine that my family couldn’t have enough of it!

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Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: This recipe requires 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour in order to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking soda: The baking soda helps to give the bread structure and rise and also helps it to brown evenly.
• Ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds a warm, flavorful note that pairs well with the sweetness of the persimmon puree.
• Salt: Salt helps to bring out and balance the flavors in this bread.
• Sugar: The recipe calls for 2 ½ cups of granulated sugar which contributes to the sweetness of the bread.
• Persimmon puree: Ripe persimmons are essential for this recipe in order to achieve a delicious flavor and texture.
• Pecans: The chopped pecans add crunch and nutty to the bread.
• Unsalted butter: Melted unsalted butter gives the bread a moist and tender texture.
• Eggs: The eggs help to bind the ingredients together as well as contribute to the texture.
• Cognac: This recipe calls for ⅔ cup of cognac which helps to add a subtle, boozy flavor to the bread.
• Raisins: The raisins add sweetness and texture to this delicious dessert bread.

Cooking Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F/176°C. Grease and lightly flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Stir together until evenly mixed.

Step 2

In another bowl, whisk together the sugar and persimmon puree until combined. Stir in the chopped pecans, melted butter, eggs, and cognac until well blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 3

Fold in the raisins. Be careful not to over-mix. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans and smooth out the top to look even. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4

Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Cooking Tips

• When measuring the ingredients, it’s important to use a kitchen scale in order to get an accurate measurement.
• Be sure not to over-mix the batter or else it may become dense and gummy. Just mix until all of the ingredients are combined.
• If you find that your bread is too moist, try baking it for an additional 10 minutes or so.

What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?

If you don’t have the cognac on hand, you can use apple juice as a substitute to add sweetness and flavor to the bread. You can also substitute walnuts in place of the pecans if desired. Moreover, you can also replace the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots.

Nutrition Information

A single serving of James Beard Persimmon Bread contains

• 250 calories,
• 10 grams of fat,
• 1 gram of saturated fat,
• 35 grams of carbohydrates,
• 3 grams of dietary fiber,
• 14 grams of sugar, and
• 4 grams of protein.

How to Store Leftover james beard persimmon bread?

Leftover James Beard Persimmon Bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature. If desired, you can also freeze the bread for up to two months.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

Thanks for reading this recipe on how to make James Beard Persimmon Bread. Plus, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort. We hope you enjoy this delicious and unique dessert bread. 

If you try it out, share the recipe with your friends and family so that they can make this at their homes as well.

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