As the seasons change and fall arrives, many of us start to crave warm, comforting baked goods. One fruit that’s perfect for baking during this time is the persimmon. Sweet and tangy, persimmons add a unique flavor and texture to cakes, making them a great substitute for apples or pumpkins in many recipes. In this article, we’ll explore 17 delicious persimmon cake recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic spice cakes to creative combinations with nuts, fruits, and spices, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a fan of vegan baking or just looking for some inspiration for your next baking project, these persimmon cakes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Persimmon Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This moist and aromatic cake is infused with the sweet, tangy flavor of persimmons and warm spices, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup pureed persimmon (canned or fresh)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– Salt to taste
For the frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and spices.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and persimmon puree; mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Moist Persimmon Walnut Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of persimmons with the earthy richness of walnuts, perfect for a special occasion or everyday treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup persimmon puree (canned or fresh)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, egg, persimmon puree, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Gluten-Free Persimmon Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for fall, using the sweet and tangy persimmon fruit as its star ingredient. With a blend of gluten-free flours and warm spices, this cake is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/2 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup persimmon puree (canned or fresh)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, persimmon puree, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegan Persimmon Cake with Maple Glaze
This moist and flavorful cake is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, featuring the unique flavor of persimmons. The maple glaze adds a rich and velvety texture that complements the cake perfectly.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup canola oil
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs, replaced by 2 flax eggs*
– 1 cup diced persimmon (about 2 medium-sized)
– Maple glaze: 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together almond milk, oil, and flax eggs.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in diced persimmon.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool before glazing with maple glaze (mix equal parts maple syrup and powdered sugar).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Persimmon and Apple Cake with Cinnamon
This moist and aromatic cake combines the sweet flavors of persimmons and apples with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for a cozy autumn afternoon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup persimmon puree
– 1/2 cup chopped apple (Granny Smith or similar)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Beat in the egg and persimmon puree until well combined.
5. Fold in chopped apple.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chocolate Persimmon Cake
This decadent cake combines the sweetness of ripe persimmons with the deep flavor of dark chocolate, resulting in a moist and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 ripe persimmon, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup (250g) dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa solids)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the diced persimmon and chocolate chips.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Persimmon Pudding Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is made with the sweetness of persimmons, perfect for a warm autumn or winter evening. With its velvety texture and subtle spices, it’s a treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe persimmons, pureed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine persimmon puree, butter, egg, and heavy cream or whole milk. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Persimmon Orange Cake with Citrus Glaze
Persimmon Orange Cake with Citrus Glaze: A moist and flavorful cake infused with the sweetness of persimmons and the brightness of citrus, topped with a tangy glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup persimmon puree
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– Citrus Glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, persimmon puree, orange juice, and orange zest.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Citrus Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
Whisk together until smooth; drizzle over cooled cake.
Persimmon Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the sweetness of persimmons, the warmth of carrots, and the tanginess of cream cheese. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup pureed persimmon (see note)
– Cream cheese icing ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add butter, eggs, carrots, and persimmon puree; mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans; bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling with cream cheese icing (see note).
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Persimmon Banana Bread Cake
Persimmon Banana Bread Cake Recipe
This moist and flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy taste of persimmons, creating a unique and delicious dessert. Perfect for a snack or as a base for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup diced persimmon (about 2 medium-sized)
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, diced persimmon, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Persimmon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Persimmon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping: A sweet and tangy twist on a classic coffee cake, featuring the unique flavor of persimmons.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup diced persimmon (about 1 medium-sized fruit)
– Streusel topping ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, milk, yeast, and salt. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Fold in diced persimmon.
3. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
4. To make streusel topping, combine flour and sugar in small bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over coffee cake batter.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Persimmon Almond Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of persimmons with the crunch of almonds, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup diced fresh persimmon (about 2 medium-sized)
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and eggs; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in diced persimmon and sliced almonds.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Persimmon Coconut Cake
Persimmon Coconut Cake: A Sweet Treat with a Twist!
This moist and flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of persimmons with the richness of coconut, creating a unique dessert perfect for any occasion. With its subtle hint of spice and delicate crumb, this Persimmon Coconut Cake is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 large persimmons, pureed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, coconut, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine pureed persimmons, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Persimmon Gingerbread Cake
Persimmon Gingerbread Cake Recipe
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of persimmons with the warmth of ginger, making it a perfect treat for any season.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup pureed persimmon (about 2-3 persimmons)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in persimmon puree and eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Persimmon Upside-Down Cake
This moist and flavorful cake showcases the sweet, tangy flavor of persimmons, perfectly caramelized with brown sugar and butter. Perfect for a special occasion or as a treat for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup persimmon puree (fresh or canned)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and persimmon puree; mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top, followed by chopped walnuts if using.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Persimmon Chai Tea Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of persimmons with the warmth of chai spices, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat. With its lovely orange hue and aromatic flavors, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup persimmon puree (canned or fresh)
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Add persimmon puree, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add flour and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Persimmon Pumpkin Spice Cake
Persimmon Pumpkin Spice Cake: A delicious fall treat that combines the sweetness of persimmons with the warmth of pumpkin spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup chopped persimmon (about 1 medium-sized fruit)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and egg until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, persimmon, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Conclusion
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of persimmons! This article features 17 mouthwatering cake recipes that showcase the versatility of this autumnal fruit. From classic spice cakes to creative combinations with apples, bananas, and pumpkins, there’s a recipe for every taste bud. Discover how to make moist, flavorful cakes using fresh or dried persimmons, along with delicious frostings, glazes, and toppings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to inspire your next baking adventure.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
