I’ve refined this persimmon pudding recipe over years, ensuring a perfect balance of comforting warmth and rich flavor every time. Its vibrant burnt-orange hue and delicate spice aroma will fill your kitchen, promising a delightful treat. This family-friendly burnt-orange persimmon pudding with cream pool is ideal for holiday hosts and anyone seeking a unique, easy-to-make dessert. It celebrates seasonal persimmons, offering a delicious, comforting option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredient Details & Better Choices
Crafting a truly memorable burnt-orange persimmon pudding starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with smart swaps for premium and diet-friendly options, helping you create a healthy, family-friendly dessert.
Core Ingredients for Your Burnt-Orange Persimmon Pudding:
- Ripe Hachiya Persimmons (1.5 cups / 360ml pulp): Essential for the signature sweet, authentic flavor and moist texture.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup / 120g): Provides the necessary structure for the pudding. (Or whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.)
- Granulated Sugar (ยพ cup / 150g): Balances the natural sweetness of the persimmons.
- Eggs (2 large): Acts as a binder, giving the pudding its cohesive form.
- Melted Butter (ยฝ cup / 113g): Adds richness and crucial moisture. (Unsalted butter is preferred; dairy-free butter works too.)
- Milk (ยฝ cup / 120ml): Contributes to a tender crumb. (Whole milk is great, but plant-based milk also works.)
- Baking Soda (1 tsp / 5g): Our key leavening agent for a light texture.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp / 2g), Nutmeg (ยฝ tsp / 1g), Cloves (ยผ tsp / 0.5g): These warm, aromatic spices define the pudding’s comforting flavor profile.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp / 5ml): Enhances and rounds out the overall sweetness.
Premium & Healthier Upgrades:
- Opt for organic Hachiya persimmons to ensure peak flavor and natural goodness.
- Consider whole wheat pastry flour for a boost of fiber without compromising texture.
- Choose unsalted butter or a plant-based alternative to control sodium and suit dietary needs.
- Reduce sugar or use natural sweeteners like maple syrup for a lower-sugar version.
Diet-Friendly Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Easily swap to a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a delicious gluten-free burnt-orange persimmon pudding.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with any plant-based milk (almond, oat) and butter with a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia; always follow the product’s conversion rates carefully.
Sourcing Notes:
- For the best pulp, choose Hachiya persimmons that are very soft to the touch, almost jelly-like.
- Always opt for fresh, seasonal spices from a reputable source to guarantee maximum aroma and flavor impact.
Optional (plan-ahead): If youโre shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinnerโs already decided before your day gets busy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions for Your Perfect Persimmon Pudding
Follow these precise steps to create a wonderfully moist and flavorful burnt-orange persimmon pudding. This persimmon pudding recipe is designed for clear success, whether you bake or steam it.
Prepare the Persimmon Pulp (10 minutes prep)
- Wash and Prep: Gently wash 3-4 very ripe Hachiya persimmons and remove their stems, feeling for a soft, yielding texture.
- Scoop and Mash: Scoop out the bright, soft pulp (you’ll need about 1.5 cups) into a medium bowl; mash it thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth, or use a food processor briefly.
Mix the Batter (15 minutes prep)
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ยพ cup (150g) sugar, 2 large eggs, ยฝ cup (113g) melted butter, and ยฝ cup (120ml) milk until the mixture appears smooth and well-integrated.
- Add Flavor Base: Stir in the prepared 1.5 cups persimmon pulp and 1 tsp vanilla extract until evenly combined and fragrant.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ยฝ tsp nutmeg, and ยผ tsp cloves until uniformly blended.
- Combine Gently: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing only until just combined. What can go wrong here? Overmixing can develop gluten, making your pudding dense; stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
Bake or Steam Your Pudding (Bake: 60-75 minutes / Steam: 1.5-2 hours)
Choose your preferred method for this delightful persimmon pudding recipe.
- Oven Baking Method: Pour the smooth batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or a bundt pan. Bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 60-75 minutes. The pudding is ready when its surface looks firm and a clean toothpick emerges from the center.
- Steaming Method (for classic texture): Pour batter into a greased pudding mold or an oven-safe bowl. Cover tightly with foil. Place the mold in a larger pot with about 1 inch of boiling water (creating a bain-marie). Steam on medium-low heat for 1.5-2 hours, or until the pudding feels set when gently pressed.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Dense Pudding Fix: If your pudding is too dense, it’s often due to overmixing the batter or an insufficient amount of leavening. A test kitchen micro-note: I’ve found a light hand with mixing is key; focus on just combining.
- Prevent Overcooking: Check for doneness frequently after the minimum cooking time to avoid a dry result; the burnt-orange persimmon pudding should remain moist and tender.
- Enhanced Color: For an even deeper โburnt-orangeโ color and crust, bake your pudding in a lightly greased dark metal pan.
Serving Ideas & Occasions for Your Delightful Persimmon Pudding
Our burnt-orange persimmon pudding is incredibly versatile, perfect for various family gatherings or quiet evenings.
- Ideal Uses: A comforting dessert for cool fall evenings, Thanksgiving, holiday potlucks, or special Sunday dinners.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a generous โCream Poolโ of freshly whipped cream, rich crรจme fraรฎche, or vanilla bean ice cream. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup also elevates this dessert.
- Storage & Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or oven until heated through; steaming also works wonderfully for entire puddings.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Advantages of this Persimmon Pudding Recipe
This persimmon pudding recipe offers delightful flavors alongside several practical benefits for your kitchen routine and healthy eating goals.
- Seasonal Goodness: Enjoy the natural sweetness and antioxidants from fresh persimmons during their peak season, making this a healthy and mindful choice.
- Comforting & Hearty: A truly satisfying dessert that evokes warmth and family joy, perfect for creating lasting memories.
- Adaptable for Dietary Needs: Easily modified to be gluten-free or dairy-free, aligning with various lifestyle goals without compromising flavor.
- Family-Friendly: A delicious treat appealing to both kids and adults, suitable as a dessert for family dinners or special occasions.
- Supports Meal Planning: Can be made ahead and stored, making this dessert a convenient option for busy households.
Time, Cost & Practical Value
Plan your cooking with these practical details for a stress-free experience.
- Prep Time: ~25-30 minutes for making the batter.
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes (baked) or 90-120 minutes (steamed).
- Total Time: Approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours, depending on your chosen cooking method.
- Cost per Serving: Very budget-friendly, typically less than $1-2 per serving depending on ingredient choices.
- Budget Tips: Buy persimmons in season when they are most affordable. Utilize pantry staples for spices to keep costs down.
- Meal Prep Strategies: Make this pudding ahead; its flavor often improves overnight. Freeze individual slices for quick, comforting desserts later in the week.
Shopping & Ingredient Sourcing
Finding the right ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture for your burnt-orange persimmon pudding.
- Where to Buy Persimmon Pudding Ingredients: Look for fresh, ripe Hachiya persimmons at local farmersโ markets or your preferred supermarket. Common baking staples like flour, sugar, and spices are available at most grocery stores. For premium or diet-specific items, online organic stores or specialty grocers are good options.
- Tips for Picking High-Quality Options: Choose very soft, deep orange Hachiya persimmons without blemishes for ideal pulp. Select fresh, aromatic spices to ensure the richest flavor. While meal kits like HelloFresh are great for other meals, local markets often provide the best quality for specialty seasonal items like persimmons.

Pro Adjustments & Hacks for Your Persimmon Pudding
Enhance your burnt-orange persimmon pudding with these simple tweaks and modifications.
- Advanced Flavor Boosts: Add a tablespoon of orange zest for brighter citrus notes. Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Adjustments for Different Palates: For a milder spice profile, reduce the amount of cloves slightly, making this treat more kid-friendly. For a gourmet touch, serve with a bourbon caramel sauce or homemade ginger-infused whipped cream.
- Allergy-Safe Modifications: To make it nut-free, simply omit any nuts from the recipe. For an egg-free version, use a flax egg substitute (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit 5 min); note that texture may vary slightly.
FAQs About Persimmon Pudding
Can this persimmon pudding recipe support a weight loss diet?
While a dessert, you can adapt this persimmon pudding recipe by reducing sugar, using whole wheat pastry flour, and opting for dairy-free alternatives to align with a healthier lifestyle. Portion control is essential for any dessert when managing weight.
Whatโs the best type of persimmon to use for this recipe?
Hachiya persimmons are ideal because they become very soft and jelly-like when fully ripe, providing the perfect texture and sweetness for the pudding pulp. Fuyu persimmons are too firm and wonโt yield the desired consistency for this burnt-orange persimmon pudding.
How long can persimmon pudding last in the fridge/freezer?
This pudding stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, I find wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil allows them to freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Simply thaw and reheat.
Is persimmon pudding good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Its ability to be made ahead and stored, or even frozen in portions, makes this pudding a fantastic candidate for meal prepping desserts or holiday treats. Its flavor often deepens overnight.
Can I make this persimmon pudding recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, cup for cup. The texture will be very similar and equally delicious, making this a truly family-friendly option.
Whatโs the best way to serve this burnt-orange persimmon pudding?
Serve warm, ideally with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, crรจme fraรฎche, or vanilla ice cream to create that delightful โcream poolโ effect. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg also enhances the presentation.
Can I use an Instant Pot to make this pudding?
While not explicitly covered in the main directions, you can adapt the steaming method for an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for about 45-60 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for a perfectly cooked result.
Conclusion
This burnt-orange persimmon pudding recipe offers a unique, comforting, and flexible dessert option for any home cook, delivering rich, seasonal flavor with ease. Itโs truly a crowd-pleaser; I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does. Donโt waitโsave this recipe on Pinterest for healthy eating and delightful family dinners!
Print
persimmon pudding recipe Burnt-Orange Persimmon Pudding With Cream Pool
- Total Time: 93 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This refined persimmon pudding recipe offers a perfect balance of comforting warmth and rich flavor, with a vibrant burnt-orange hue and delicate spice aroma, ideal for holidays or weeknights. It celebrates seasonal persimmons, providing a delicious, comforting option.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups ripe Hachiya persimmon pulp
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup melted butter
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional (plan-ahead): If youโre shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinnerโs already decided before your day gets busy.
Instructions
- Prepare Persimmon Pulp: Wash 3-4 very ripe Hachiya persimmons, remove stems, then scoop 1.5 cups pulp into a medium bowl and mash thoroughly until mostly smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 0.75 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 0.5 cup melted butter, and 0.5 cup milk until smooth and well-integrated.
- Add Flavor Base: Stir in the prepared 1.5 cups persimmon pulp and 1 tsp vanilla extract until evenly combined and fragrant.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 0.5 tsp nutmeg, and 0.25 tsp ground cloves until uniformly blended.
- Combine Gently: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing only until just combined (stop as soon as no dry streaks remain) to avoid developing gluten.
- Bake Pudding: Pour the smooth batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or a bundt pan. Bake at 350F (175C) for 60-75 minutes, until the surface looks firm and a clean toothpick emerges from the center.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense pudding; mix only until dry streaks disappear. Check for doneness frequently after minimum cooking time to prevent dryness. For a deeper burnt-orange color and crust, bake in a lightly greased dark metal pan. For a classic steamed texture, pour batter into a greased pudding mold, cover tightly with foil, place in a larger pot with 1 inch boiling water (bain-marie), and steam on medium-low heat for 1.5-2 hours until set. Choose very soft Hachiya persimmons for the best pulp and use fresh, seasonal spices for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 68 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
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