Autumn Delight Persimmon Bread
Embrace the flavors of Fall with this Autumn Delight Persimmon Bread, a fusion of Japanese and Western culinary traditions. Ripe Japanese persimmons bring natural sweetness and a unique texture to the bread, while aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves evoke the warmth of the season. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, this quick bread is a delightful homage to the harvest season, featuring wholesome ingredients and a touch of spice that will warm your heart and home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Japanese persimmons (pulp)
2 cups (Blend 6 ripe persimmons with a little water until smooth.)
Flour
3 cups (Sift before measuring.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Baking soda
2 teaspoons (None)
Ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Ground cardamom
1 teaspoon (None)
Ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (None)
Egg whites
3 large (Or use egg replacer for 2 eggs.)
Applesauce
1 1/4 cups (None)
Raisins
1/2 cup (None)
Slivered almonds
1/2 cup (None)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two loaf pans or one bundt pan by greasing and dusting them with flour.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
3
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites (or egg replacer) until frothy. Stir in the persimmon pulp and applesauce until well combined, then add the vanilla extract if using.
4
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the persimmon mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
5
Gently fold in the raisins and slivered almonds until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans or pour it into the bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a bundt pan, check for doneness at the 45-minute mark.
8
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Delight Persimmon Bread?
It is a fusion quick bread that combines Japanese persimmons with Western culinary traditions and warm aromatic spices.
What type of persimmons are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for ripe Japanese persimmons, which provide natural sweetness and a unique texture.
How do I prepare the persimmon pulp?
Blend approximately 6 ripe persimmons with a small amount of water until the mixture is completely smooth to yield 2 cups of pulp.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
Can I use an egg substitute?
Yes, you can use an egg replacer equivalent to 2 eggs instead of the 3 large egg whites specified.
What kind of pans can be used for baking?
You can use either two standard loaf pans or one large bundt pan.
How should I prepare the baking pans?
Grease the pans and dust them with flour to ensure the bread can be easily removed after baking.
Why should I sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting the flour, salt, leavening agents, and spices ensures an even distribution and prevents clumps in the batter.
Which spices are included in this bread?
The recipe features a blend of ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground cloves.
Is there a secret to the bread's moist texture?
The combination of 1.25 cups of applesauce and persimmon pulp ensures the bread remains moist and tender.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of sugar.
Are there nuts in this bread?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of slivered almonds for a nutty flavor and crunch.
What dried fruit is recommended?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of raisins folded into the batter.
How do I avoid making the bread tough?
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stop as soon as they are combined; do not overmix.
When should I add the raisins and almonds?
Gently fold the raisins and slivered almonds in at the very end until they are evenly distributed.
How long does it take to bake loaf pans?
Loaf pans typically require 55 to 65 minutes of baking time.
What is the baking time for a bundt pan?
If using a bundt pan, start checking for doneness at the 45-minute mark.
How do I test if the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is finished baking.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them.
Where should I finish cooling the bread?
Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely to ensure the base doesn't get soggy.
Is vanilla extract required?
No, the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is an optional ingredient.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses a combination of 2.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Can I use whole eggs instead of whites?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 large egg whites or egg replacer for a lighter texture.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of flour, which should be sifted before measuring.
What flavor does cardamom add?
Cardamom adds a warm, aromatic, and slightly herbal citrus note that complements the persimmon.
How many persimmons do I need to buy?
You will generally need about 6 ripe Japanese persimmons to make the required 2 cups of pulp.
Can I leave out the almonds?
Yes, if you have a nut allergy or preference, you can omit the slivered almonds.
Is this bread good for breakfast?
Absolutely, it is perfect for cozy family breakfasts or as a snack.
What is the overall flavor profile of this bread?
It is a sweet, spiced bread with a rich autumn harvest flavor, featuring notes of cinnamon, clove, and almond.