Persimmon Pudding

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 1-1/2 hours

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jun. 03, 2022
When a group of ladies and I served this cake-like dessert for a church get-together, it was an instant hit. The persimmon flavor is subtle, and the butter sauce adds elegance.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup mashed ripe persimmon pulp (about 3 medium)
  • BUTTER SAUCE:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Dash salt
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Add egg; beat well. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir in persimmon pulp.
  2. Pour into six well-greased 8-oz. custard cups or ramekins. Cover tightly with a double layer of foil. Place on a rack in a deep kettle. Add 1 in. of boiling water to kettle; cover and boil gently. Replace water as needed. Steam for 1-1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before removing from custard cups.
  3. For butter sauce, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Drizzle over pudding.
Editor’s Note: Use the Hachiya, acorn-shaped, variety persimmon that is ripe and soft. To scoop out Hachiya persimmons for mashing or pureeing, halve the fruit and scoop out the pulp with a spoon, discarding the stem, skin and seeds, if any.