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James Beard Persimmon Bread Recipe

James Beard Persimmon Bread Recipe

Do you love warm and cozy fall flavors? The James Beard Persimmon Bread Recipe is a timeless classic.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • Loaf Pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick

Ingredients
  

  • 3 1/2 Cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 2 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 Tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 1/2 Cups Sugar
  • 1 Cup Melted Butter
  • 4 Large Eggs
  • 2/3 Cup Cognac
  • 2 Cups Persimmon Pulp
  • 2 Cups Chopped Pecans
  • 2 Cups Raisins

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit now. Grease two loaf pans with butter or oil spray. This prevents the bread from sticking to the sides.
  • Whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda together. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg to the dry mix. Stir them well in a large mixing bowl.
  • Mix the melted butter and sugar in another bowl. Stir in the eggs one at a time now. The mixture should look smooth and pale yellow.
  • Add the persimmon pulp and the liquor next. Stir these into the wet ingredients very gently. The smell will be very strong and pleasant.
  • Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture slowly. Do not overmix the batter at this stage. Stop when you see no more white flour.
  • Stir in the chopped nuts and the raisins now. Distribute them evenly throughout the thick, dark batter. This adds texture to the finished loaf.
  • Pour the batter into the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a flat spatula or spoon. Make sure both pans have the same amount.
  • Bake the loaves for about one hour today. Check the center with a clean wooden toothpick. It should come out dry and without crumbs.

Notes

  • Use very soft and squishy Hachiya persimmons only.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep it light.
  • Let the bread cool completely before you slice it.
  • Sift the flour to avoid any lumps in bread.
  • Toast the nuts first for a much better flavor.
Keyword James Beard Persimmon Bread Recipe