RECIPE: Spiced Persimmon Cake

Growing weary of the usual suspects for a seasonal dessert? Set aside pumpkin pie for a decadent, unique Spiced Persimmon Cake. It’s easy to make, simple to decorate, and makes for a beautiful fall centerpiece on your table.

Grocery store persimmons really won’t have the same incredible flavor that you’ll get from growing your own. So if you live in growing zone 6 – 10 and you don’t have a persimmon tree on your property yet, pick out the best variety to grow in your location so you can have this treat in abundance in just a few years.

Now that you’ve secured your future harvest, find a local farmer or a gourmet grocery store in your area for the best persimmons you can get your hands on in the meantime.

The recipe only calls for one persimmon, but I recommend buying a few to have on hand. A roasted Persimmon slice, a spoonful of creamy goat cheese and a salty cut of prosciutto on a slice of sourdough can’t be beat for an appetizer!

We harvested beautiful pecans from our own orchards here at Stark Bro’s for the garnish on the cake, but you can get creative with whatever you have on hand.

THE RECIPE:

1 ½ cups butter (room temperature)
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
5 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg

½ cup of milk
1 persimmon (Fuyu works nicely)

2 – 9-inch cake pans
Homemade icing (tutorial with recipe below) or store bought

I recommend King Arthur Stone Ground White Whole Wheat Flour as it’s unbleached and maintains the nutrients in the flour.

For Buttercream Frosting I recommend following Recipes by Carina’s tutorial/recipe.  You could also make a cream cheese frosting or even a store bought if you want to keep it simple.

STEPS:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 °F
  • Finely chop the persimmon into smaller than bite sized chunks (roughly ¼ an inch cubes)
  • In your mixer, beat together your butter and sugars until soft and fully blended
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition
  • Add vanilla
  • In a separate bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda
  • Slowly add the flour mixture and fold in into the batter
  • Once fully incorporated, add in chopped persimmon
  • Butter the bottoms and sides of your cake pan (even if non-stick)
  • To thin out the batter, mix in milk as needed until the consistency is easy to spoon into your cake pan
  • Bake for 25 minutes, watching closely and testing with cake-tester or a toothpick (Make sure to adjust your recipe for your elevation or oven)
  • Let cool
  • To stack the two cakes, you’ll want to trim the top of the cakes off until it’s a roughly flat surface
  • Transfer to cake stand
  • Generously ice the bottom cake, face up
  • Add the second cake face down onto the icing, leaving the smooth bottom surface on the top to be iced
  • Thoroughly ice cake top and sides
  • Add garnishes

Some experts believe that persimmons have the best taste when harvested after the first frost, and they can be stored in the fridge for up to a month, so this recipe will easily carry you into the winter season for any celebration or just to enjoy a cool season treat.

Article Categories:

Latest Articles

Summer Raspberry Pruning Tips with Matt Lebon of The Foodscaper Prune summer raspberriesPrune summer raspberriesPrune summer raspberriesPrune summer raspberries
Summer Raspberry Pruning Tips with Matt Lebon of The Foodscaper In this helpful walk-through video, Matt joins the Stark Bro’s team to show exactly how to prune raspberry plants during the summer months, explain what to cut (and what not to), and share some pro tips for maximizing fruit production while keeping your patch tidy.
Backyard Orchard Tour: Growing Fruit in Small Spaces with Stark Bro’s Team Member Katie B Garden TourGarden TourGarden TourGarden Tour
Backyard Orchard Tour: Growing Fruit in Small Spaces with Stark Bro’s Team Member Katie B If you’ve ever wondered whether you can grow fruit trees or berries in a small backyard, Stark Bro’s team member Katie B is here to show you it’s absolutely possible — and incredibly rewarding. In her St. Louis suburban home, Katie has transformed her backyard and side yard into a productive, thriving garden filled with fruit trees, berry plants, and even backyard quail.
How To Prune Grapes - Summer Care Article imageArticle imageArticle imageArticle image
How To Prune Grapes - Summer Care Summer pruning helps control vigorous growth, improve fruit quality, and keep your grapevines healthy and productive throughout the growing season.
How to Make Redbud Jelly Redbud jellyRedbud jellyRedbud jellyRedbud jelly
How to Make Redbud Jelly Learn how to make redbud jelly from edible redbud tree blossoms with this easy small-batch recipe.
Winter Preparation for Fig Trees: Cutting Back and Mulching Article imageArticle imageArticle imageArticle image
Winter Preparation for Fig Trees: Cutting Back and Mulching Fig trees are beloved for their sweet fruit, but they can be sensitive to freezing temperatures, especially in colder climates. Proper winter preparation ensures the tree survives the harsh weather and grows back vigorously in the spring. One effective method involves cutting back the branches and insulating the tree base with mulch. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Indoor Gardening with Purpose: Fresh Ingredients Year-Round Planting in pots indoorsPlanting in pots indoorsPlanting in pots indoorsPlanting in pots indoors
Indoor Gardening with Purpose: Fresh Ingredients Year-Round Imagine walking into your home and being greeted by the vibrant greenery of your very own indoor garden. With aromatic herbs, fresh ingredients, and even small fruiting plants, indoor gardening can turn any space into a productive and inviting haven. Whether you’re looking to save on grocery costs, enjoy a steady supply of organic produce, or simply find joy in gardening throughout the year, growing indoors is a rewarding way to make the most of your space.
House Plants: Benefits, Top Picks, and Care Tips Article imageArticle imageArticle imageArticle image
House Plants: Benefits, Top Picks, and Care Tips House plants aren’t just for looks—they’re living companions that enhance our homes! Whether you're a plant mom or plant dad who wants to bring nature inside, house plants offer health benefits, create calming atmospheres, and add charm to every room. Let’s dive into the many ways house plants can enhance your well-being and explore the best plant options for your lighting conditions.
The Stark Bro's Story of Leadership in Gardening Excellence Rooted in ServiceRooted in ServiceRooted in ServiceRooted in Service
The Stark Bro's Story of Leadership in Gardening Excellence At Stark Bro’s, we’re proud to be veteran-owned and veteran-operated, bringing the values of service and dedication directly into the heart of gardening. With over 200 years of history, we know that the strongest roots grow from a commitment to quality, integrity, and community. Our leadership upholds these principles, guiding every plant we nurture and every customer we serve. Here, we don’t just grow fruit trees; we grow relationships and legacy.
Preparing Your Garden for a Successful Fall and Winter Harvest basket full of applesHarvest basket full of applesHarvest basket full of applesHarvest basket full of apples
Preparing Your Garden for a Successful Fall and Winter As summer comes to an end, it’s time to give your fruit trees and berry plants the care they need to thrive through the colder months. Proper fall maintenance not only protects your plants from winter damage but also lays the foundation for healthy growth come spring. Here’s your fall checklist to help ensure a smooth transition into the next season.
How to Prep a Garlic Bed for Planting Preparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bed
How to Prep a Garlic Bed for Planting Preparing a garlic bed properly is essential for growing healthy, productive garlic plants. Garlic is usually planted in the fall, as it needs a cold period to establish strong roots before spring growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your garlic bed for planting.
Subscribe to Stark Bro's e-newsletters
Get to know your zone! Try the new Stark Bro's Hardiness Zone Finder