Persimmon Pudding with Sweet White Sauce: A Timeless Family Recipe
Description:
This cherished recipe, passed down through generations, captures the essence of family gatherings around a warm kitchen filled with laughter and the delicious aroma of persimmons. My Memaw, who had a thriving persimmon tree, would always have the pulp neatly packed away in the freezer, ensuring that this rich and decadent dessert could be enjoyed no matter the season. Each daughter added her personal touch—some introduced cinnamon, while others favored nutmeg—creating a tapestry of flavors that reflect our family’s unique tastes. This particular version, a blend of tradition and nostalgia, remains a staple in our household, evoking fond memories of family feasts in Memaw’s cozy farmhouse kitchen.
Recipe Details
| Category | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 12 |
| Calories | 453.9 |
Keywords
- Fruit
- Oven
- Less than 4 Hours
- Inexpensive
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Sugar |
| ½ cup | Butter (softened) |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 2 cups | Buttermilk |
| 2 tsp | Baking soda |
| 2 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 1 tsp | Baking powder |
| 2 cups | Sugar (for sauce) |
| 1 cup | Milk |
| ½ cup | Butter (for sauce) |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 10.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 58.4 mg |
| Sodium | 237.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 86.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Sugars | 68.7 g |
| Protein | 5.2 g |
Instructions
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F if you are using glass pans, or 350°F if you prefer metal pans. This step is crucial to ensure that your pudding bakes evenly.
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Prepare the Baking Pans: Grease and flour two 9″ x 13″ baking pans generously. This will prevent the pudding from sticking, allowing for easy removal once baked.
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Cream the Sugar and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and softened butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. This helps maintain a smooth and cohesive batter.
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Add Persimmon Pulp and Buttermilk: Stir in the persimmon pulp along with the buttermilk, mixing until well combined. The pulp adds a wonderful richness to the pudding.
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Dissolve the Baking Soda: In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in a bit of warm water. Allow it to fizz, and then incorporate it into the mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the baking powder with 1 cup of the all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently.
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Finish the Batter: Add the remaining cup of flour slowly, mixing just until combined. Avoid overbeating, as this can lead to a tough texture.
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Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared pans. You will notice that the batter creates a rather thin layer, which is ideal for the final product. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
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Avoid Overbaking: It’s better for the pudding to be slightly moist than dry, so keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
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Prepare the Sweet White Sauce: While the pudding is baking, prepare the sweet white sauce by combining the first four sauce ingredients (sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla extract) in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
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Serve the Pudding: After the pudding has cooled slightly, cut it into 3-inch squares. Layer the pieces in a serving dish, spooning the warm sauce between the layers and finishing with a generous drizzle of the sauce on top.
This persimmon pudding, with its warm, comforting flavors and rich texture, will surely become a beloved addition to your family’s dessert repertoire, evoking memories and creating new ones with every delightful bite. Whether served during the holidays or as a sweet treat any time of year, it embodies the spirit of love and tradition that makes a house a home. Enjoy!
