Why Make This Recipe
Sweet Wild Southern Persimmon Pie is a delightful dessert that brings the warm flavors of fall to your table. This pie, with its unique taste and creamy texture, showcases the often-overlooked persimmon fruit. If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to impress family and friends or simply wish to enjoy a slice of something comforting, this recipe is perfect for you. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal ingredients and add a homemade touch to your gathering.
How to Make Sweet Wild Southern Persimmon Pie
Ingredients
- 1 cup persimmon pulp
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup white sugar or local honey
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 pie crust (I use the recipe found in The Homemade Household)
- Brown sugar cinnamon streusel with pecans (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare your crust. If you use a store-bought crust, make sure it is thawed out and ready for baking. If you make your own homemade pie crust, press it into your pie pan or cast iron skillet before making the pie filling. Blind-baking the crust is also a good idea since this is a liquid filling.
Step 2: Preheat the oven and prep persimmons. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Wash the persimmons well and cut off the stems with a sharp knife. Use a spoon to separate the skin from the pulp, then squeeze the pulp out using your thumb and forefinger.
Step 3: Combine and blend the pulp & ingredients. Remove the seeds and put the pulp into a blender or food processor. Add 1/2 cup of milk to help it blend well.
Move the pureed pulp to a large bowl and mix it with the spices and sugar until fully combined. Then, whisk in one egg at a time followed by the heavy whipping cream.
Add the entire mixture back into the blender or food processor and puree again to ensure you have a silky smooth filling for your wild southern persimmon pie.
Step 4: Add persimmon mixture to the crust. Slowly pour your pureed persimmon mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Step 5: Bake, cool, and enjoy! Bake the wild persimmon pie for 30 minutes or until the filling is set (it should be just slightly jiggly). A toothpick poked in the center should come out clean. Let it cool completely (leaving it overnight is a good idea), then slice and serve topped with whipped cream and/or a homemade brown sugar cinnamon streusel.
How to Serve Sweet Wild Southern Persimmon Pie
Serve this pie chilled or at room temperature, and top it with whipped cream or your choice of toppings like brown sugar cinnamon streusel for added texture and taste. It pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or a warm cup of tea, making it perfect for any occasion.
How to Store Sweet Wild Southern Persimmon Pie
If you have leftovers, store the pie in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It should last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Sweet Wild Southern Persimmon Pie
- Use ripe persimmons for the best flavor. Wait until they are soft to the touch.
- Adjust the sugar according to your taste, especially if using local honey.
- For a nutty twist, try adding crushed pecans or walnuts into the filling.
- Make sure to let the pie cool completely before slicing to maintain its shape.
Variation
If you’d like to switch things up, consider adding chocolate chips or swapping some of the milk with a splash of vanilla extract for added depth in flavor. You can also try adding a dash of ginger or allspice to the filling for an extra warm note.
FAQs
1. What kind of persimmons should I use for this recipe?
Use Hachiya persimmons for the best results, as they are sweet and perfect for pies when fully ripe.
2. Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! Feel free to use a graham cracker crust or a gluten-free option based on your preference.
3. How can I tell when my pie is done?
The pie is done when it is set in the middle but still slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Enjoy making your Sweet Wild Southern Persimmon Pie, and delight in the flavors of this unique dessert!
Sweet Wild Southern Persimmon Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare your crust. If using a store-bought crust, ensure it's thawed. If making homemade, press it into a pie pan.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Wash the persimmons, cut off the stems, and separate the pulp from the skin.
- Blend the persimmon pulp with 1/2 cup milk in a blender.
- Combine the pureed pulp with spices and sugar, then whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by the heavy cream.
- Puree the mixture again for a smooth filling.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing.