Persimmons are one of those delightful fruits that often get overlooked, but once you discover their sweet, honey-like flavor, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy them. One of the most versatile and delicious ways to use ripe persimmons is by turning them into a luscious persimmon sauce.
This sauce is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, yogurt, roasted meats, or even as a unique twist in your favorite desserts. Whether you have a bounty of fresh persimmons from your garden or you picked some up at the farmer’s market, this persimmon sauce recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Making persimmon sauce is incredibly simple, requiring just a few fresh ingredients and a little bit of patience to let the flavors meld. The natural sweetness of the fruit shines through, enhanced by warm spices and a touch of citrus for brightness.
This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or quick flavor boosts.
Ready to add a new, vibrant sauce to your culinary repertoire? Let’s dive into this easy, delicious persimmon sauce recipe that is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Persimmon sauce is a fantastic way to enjoy this seasonal fruit all year round. It’s naturally sweet, requiring minimal added sugar, and bursting with rich autumnal flavors.
This recipe is extremely versatile — use it as a topping for pancakes, ice cream, or oatmeal, or as a condiment for roasted meats and vegetables. Plus, it’s simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with something unique.
With wholesome ingredients and warming spices, this sauce also offers subtle health benefits, including antioxidants and vitamins from the persimmons and citrus. It’s a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy, guaranteed to brighten up your meals.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe persimmons (Hachiya or Fuyu varieties work well)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or immersion blender
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smoother sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Storage container with lid
Instructions
- Prepare the persimmons. If using Hachiya persimmons, ensure they are fully ripe and very soft. For Fuyu persimmons, peel and chop them into chunks.
- Combine the persimmons, brown sugar, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
- Add the spices. Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Continue to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the persimmons are very soft and the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and blend. Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Be careful as it will be hot.
- Strain the sauce (optional). For a smoother texture, pour the sauce through a fine mesh strainer, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Add lemon juice and vanilla extract. Stir these into the sauce to brighten and enhance the flavors.
- Let cool, then transfer to a storage container. The sauce will thicken more as it cools. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Choose fully ripe persimmons for the sweetest and smoothest sauce. Hachiya persimmons should feel almost jelly-like when ripe, while Fuyu persimmons are firm and can be used when crisp or soft depending on your texture preference.
Variation: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne for a spicy kick, perfect for pairing with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Variation: Substitute maple syrup or honey for the brown sugar for a different type of sweetness.
Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but be sure to use organic sugar if you want to keep it strictly vegan.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 1/4 cup serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 14g |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 2% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This persimmon sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Drizzle over Baby Spinach Salad for a sweet and tangy dressing alternative.
- Serve alongside roasted pork or duck for a seasonal twist on classic gravy.
- Top your morning pancakes or waffles with a generous spoonful instead of syrup.
- Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt for a naturally sweet breakfast boost.
- Use as a base for a unique fruit glaze on cakes or tarts, such as in Best Vegan Chocolate Recipes.
Conclusion
Persimmon sauce is a simple, flavorful way to make the most out of this beautiful seasonal fruit. Its natural sweetness paired with warm spices and a hint of citrus creates a sauce that’s both comforting and bright.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your savory dishes or add a unique topping to your desserts, this persimmon sauce recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
By making this sauce from scratch, you control the ingredients and sweetness, making it a wholesome and delicious addition to your meals. Plus, it stores well and can be prepared ahead, saving you time on busy days.
For more delicious, plant-based recipes to complement your persimmon sauce, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.
Happy cooking and savor the flavors of fall all year long!
📖 Recipe Card: Persimmon Sauce
Description: A sweet and tangy sauce made from ripe persimmons, perfect for desserts or savory dishes. Easy to prepare and cook, this sauce brings out the natural flavors of the fruit.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 4 ripe persimmons, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine persimmons, brown sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan.
- Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mash the persimmons with a spoon or potato masher to desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Let cool before serving or storing.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Carbs: 30g
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