Fall’s Finest: Fuyu Persimmon Pie – A Slice of Autumn Bliss

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the beauty of autumn than with a slice of Fuyu Persimmon Pie. This unique pie is a delightful departure from the traditional pumpkin or apple varieties, offering a sweet and spiced taste of the season. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the creation of this mouthwatering Fuyu Persimmon Pie. Whether you’re a pie enthusiast or a curious foodie, you won’t want to miss this flavorful fall delight.

Ingredients

To craft your Fuyu Persimmon Pie, gather these essential ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 4-5 ripe Fuyu persimmons, firm and peeled
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Crafting the Crust:

1. In a food processor, blend the all-purpose flour and salt, ensuring an even mix.
2. Introduce the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the mix and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough comes together.
4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

For the Fuyu Persimmon Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the ripe, firm Fuyu persimmons and slice them into delicate rounds.
3. In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the persimmon slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, salt, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Gently mix the ingredients until the persimmons are evenly coated.

Pie Assembly:

1. Roll out the chilled pie dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan and trim any excess overhang.
2. Pour the Fuyu persimmon filling into the pie crust, ensuring an even distribution.
3. If you’re feeling creative, use any remaining dough to fashion a lattice or decorative top for your pie.

Baking Your Pie:

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust takes on a golden hue and the filling bubbles with anticipation.
2. Once the pie is out of the oven, let it cool on a wire rack before the eagerly awaited slicing and serving.

Cooking Notes

• The secret to a perfect Fuyu Persimmon Pie is choosing Fuyu persimmons that are ripe yet firm. Avoid using Hachiya persimmons, which are better suited for eating when they’re extremely ripe and soft.
• Adjust the quantity of sugar based on the natural sweetness of your persimmons and your personal taste.

Variations 

• Elevate the flavor with a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of orange zest in the filling.
• For added texture, toss in a handful of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
• Consider pairing your pie with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Keto Version For those following a keto lifestyle, you can still savor the essence of Fuyu Persimmon Pie. Choose keto-friendly almond flour or coconut flour for the crust, and sweeten your filling with erythritol or stevia. Ghee or coconut oil makes for a keto-friendly butter substitute. With these adjustments, you can relish the delightful flavors of Fuyu Persimmon Pie while staying within your keto goals.

Low-Carb Version  To create a low-carb variation, opt for almond flour or coconut flour in the crust to reduce carbohydrate content. Replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. Use almond or coconut milk instead of dairy milk to maintain a low-carb profile. With these tweaks, you can enjoy a scrumptious low-carb Fuyu Persimmon Pie that aligns with your dietary preferences.

Fuyu Persimmon Pie, with its unique blend of sweet and spiced flavors, is a delightful way to savor the essence of fall. Whether it’s gracing your Thanksgiving table or simply brightening your autumn evenings, this pie is a true embodiment of the season’s warmth and charm. Bake a Fuyu Persimmon Pie and create cherished memories while celebrating the beauty of fall.