Persimmon Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Crust

Persimmon Pumpkin Pie – A few years ago, I wanted to create a superfood pie for the holidays. This Persimmon Pumpkin Pie was one of the best decisions I ever made for holiday recipe creation.

Pairing together persimmons and pumpkin puree along with a coconut crust is not only healthy, but one of our favorite pies for Thanksgiving.

Dump the Traditional Pie and Make this Persimmon Pumpkin Pie Instead!

Compared to our classic Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie, this Persimmon Pumpkin pie is more savory, less sweet… but still creamy, bursting with flavor and very healthy. So, add another slice to your plate and enjoy.

Unlike ordinary pumpkin pie, this deliciously decadent version of Persimmon Pumpkin Pie is both gluten free and dairy free. In fact, if you’re grain free, this pie works for you too. Plus, it’s very low in added sugar considering that most recipes call for three times the sugar used here!

Magically, this Persimmon Pumpkin Pie recipe still manages to maintain that sinfully desirable quality that makes pie oh so pleasing.

Use Fuyu Persimmons OR Hachiya Persimmons for this Persimmon Pumpkin Pie

This is thanks to the use of persimmons, which are naturally super sweet when ripe. Unlike adding extra empty-calorie sugar, incorporating persimmons into your pumpkin pie filling boosts sweetness along with adding lots of antioxidants (especially vitamins A and C) as well as phytonutrients and fiber too. Persimmon Pumpkin pie is a great way to get your sweet “fix” minus the sugar.

Choosing Asian Persimmons:

When selecting persimmons, look for ones that are ever so slightly soft. Do note that if the flesh turns brown they have oxidized and have gone past the point of optimum quality. If you find Fuyu Persimmons, which tend to be smaller, you will need to pick up 4. However, if you find the acorn-shaped Hachiya Persimmons, you will only need 2.

Be sure to check the firmness of the persimmons. They should be bright orange in color. Not too tough and not too soft. Perfectly ripe persimmons are going to be similar to a green tomato in texture and firmness.

Persimmons Are Loaded With Health Benefits

Asian Persimmons are high in vitamins A, C and B, potassium and manganese. They also contain beneficial plant compounds like tannins and flavonoids. Persimmons are also an excellent source of antioxidants. If you are eating a clean eating diet, then these compounds are excellent source of healthful vitamins and nutrients. Eating persimmons have been linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

In addition, Persimmons are anti-inflammatory too and can support a healthy heart. They are an excellent source of vitamin C; a natural antioxidant. In fact, one persimmon contains 20% of the recommended daily intake. As you likely already know, eating whole fruits can support your immune system. But Vitamin C specifically can help protect cells from from damage caused by free radicals and combats inflammation in the body.

Which means, eat 2 slices of this Persimmon Pumpkin Pie and enjoy all the benefits of healthy and delicious vitamin C naturally supporting your body.

How to Make Healthy and Delicious Persimmon Pumpkin Pie with a Toasted Coconut-Macadamia Nut Crust

There are a few steps to the process, but in my opinion — they are simple and easy to manage. The pie comes together quickly once you have these few things sorted out.

1. Soften the Organic Pitted Dates: Softening the dates in hot water makes them more pliable and easy to mix into the Persimmon Pumpkin Pie filling. Just bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Turn off the heat and add the pitted dates to soften them for about 10-15 minutes.  Drain, chop in half and set aside to cool for several minutes while getting the other two items completed below.
2. Prepare the Persimmon Pulp: Did you know that you should not eat the tough skin on persimmons? They don’t taste good nor do they blend up well for the filling. So, while the dates are resting, cut the tops off of the persimmons and then chop into quarters. Using a small paring knife, slice off the outer skin leaving the pulp for the pie. 
3. Whip the Eggs Whites Into Soft Peaks: The last major thing to do in advance of making this Persimmon Pumpkin Pie is to crack and separate the 4 eggs placing the 4 egg whites in a large classic mixing bowl and the yolks set aside. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Set aside.

That’s it – get these three things handled so putting together this delicious Coconut Crust and Persimmon Pumpkin Pie is a breeze.

Homemade Whipped Coconut Cream Makes the Perfect Topping

Whether you’re allergic to dairy, or simply avoid it for health purposes, there’s no reason you should miss out on whipped cream!

A quick and easy, three ingredient recipe, this Whipped Coconut Cream Recipe is a staple in our house, especially for the holiday season. For this delicious Persimmon Pumpkin Pie recipe on a Macadamia-Nut Coconut Crust, whipped coconut cream is perfect garnish.

GARNISH TIP: If you want to create the perfect little rosettes and shapes with the Whipped Coconut Cream, look no further. Check out this amazing Easy Accent Decorator tool. I use it for all of our photography shots here and for plenty more recipes at home. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and comes with several tips to choose from.

The Perfect Holiday Dessert – Persimmon Pumpkin Pie

I know I’m being biased, but I absolutely love the creamy and savory flavor of this naturally sweetened Persimmon Pumpkin Pie. However, I also have a host of other delicious and decadent desserts that you can easily add to this Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Check out some of my favorites:

• Recipe for Hummingbird Cake – There is something so deliciously wonderful about this homemade recipe for Hummingbird Cake. The flavor is perfect, the cake is fluffy and moist and the new Salted Caramel Frosting is going to wow you.

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Shooters – A creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake layer, topped with a rich chocolate mousse pair together to make the most delicious combination!

• Recipe for Chocolate Chip Muffins – Chocolate fans unite together for this amazingly decadent double chocolate recipe for Chocolate Chip Muffins with a creamy chocolate spread.

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