Kaki Recipe: Halloween Persimmon Fruit Cake

Bringing Halloween to the table in its sweetest taste.

Now that kaki (persimmon) are in season here in Japan, it’s the perfect time to give this autumn favorite a Japanese twist. Persimmons are a beloved symbol of fall across the country—often enjoyed fresh, dried (hoshigaki), or used in traditional wagashi sweets. In this recipe, ripe persimmon add natural sweetness and a soft, moist texture that complements the spiced fruit cake perfectly. It’s a comforting, cross-cultural bake that brings together the cozy flavors of Ireland and Japan in one loaf.

Traditionally, the dried fruit for Barmbrack is soaked overnight in tea to deepen the flavor, but for those of us with busy schedules, it can easily be made at the last minute—no overnight soaking required! In Ireland, charms like a ring are sometimes baked into the loaf, said to foretell good fortune or even a wedding in the future. If you want to include this playful tradition, just make sure everyone knows it’s there (or skip it altogether for safety) especially when sharing your cake with friends or family.

So while persimmons fill the local yaoya (fruit and vegetable shops), why not celebrate the season by baking a Japan-inspired Barmbrack at home? It’s a simple and wonderfully fragrant way to enjoy one of the best fruits during autumn in Japan.

Halloween Persimmon Fruit Cake Recipe

© Photo by Fiona Uyema

Ingredients:

• 225g self-raising flour
• 125g raisins
• 150g brown sugar
• 150g kaki (peeled and grated)
• 3 eggs
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pinch of bread soda
• Kaki (peeled and sliced), to decorate the top

You’ll need:

• Loaf tin
• Large bowl
• Ring, optional if you want to add a little Irish mystic!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 170˚C/327°/Gas Mark 3
2. Place all the ingredients (except the kaki slices for decoration) in a large bowl and mix well.
3. Grease a loaf tin and pour the mixture into it.
4. Optional: If you want to add a touch of Irish mystique, wrap a ring in greaseproof paper and place it in the middle of the batter.
5. Place the kaki slices on top to decorate.
6. Put in the oven for up to 1 hour or until it’s baked through. To check if it’s baked through, insert a skewer or knife in the middle, and if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before placing on a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, wrap in greaseproof paper and tinfoil to keep fresh.
8. Add Halloween-inspired decorations of your choice.
9. Serve in slices with a fresh cup of tea or coffee.

Using this recipe? Please share your photos with us via Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #savvytokyorecipe . Enjoy! Xx