Ingredients

1 1/2 cups fresh Fuyu persimmon puree, or 3 Fuyu persimmons, peeled, seeded and mashed

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 cup sugar, plus more, for baking dish

Unsalted butter, for baking dish

10 slices (about 1 1/2 pounds) 1 1/2-inch-thick day-old or toasted brioche, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

6 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped or chips

2 cups milk

3 large eggs

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, combine persimmon puree, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup sugar; simmer over low heat until sugar is dissolved.

Butter a 2-quart shallow baking dish, and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Place bread in baking dish; sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

In a medium saucepan, combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar, white chocolate, and milk; stir frequently over low heat. Remove from heat once chocolate melts.

Whisk eggs in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk warm milk mixture into eggs, being careful not to cook the eggs; stir in persimmon mixture. Pour mixture into baking dish, covering bread completely. Bake until filling sets, about 35 minutes.