Who doesn’t love a simple, sweet Apple Puree with Optional Vanilla? Warmed or chilled, baby is sure to enjoy this yummy puree on its own, or paired with cereal, natural yoghurt, or other fruit and vegetables. The added vanilla gives a lovely depth of flavour to this popular first food. This is a versatile, easy-to-make apple baby puree that is a regular on my home cooking list. It’s sure to be on yours as well.
➡️ IS BABY STARTING SOLID FOODS? Why not read my Complete Guide to Baby Purees for when to start weaning, what foods to try, texture progression and safe food introduction, along with recipe suggestions!
➡️ LOOKING FOR APPLE PUREE COMBINATIONS TO PROGRESS TO? Try this Apple, Nectarine and Strawberry Puree next! It’s fresh and sweet, and a much-loved flavour combination! Or, for a new tangy flavour, try this Apple and Kiwi Puree.
Ingredients in Apple Puree with Optional Vanilla
It’s a very simple ingredient list for this homemade apple baby food:
Apples – Fresh Apples of course! I use sweet apples so red or pink varieties, whichever is on special and looks great at my local fruit market. Try Pink Lady, Fuji, Royal Gala, Red Delicious or similar. Don’t go for green apples – they can be a bit tart for baby.
Vanilla – I’ve added vanilla as an optional ingredient in this recipe, but it’s up to you to include or leave out. Cinnamon is another common spice added to apple which works really well.
Making your own apple puree can be a far more wholesome option than using commercially prepared purees or jarred apple sauce. Sweet apples don’t need any additional sugar or sweeteners like maple syrup. And those ingredient should definitely be avoided for baby!
How to make Apple Puree with Optional Vanilla
This apple and vanilla puree is one of the easiest cooked baby foods to make.
Scroll down to the recipe card below, to find exact ingredient amounts and full detailed steps for both regular and thermo cooker methods.
Step 1: Steam the apples using a steamer basket and saucepan, or a baby food maker/appliance.
Step 2: Once cooked, transfer to a food processor or blender with the vanilla to puree.
THERMOMIX APPLE PUREE:
Thermomixer? To steam the apples, I use the simmering basket in my Thermomix. Steaming (rather than boiling) is often the best way to preserve both taste and nutrients. The cook times might vary depending on how small you’ve chopped the apple pieces. Make sure you’ve cooked them until just soft. Then add vanilla and blend in your machine.
How to serve Apple Puree
For breakfast, lunch or snack! Pureed apples are great to have on hand in the freezer, to mix into cereal for a quick breakfast or offer as a desert after dinner.
I served this Apple Puree with Optional Vanilla either on its own or with baby cereal in the first couple of weeks of starting solids. I then switched to serving it with Weet-Bix, and added my ground nut and seed mix for an extra boost.
First stage weaning or second stage weaning?
This apple baby food recipe is ideal for both Stage 1 (around 6 months of age) and Stage 2 (around 6-9 months) weaning.
For younger babies/first stage weaning, try offering this dish for the first time without the vanilla and as a very smooth puree by mixing through a small amount of cooled boiled water, formula milk or expressed breast milk immediately before serving.
For older babies/second stage weaning, add the vanilla or another spice like a pinch of cinnamon, and increase the texture by blending/pureeing for less time.
Storing and reheating
STORING: This homemade apple puree can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freezer for up to 1 month.
I found that freezing different fruits and vegetables in individual portions was best, using baby food or silicone ice cube trays.
Mix and match the frozen cubes as your growing baby progresses with flavour combinations. It’s great way to gradually introduce them to different foods alongside their favourite fruits and vegetables!
REHEATING: Pureed apple can be served warm or cold. If serving warm, reheat in short bursts in the microwave, in a covered container until steaming hot. Stir it well to avoid any hot spots, and then allow it to cool to a safe temperature for baby. Remember to be food safe when freezing, defrosting and reheating any baby food.
If you try this Apple Puree with Optional Vanilla, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too for more baby food recipes.
Enjoy!
Chloe x
Apple Puree with Optional Vanilla
Category: PuréeIngredients
- 2 large apples peeled, cored and roughly chopped (Note 1)
- 500 ml water
- 1/4 tsp vanilla paste
Instructions
- Place a steamer basket over a pot with up to 500 ml water (keeping the water level below the basket so the fruit and vegetables won't be submerged). Bring the water to the boil over high heat on the stovetop. Add 2 large apples to the basket, cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Steam for 10 minutes until apple is tender. Remove from the heat and reserve the cooking liquid.
- Blend apple with 1/4 tsp vanilla paste and 2 tbs of cooking liquid, using a food processor or electric hand blender, until you are happy with the consistency (Note 2).
Thermomix Instructions
- Put the prepared 2 large apples into the simmering basket.
- Pour 500 ml water into the mixing bowl. Insert the simmering basket and cook for 12 minutes, Varoma, speed 2, MC on. Remove the simmering basket and reserve the cooking liquid in a bowl or jug.
- Put the apple into the mixing bowl with 2 tbs of the reserved cooking liquid. Add 1/4 tsp vanilla paste. Chop for 15 seconds, speed 7, MC on, making sure to increase the speed gradually to avoid the apple immediately sticking to the sides of the mixing bowl. Scrape down the mixing bowl and lid and repeat 1 to 2 times until you are happy with the consistency (Note 2).
One Response
Apple puree is so easy to make and a great first food. We love the option to add vanilla, for a new flavour to try!