Prune Puree 

This Prune Puree is a simple yet flavourful first food for baby. Prunes are known for their mild sweetness and smooth texture, and make for an ideal first food. Packed with essential vitamins and fibre, this single ingredient baby food offers a gentle and natural way to support your baby’s digestive health. Whether introducing solid foods or seeking to alleviate baby constipation, this easy prune puree is sure to be a hit with your baby’s taste buds while providing essential nutrients for their growth and development.

Prunes are rich in dietary fibre, and can therefore help to alleviate baby’s constipation – a common issue when starting solids [1]. They’re a great first food though even if baby isn’t suffering from constipation! Prunes are packed with beneficial nutrients [1] including vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin K and antioxidants which can all help to support baby’s bone health, cell protection and immune system. Be mindful however that prunes are high in natural sugar, so despite the health benefits need to be eaten in moderation. 

For my own children, this was an easy homemade baby food to make that I could then serve on its own, or mix with cereal or plain yogurt. The sweet prunes make a yummy baby food that is ideal for under 12 months of age. As my children grew, I later introduced small amounts of prune juice. Prune juice isn’t recommended for children under 12 months, with whole prunes either mashed or pureed being the better option [2] for baby’s digestive tract and the development of good eating habits. 

Ingredients in this baby puree

Prunes – A prune is a dried plum. I get a little confused when I see the term ‘fresh prunes’ 😁. I use pitted dried prunes, purchased from my local grocery store in the dried fruit aisle. You can use organic prunes if you’d like; these are available pitted as well. Because the puree is for baby, I still check to make sure there are no pits or pit fragments remaining. Any small pieces may be a choking hazard.

Water – For heating the prunes in, and to blend in with them to make a smooth puree. 

How to make this prune puree recipe

This is a really easy single-variety fruit puree to make for baby.

Thermomixer? Heat the prunes in a small amount of water in your machine, and then blend to a smooth puree.

Conventional cook? In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the prunes in water to a soft texture. Alternatively, soak them in boiling hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a food processor or blender to puree.

See the full recipe card below for ingredient amounts and detailed steps for both thermo cooker and conventional cooking methods.

Serving and storing this baby food puree

Store Prune Puree in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freezer for up to 1 month. This recipe makes 1/3 cup, and although it’s super easy to make on the spot, it can be useful to freeze this puree in a baby food or silicone ice cube tray. That way, you have individual portions on hand for when you might need to help baby’s digestion! Remember to be food safe when freezing, defrosting and reheating any baby food.

Looking for more delicious ways to support baby’s gut health? Try this Pear and Cinnamon Puree. Pears are also an excellent source of fibre and can help baby’s digestion. 

Also check out the best baby puree recipes to try when starting weaning 💖. It’s a helpful little guide on keeping it simple and enjoyable for you and baby!

If you make this prune baby food recipe please leave a 🌟 star rating and a 📝 comment below. I love hearing how my puree recipes work for you and your family! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too for more baby food recipes.  

Happy cooking,

Chloe x

[1] Prunes, 2024, Solid Starts Inc.

[2] Prune Juice: Health Benefits for Babies? 2024, WebMD LLC.

[3] Homemade baby food, 2023, Raising Children Network Australia.