These gently Stewed Prunes are a naturally sweet, comforting breakfast for babies, toddlers and the rest of the family too. Slowly simmered with orange juice, vanilla and a hint of citrus zest, the prunes soften into a rich, spoonable fruit. It’s perfect for little tummies, especially those needing help with constipation.
Prunes are well known for their natural fibre content [1], which can help support healthy digestion and ease constipation. The gentle cooking process in this recipe makes them easier to eat and digest. The addition of orange juice adds vitamin C and a nice sweetness without any added sugar, making this a nourishing option for breakfast. Enjoy Stewed Prunes either on their own or as a topping stirred through yoghurt or porridge. You can also serve them for dessert!
Can baby eat Stewed Prunes?
Yes – stewed prunes can be offered once baby has started solids (around 6 months, depending on readiness). Cooking the prunes until very soft breaks them down into a smooth, mashable texture that’s easy for babies to manage. Just add extra liquid when mashing to get the best consistency for your baby.
As with all foods, start with small amounts and observe how your baby responds. Prunes can have a gentle laxative effect, so they can be helpful for constipation. It is something to keep in mind though for sensitive tummies.
Ingredients in Stewed Prunes
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these naturally sweet stewed prunes:
Prunes – Choose dried pitted prunes with no added sugar or preservatives. Once stewed, they become soft, jam-like and perfect for mashing and spoon feeding. TIP: Even when buying pitted, double check for pits! I’ve been caught out before. Luckily, I bit down on a stray pit and not my little boy!
Orange juice – Freshly squeezed is best. It adds natural sweetness and balances the richness of the prunes.
Water – Helps create a light syrup as the prunes cook down.
Orange zest – Just a small amount adds brightness and more gentle citrus taste.
Vanilla paste – Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the prunes.
How to make Stewed Prunes
This easy prune recipe comes together with very little hands-on time.
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: Put the prunes, orange juice, water, orange zest and vanilla paste into a small saucepan.
Step 2: Bring to the boil over medium heat, stirring gently. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 12 minutes, until the prunes are very soft and the syrup has darkened.
Step 3: Serve warm or allow to cool to room temperature. For a thicker syrup, refrigerate the prunes for at least an hour before serving.
THERMOMIX STEWED PRUNES:
Thermomixer? Add all ingredients to the mixing bowl. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the prunes are soft and the syrup has darkened. Either serve the prunes warm or refrigerate if you want to thicken the syrup.
Serving
BABIES: For babies, mash the prunes lightly with the back of a spoon or blend to a smoother consistency, adding liquid if needed. Serve prunes on their own, stirred through natural yoghurt, or spooned over warm baby-friendly oatmeal.
TODDLERS: For toddlers, mix the prunes through oatmeal or cereal, chia pudding or serve them alongside yoghurt or fruit toast fingers.
OLDER FAMILY: Older kids (and adults!) will love these spooned over Greek yoghurt, oatmeal or even as a topping for desserts.
Storing and reheating
STORING: Store Stewed Prunes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The syrup will continue to thicken as it chills.
You can also freeze for up to 3 months. Just put individual serves (with the syrup) into labelled airtight containers and freeze. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
REHEATING: To serve the prunes warm after refrigerating, reheat gently in the microwave.
LOOKING FOR MORE BABY AND TODDLER BREAKFAST RECIPES?
Try this Avocado and Cottage Cheese Toast. It’s creamy, nourishing and great for babies, toddlers and adults too!
If you make these Stewed Prunes, please leave a 🌟 star rating and a 📝 comment below. I love hearing how my recipes work for you and your family! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too for more kids’ breakfast recipes.
Happy cooking,
Chloe
Stewed Prunes
Category: BreakfastIngredients
- 1/2 cup prunes pitted (85g)
- 1/4 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp orange zest finely grated
- 1/2 tsp vanilla paste
Instructions
- Put 1/2 cup prunes, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp orange zest and 1/2 tsp vanilla paste into a small saucepan.
- Over medium heat on the stove top, bring the mixture to the boil. Gently stir, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 12 minutes until the prunes are soft and syrup has darkened.
- If not serving warm, cool to room temperature and then transfer the mixture to a storage container. Refrigerate for one hour to allow the syrup to thicken.
Thermomix instructions
- Put 1/2 cup prunes, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp orange zest and 1/2 tsp vanilla paste into the mixing bowl.
- Cook for 6 minutes 30 seconds, 100°C, reverse, stirring speed, MC off until the prunes are soft and syrup has darkened.
- If not serving warm, cool to room temperature and then transfer the mixture to a storage container. Refrigerate for one hour to allow the syrup to thicken.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
[1] Prunes: Are they healthy? 2025, WebMD LLC.
One Response
These are great for my toddler’s tummy! And I’m enjoying them with Greek Yoghurt and granola too. It’s really easy to make a double batch for a couple of days’ breakfasts.