7 Easy Baby Food Puree Recipes Moms Love
Store-bought baby food often costs more than it should and rarely tastes as fresh as it promises. Making simple purees at home solves both problems without turning your kitchen into a science lab.
The ingredient lists stay short, the flavors stay real, and you control exactly what goes into every spoonful.
Homemade baby food also lets you adjust texture and flavor as your baby grows. You can keep things silky smooth at first, then slowly thicken it up without overthinking it. Once you try a batch or two, it honestly becomes part of the routine.
1. Creamy Sweet Potato Baby Puree
Some babies take to sweet flavors instantly, and sweet potatoes make that first transition to solids feel almost effortless. They’re naturally sweet, easy on tiny tummies, and packed with nutrients without tasting “healthy.”
This puree works because it blends into a smooth, velvety texture without needing anything extra. I’ve noticed babies who resist bland rice cereal usually accept this one without drama.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
- 2–4 tablespoons breast milk, formula, or warm water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Peel and chop the sweet potato into small, even cubes so they cook evenly.
- Steam the cubes for about 15–20 minutes until they turn fork-tender and soft all the way through.
- Transfer the cooked sweet potato to a blender and add a small amount of breast milk, formula, or warm water to help it blend smoothly.
- Blend until completely silky, scraping down the sides if needed to remove any lumps.
Why You’ll Love It
This puree tastes naturally sweet without adding anything unnecessary. It freezes beautifully, so you can portion it out for busy days.
Tips
For extra creaminess, roast instead of steam to deepen the flavor slightly. Serve it alongside mashed avocado for a balanced combo of sweet and healthy fats.
2. Simple Apple Cinnamon Puree
Babies often prefer mild fruit flavors before vegetables, and apples feel like a safe place to start. Cooking them soft brings out their natural sweetness without needing sugar. A tiny pinch of cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the fruit. I like this one because it smells amazing while cooking, but more importantly, babies usually finish the bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 2–3 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the chopped apples and water to a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until the apples become very soft.
- Stir in a tiny pinch of cinnamon and let it cook for another minute.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, adding a splash of water if needed to reach the right consistency.
Why You’ll Love It
This puree feels comforting and naturally sweet. It also works well mixed into oatmeal later on.
Tips
Choose naturally sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Gala for best flavor. Mix it with plain yogurt once your baby is ready for dairy.
3. Classic Carrot Puree
Carrots sometimes get labeled as boring, but babies usually enjoy their gentle sweetness. When cooked properly, they blend into a bright orange puree that feels cheerful and mild. The key is cooking them long enough so no fibrous bits remain. I learned early on that undercooked carrots equal instant rejection.
Ingredients
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water or breast milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steam the sliced carrots for 15–20 minutes until completely tender.
- Test one piece with a fork to ensure it mashes easily.
- Transfer to a blender and add a little warm water or breast milk.
- Blend until ultra-smooth and adjust thickness as needed.
Why You’ll Love It
Carrots provide natural sweetness without fruit. They’re also budget-friendly and easy to batch cook.
Tips
Add a tiny drop of olive oil to help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Pair it with sweet potato puree for a colorful combo.
4. Creamy Avocado Banana Blend
Some days you don’t want to cook anything at all. Avocado and banana come together in seconds and create a creamy texture that feels almost like pudding. This combo works because avocado adds healthy fats while banana balances it with natural sweetness. It’s one of those blends that feels too easy, but it just works.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 small banana
- 1–2 tablespoons breast milk or formula (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scoop the flesh from the ripe avocado into a bowl.
- Peel and slice the banana, then add it to the bowl.
- Mash both together thoroughly using a fork until smooth.
- Stir in a bit of breast milk or formula if you want a thinner texture.
Why You’ll Love It
There’s no cooking required, which makes it perfect for busy afternoons. The texture feels naturally creamy and satisfying.
Tips
Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness. Serve immediately to prevent browning.
5. Gentle Pear and Spinach Puree
Green purees can feel intimidating, but mild fruits like pears make leafy greens much more approachable. Spinach blends beautifully when cooked properly, and pears balance any earthy flavor. This recipe works because the sweetness hides the vegetable taste without masking nutrition. I’ve seen hesitant babies warm up to greens with this blend.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe pear, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2–3 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steam the chopped pear for 5–7 minutes until soft.
- Add the spinach during the last 2 minutes of steaming so it wilts.
- Transfer everything to a blender with a bit of water.
- Blend until completely smooth and vibrant green.
Why You’ll Love It
It introduces greens in a gentle, approachable way. The flavor stays balanced and mild.
Tips
Use baby spinach for a softer taste. Mix it with rice cereal if you want a thicker consistency.
6. Butternut Squash and Apple Puree
Butternut squash delivers natural sweetness similar to sweet potatoes but with a slightly nuttier flavor. Adding apple brightens it up and keeps the puree from tasting too heavy. The texture turns silky when blended properly. I like this one during cooler months because it feels hearty yet still baby-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cubed butternut squash
- 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
- 2–4 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steam the cubed butternut squash and chopped apple together for 15 minutes.
- Check that both are very soft before blending.
- Add them to a blender with a splash of water.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
Why You’ll Love It
The flavors complement each other naturally. It stores well for meal prep.
Tips
Roast the squash first for a deeper flavor. Serve slightly warm for extra comfort.
7. Protein-Packed Lentil and Carrot Puree
Babies eventually need more than fruits and sweet vegetables. Lentils add gentle plant-based protein while carrots keep the flavor mild and friendly. When cooked until very soft, lentils blend surprisingly smooth. This puree feels a little more substantial without being heavy.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup red lentils
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water.
- Add lentils, chopped carrot, and water to a small pot.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes until everything becomes very soft.
- Blend thoroughly until silky, adding extra water if needed.
Why You’ll Love It
This puree adds protein without complicated ingredients. It keeps babies full longer.
Tips
Blend while still warm for the smoothest texture. Combine with sweet potato for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
Homemade baby food doesn’t need to be complicated or fancy to be effective. Simple ingredients, proper cooking, and a good blender handle most of the work.
Once you get comfortable with a few base recipes, you’ll start mixing and matching without even thinking about it. Keep it simple, trust your instincts, and let your baby guide the pace.
