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Apple Baked Oatmeal for Baby and Toddler Recipe

strips of baked apple oatmeal for babies on a green baby plate.

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This no sugar apple baked oatmeal is an easy, healthy make-ahead breakfast for babies and toddlers, though the whole family can enjoy it! It makes a great finger food for baby led weaning. (gluten-free)

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup rolled oats, certified gluten-free if necessary
  • 2 tsp chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 small apple, cored and diced or grated (see notes)
  • 1-2 tbsp finely crushed walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a small baking dish or line with parchment paper. I used a 6x8" dish, but you can go as small as a loaf pan or as large an an 8" square dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and applesauce.
  3. Stir in the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon and nutmeg.
  4. Stir in the diced or grated apple.
  5. Pour into the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle evenly with finely chopped walnuts or pecans.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes (you may need up to 30 minutes for a loaf pan). The center should be set when it's done.
  7. Cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting or removing from the baking dish.

Notes

  • Pan size: I used a 6x8-inch baking dish. You can use as small as a loaf pan or as large as a square 8-inch dish. A loaf pan will need closer to 30 minutes to bake and will give you thicker pieces, while an 8-inch dish will only need around 20 minutes and will give you flatter pieces.
  • Milk: Use any milk you like, even breastmilk if you have extra. I don't have a problem with babies having cow's milk before 12 months in a recipe.
  • Apple: Apple diced smaller than 1 cm should be fine for all babies eating finger foods since it will be baked, however, if you'd rather have even smaller pieces, you can grate the apple with a coarse grater.
  • Walnuts or pecans: I like the addition of nuts for more nutrient density and extra allergen exposure to tree nuts, but they are totally optional. If you're using them, make sure to finely crush or chop them (think breadcrumbs) for safety.
  • Extra sweetness: For older kiddos or adults who want a little more sweetness, you can drizzle some maple syrup on top of their portions after baking, or add 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar to the milk mixture.
  • Other flavors: Feel free to add in other spices, such as apple pie spice, ginger, cardamom, or chai.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 5 days, or freezer for up to 3 months.
  • See article above for options for serving using a BLW approach.