This healthy zucchini bread oatmeal is a great way to add veggies into your little one's diet without the added sugar of traditional sweet zucchini recipes. With just a few wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and applesauce, this warm zucchini oatmeal is delicious and baby-friendly!
This post has been written and medically reviewed by Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist).
Zucchini Bread Oatmeal
It's that time of year where the garden is still producing loads of zucchini, so I'm finding every way possible to use it up! While zucchini bread is delicious, it is loaded with sugar and more appropriate for dessert. I created this nourishing zucchini bread oatmeal as a way to include zucchini in a delicious, warm breakfast that will start everyone's day on the right foot. This zucchini oatmeal is great for families because it is:
- Easy to make in one pot in under 10 minutes
- Healthy with both fruit and vegetable goodness and no added sugar
- Baby and toddler friendly. It's great for baby led weaning babies, but mom will love it too. It's an easy way to introduce zucchini to babies.
- Delicious! It is lightly sweetened with all the warming flavors that you love in zucchini bread.
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Ingredients
- Applesauce: Homemade or store-bought. Make sure to use unsweetened applesauce to keep the recipe sugar free.
- Zucchini: You'll grate it, but no need to squeeze the water out.
- Milk: Use regular milk or your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk.
- Rolled oats: Also called old fashioned oats. Use certified gluten-free if necessary.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Vanilla extract
Helpful equipment: Saucepan, grater or food processor with grater attachment
Step By Step Instructions
For the full printable recipe, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Great or shred the zucchini using a hand grater or a food processor fitted with the shredder blade. No need to squeeze out the moisture.
- In a saucepan, combine the applesauce, milk and zucchini. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, stir in the oats, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the oats are soft and have absorbed the liquid.
- Stir in the vanilla and serve warm.
Tips
- Don't forget toppings! For adults and older kiddos, feel free to drizzle with a little maple syrup or top with walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips. For babies, a drizzle of peanut butter or a sprinkle of finely crushed walnuts is great allergen exposure.
- For dairy-free, you can either use your favorite non-dairy milk, or just replace the milk with water. I like the extra creaminess of milk.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, stirring until it is warmed through. You can also microwave for 30-60 seconds. Be sure it's cooled to an appropriate temperature if you're serving to baby!
How To Serve Zucchini Oatmeal To Babies 6 Months and Up
This zucchini bread oatmeal is great for baby led weaning babies 6 months and up, or spoon fed babies who have progressed to chunky purees. As the oatmeal cools, it will firm up, making it easy to serve on a preloaded spoon, or in a bowl or rimmed plate for baby to scoop up with his hands. If you have leftovers, you can also roll the completely cooled leftover oatmeal into balls that baby can easily pick up.
More Baby-Friendly Oatmeal Recipes
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No Sugar Zucchini Bread Oatmeal
This healthy zucchini bread oatmeal is a great way to add veggies into your little one's diet without the added sugar of traditional sweet zucchini recipes. With just a few wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and applesauce, this warm zucchini oatmeal is delicious and baby-friendly!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: breakfast
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ cup grated or shredded zucchini (no need to remove moisture)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the shredded zucchini, applesauce and milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, add the oats, cinnamon and nutmeg. Simmer, stirring, until oats are softened and have absorbed most of the moisture, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the vanilla and serve warm.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
- Shred the zucchini using a box grater, a hand grater, or a food processor fitted with the shredder blade.
- For dairy-free, use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk, or replace the milk with water.
- For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
- Don't forget the toppings! For babies and toddlers under 2 years, a drizzle of natural peanut butter or finely crushed walnuts are great for allergen exposure. For older kiddos or adults, top with chopped walnuts or pecans, or for a little extra sweetness drizzle with maple syrup or throw in a few chocolate chips.
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