Banana, Avocado Purée

Written by Kenny

Looking for a creamy, nutritious baby food recipe that’s packed with healthy fats and natural sweetness? This 3-ingredient avocado banana purée is a game-changer! It’s perfect for little ones, simple to make, delicious, and easily adjustable for texture. Whether you’re introducing solids or need a quick, wholesome snack idea, this recipe is sure to become a favourite.

Why This Purée is Great for Babies

  1. Avocado
    Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are essential for brain development in babies. They are also nutrient-dense, providing vitamins like E, C, and B-6, along with potassium and fibre, which support healthy digestion and overall growth.                                                                                        
  2. Banana
    Ripe bananas add natural sweetness, making the purée appealing to a baby’s palate. They are high in carbohydrates, offering quick energy for growing babies. Bananas are also rich in potassium and vitamin B6, which are important for muscle function and brain development.                                                                                                  
  3. Plain Yoghurt
    Yoghurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium, crucial for developing strong bones and muscles. Whole milk yoghurt contains probiotics, which promote gut health and strengthen the immune system. It also adds a smooth, rich consistency to the purée, making it easier for babies to eat and enjoy.

This purée stands out because it has a versatile texture, which can be adjusted to suit your baby’s age and chewing ability. The combination of ingredients is gentle on a baby’s developing digestive system, and it is simple and quick to prepare, requiring minimal effort. This makes it a well-balanced option for babies transitioning to solid foods, providing essential nutrients for their growing needs.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ripe avocado (approximately a small handful of avocado flesh)                                                                                                     
  • 1/2 ripe banana (the riper the banana, the sweeter the purée)                                                                                                         
  • 2 tbsp plain yoghurt (choose whole milk yoghurt for added creaminess and nutrients)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Avocado: Wash the avocado thoroughly before cutting. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, then twist the halves to separate them. Remove the pit by scooping it out with a spoon. Scoop out the flesh of the avocado using a spoon, and place it into a clean mixing bowl or directly into a blender.                                                                                                                
  2. Prepare the Banana: Peel the banana and cut half of it into small chunks. Add the banana chunks to the bowl with the avocado.                                                                               
  3. Mash the Avocado and Banana: If you prefer a slightly chunky purée, use a fork or potato masher to mash the avocado and banana together in the bowl. Mash until you reach a smooth consistency with small lumps, suitable for your baby’s chewing ability. For a smoother purée, transfer the avocado banana and yoghurt to a baby blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.                                                                
  4. Add the Yoghurt: Stir in the plain yoghurt with the mashed avocado and banana. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined, forming a creamy, smooth purée. If the purée is too thick, you can add a small amount of breast milk, formula, or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir or blend again to incorporate.                                                                                        
  5. Serve: Transfer the purée to a baby-safe bowl. Make sure the purée is at a safe temperature before feeding it to your baby.

Tips

  • Introduce New Foods Gradually: If it’s the first time your baby is trying avocado, banana, or yoghurt, introduce each ingredient separately at first to check for any allergic reactions.                                                                       
  • Use Whole Milk Yoghurt: Whole milk yoghurt provides essential fats that are beneficial for your baby’s brain development.                                                                              
  • Avoid Sweetened Yoghurt: Always use plain, unsweetened yoghurt to avoid unnecessary added sugars in your baby’s diet.

How to Store

Storing in the Refrigerator

 Transfer to an Airtight Container: After preparing the purée, immediately transfer it to a clean, airtight container. Glass containers with secure lids or BPA-free plastic containers work best to keep the purée fresh.                                                            

Minimise Oxidation: To prevent the avocado in the purée from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the purée before sealing the container with its lid. This reduces exposure to air, which causes oxidation and browning.                                                                                            

Label the Container: Write the date on the container using a label or marker. This will help you keep track of when the purée was made and ensure it’s used within a safe time frame.                         

Refrigeration Duration: Store the purée in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Due to the banana and avocado content, the purée may begin to brown over time. While this is normal and doesn’t affect the safety, it’s best to consume the purée within this period for optimal freshness and appeal.                                                                      

Reheating or Serving: When ready to serve, remove the purée from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Alternatively, you can gently warm it by placing the container in a bowl of warm water. Stir the purée well before feeding it to your baby, as some separation of the ingredients may occur during storage.

 

Storing in the Freezer:

Portion the Purée: To make it easier to thaw just the right amount later, portion the purée into smaller, baby-sized servings before freezing. You can use an ice cube tray, silicone moulds, or small freezer-safe containers. If using an ice cube tray or silicone mould, spoon the purée into each compartment, filling it almost to the top.

 

Cover and Freeze: Cover the ice cube tray or silicone mould with plastic wrap or a silicone lid to protect the purée from freezer burn and to keep it hygienic. Place the tray or moulds in the freezer and allow the purée to freeze completely, which usually takes several hours or overnight.

 

Transfer to Freezer Bags: Once the purée is fully frozen, pop the cubes or portions out of the tray or mould and transfer them to a labelled, freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date of preparation. This step saves freezer space and makes it easier to grab individual portions as needed.                                                      

Freezer Storage Duration: The purée can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. After this period, the texture, flavour, and nutritional quality may start to decline.                                   

Thawing the Purée: When you’re ready to use the frozen purée, remove the desired number of cubes or portions from the freezer and place them in a container in the refrigerator to thaw slowly, which usually takes several hours or overnight. If you need to serve the purée quickly, you can thaw the cubes by placing them in a bowl of warm water or using a baby food warmer. Avoid microwaving the purée, as this can cause uneven heating and potentially alter the texture.                                                   

Serving Thawed Purée: After thawing, stir the purée well to ensure a smooth consistency. Serve immediately once it reaches the appropriate temperature for your baby. Do not refreeze any leftover purée after thawing. If your baby doesn’t finish the serving, discard the remainder.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ripe avocado (approximately a small handful of avocado flesh)                                                             
  • 1/2 ripe banana (the riper the banana, the sweeter the purée)                                                                          
  • 2 tbsp plain yoghurt (choose whole milk yoghurt for added creaminess and nutrients)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Avocado: Wash the avocado thoroughly before cutting. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, then twist the halves to separate them. Remove the pit by scooping it out with a spoon. Scoop out the flesh of the avocado using a spoon, and place it into a clean mixing bowl or directly into a blender.                                                                    
  2. Prepare the Banana: Peel the banana and cut half of it into small chunks. Add the banana chunks to the bowl with the avocado.                                                              
  3. Mash the Avocado and Banana: If you prefer a slightly chunky purée, use a fork or potato masher to mash the avocado and banana together in the bowl. Mash until you reach a smooth consistency with small lumps, suitable for your baby’s chewing ability. For a smoother purée, transfer the avocado banana and yoghurt to a baby blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.                                                                      
  4. Add the Yoghurt: Stir in the plain yoghurt with the mashed avocado and banana. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined, forming a creamy, smooth purée. If the purée is too thick, you can add a small amount of breast milk, formula, or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir or blend again to incorporate.                                                       
  5. Serve: Transfer the purée to a baby-safe bowl. Make sure the purée is at a safe temperature before feeding it to your baby.

Nutrition

Suitable for 6 months +

Avocado: Healthy fats, fibre, and vitamins (C, E, K, B6).

Banana: Natural sugars, potassium, and vitamin B6.

Whole Milk Yoghurt: Protein, calcium, and essential fats for brain development.