Apple & Strawberry Puree

There’s something wonderfully simple and comforting about homemade fruit puree, especially when it’s made with naturally sweet, seasonal ingredients like apples and strawberries. This apple and strawberry purée recipe is as vibrant and sweet as it is nourishing. With just two ingredients and zero added sugar, it’s a fuss-free way to serve up vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants to your child.

Whether you’re spoon-feeding or whipping up a quick snack for a picky toddler, this homemade fruit purée ticks all the right boxes. It's naturally soft, freezer-friendly, and easily doubles as a yogurt topper or toast spread. Quick to prep and endlessly versatile, it’s one of those recipes you'll return to again and again. 

Why You’d Love This Baby Puree

• Naturally sweet and vibrant—no added sugar needed
• Perfect for babies starting solids (6+ months)
• Smooth, gentle texture that’s easy to digest
• Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants
• Quick to make with just two wholesome ingredients
• Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep and less stress

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Yields: 3–4 portions

How to Make This Apple & Strawberry Puree

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped.
• 1½ cups strawberries, hulled and chopped

Instructions

1. Steam the Fruits

Place chopped apples into a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 6 minutes or until tender. Add strawberries to the steamer and continue steaming for 2 more minutes, just until softened but still vibrant.

2. Blend

Transfer both fruits to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of steaming water for a thinner consistency if needed.

3. Cool & Serve

Let it cool slightly before serving to babies. Serve warm or chilled, depending on preference.

Tips for success

Use ripe strawberries

Ripe strawberries are naturally sweeter and reduce the need for added sweeteners, which aren't recommended for babies under They also give the purée a rich pink hue that can make it more visually appealing for little ones. Unripe strawberries may taste sour and require extra blending to soften.

Don’t over-steam

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that retains more vitamin C and antioxidants compared to boiling. However, over-steaming can dull the strawberries’ color and degrade heat-sensitive nutrients. A quick 2-minute steam is enough to soften them without sacrificing their natural goodness.

Strain if needed

For babies just starting solids (especially around 6 months), a super-smooth texture helps minimize gagging and makes swallowing easier. While blending usually gets the job done, straining the purée through a fine mesh sieve can remove any remaining skins or seeds from the strawberries for an ultra-silky finish.

Serving suggestions

Serve alone

This purée is ideal for babies who are just starting solids. It’s naturally sweet, free from allergens, and gentle on the tummy. You can serve it slightly warm or at room temperature, depending on your baby’s preference.

Swirl into full-fat plain yogurt or oatmeal

Adding this purée to plain yogurt or oatmeal introduces variety, taste, and color while keeping the meal nutrient-dense. It’s a great way to boost vitamin C and fiber while making these otherwise bland staples more exciting for babies and toddlers.

Spread on toast for older babies or toddlers

Once your child has developed the pincer grasp and is confidently chewing, you can spread the purée onto strips of soft whole-grain toast. This makes for a self-feeding-friendly breakfast or snack that encourages motor skill development.

Use as a fruity layer in mini parfaits or chia puddings

For toddlers and even adults, this purée can serve as a naturally sweet layer in mini yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, or chia puddings. This turns the basic purée into a fun, fiber-packed dessert or snack.

How to store

Refrigerator

Allow the purée to cool completely before transferring to an airtight glass or BPA-free plastic container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out servings to avoid contamination.

Freezer

To freeze, spoon the purée into silicone ice cube trays or baby food storage trays. Once frozen solid, pop out the cubes and transfer them to a freezer-safe ziplock bag or container. Label with the date, and use within 3 months. This method lets you defrost only what you need, which helps reduce waste and saves time on busy days.

Reheating

To thaw, place a cube or portion in the fridge overnight or warm it gently in a bowl set over hot water. Avoid microwaving directly unless you stir well and ensure there are no hot spots before serving.

Nutrition 

(per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 95 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 0.7g
• Fat: 0.4g
• Fiber: 3.6g
• Sugar: 18g
• Vitamin C: 58mg
• Potassium: 230mg
• Iron: 0.4mg
• Calcium: 16mg
• Vitamin A: 60 IU
• Sodium: 2mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient size and variety.