Strawberry Oat Cups

Reasons to love these strawberry Oat cups

These oat cups are incredibly easy to make. With only four ingredients, you can quickly whip them up in no time, making them a convenient and stress-free option for busy families. The preparation is simple and requires minimal steps, which is perfect for parents with little time to spare.

Another reason to love them is that they are nutritious and wholesome. Packed with the natural sweetness of bananas, healthy fats from almond butter, and the fiber from oats, these oat cups provide a balanced snack or meal for your little one. They are naturally free from refined sugars, making them a healthier alternative to many store-bought snacks, which are often loaded with additives and preservatives.

These strawberry oat cups are also versatile. You can adjust the recipe to suit your family's dietary needs by swapping ingredients like the nut butter or oats. They can be made nut-free by using sunflower seed butter, or you can use quick oats for a softer texture. Additionally, the recipe can be customized with different fruits or spices to suit your taste or your child’s preferences.

The soft texture of these oat cups makes them baby-friendly and ideal for toddlers who are starting to experiment with self-feeding. They are gentle on tiny teeth and easy to mash if needed, making them an excellent choice for young children learning to eat independently.

Additionally, these oat cups are portable and convenient. Whether you need a quick breakfast, an easy snack, or something to pack in a lunchbox, they are the perfect grab-and-go option. Their mini muffin shape makes them easy for little hands to hold, and they store well for days, giving you something ready to serve whenever you need it.

Lastly, these strawberry oat cups are family-friendly. Not only are they suitable for babies and toddlers, but they can be enjoyed by older kids and adults as well. Whether served as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, they are a tasty and healthy treat that everyone can enjoy. They can be easily dressed up with a little yogurt or fruit for extra flavor and variety.

Strawberry Oat Cups Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas

(Choose very ripe bananas that are soft and have lots of spots on the peel. They will mash easily and provide natural sweetness to the recipe.)

• 3 tbsp almond butter

(You can use any nut butter, such as peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, for a nut-free version. Make sure to choose a smooth, unsweetened, and salt-free nut butter.)

• 2 cups rolled oats or quick oats

(Both rolled oats and quick oats can be used, but rolled oats will give a heartier texture while quick oats will result in a softer cup. Ensure that the oats are unsweetened and plain.)

• 1 ½ cups chopped strawberries

(Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used. If using frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. Chop them into small, baby-friendly pieces.)

Instructions

1. Mash the Bananas: Peel the 3 ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the bananas until they are smooth and free of lumps. The riper the bananas, the easier they will mash.

2. Add Nut Butter: Add 3 tablespoons of almond butter (or your choice of nut butter) to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the nut butter is fully incorporated into the banana mixture. 

3. Stir in the Oats: Next, add the Oats into the banana and nut butter mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly. The mixture should be thick and sticky. The oats will absorb the moisture from the bananas and nut butter as they sit.

4. Add the Chopped Strawberries: Chop 1 ½ cups of strawberries into small pieces. Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the oat mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without mashing the strawberries too much.

5. Fill the Mini Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners. If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a regular muffin tin, but the cups will be larger, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, spoon the mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full. Press down lightly on the tops of the cups with the back of the spoon to flatten them slightly. This will help them bake evenly.

6. Bake: Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The oat cups should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch when done. You can test by inserting a toothpick into the center of one of the cups. If it comes out clean, the cups are ready.

7. Cool and Remove: Once baked, remove the oat cups from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes. After they’ve cooled enough to handle, carefully remove them from the muffin tin and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely. Allow the oat cups to cool fully before serving them to your baby to avoid burns.

Tips for Success 

To ensure your strawberry oat cups turn out perfectly, choose ripe bananas that are soft with plenty of spots on the peel. The riper the banana, the easier it will mash and the sweeter it will be. 

Make sure you use smooth, unsweetened, and salt-free nut butter. Almond butter is a great choice, but feel free to use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. If the nut butter is too thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to mix into the mashed bananas.

The type of oats you choose can affect the texture of your oat cups. Rolled oats will give a slightly chewier texture, while quick oats will make them softer. If you use rolled oats, they’ll absorb more liquid and provide more structure, which is ideal for baking. If you’re looking for a softer texture, quick oats can work just fine. However, be sure not to overmix the oats as this could make the texture too dense.

When incorporating the strawberries, be careful not to overmix or mash them too much. You want to maintain some of the chunks of fruit to add texture and a burst of flavor in each bite. Ensure the strawberries are chopped into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking hazards. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the mix.

For the best results, press the mixture down lightly into the mini muffin tin to ensure even baking. This helps the oat cups hold their shape and ensures they cook uniformly. If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can also use a regular-sized muffin tin, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time slightly. Check the oat cups around 15 minutes, but if you’re using a larger tin, they may need an additional few minutes.

Lastly, let the oat cups cool in the tin for a few minutes after baking. They will continue to set as they cool. If you try to remove them too soon, they may break apart. Once they have cooled slightly, remove them carefully from the tin and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This will ensure they have the perfect texture and are safe for your baby to eat.

Ingredients Substitutions, and Additions 

Substitutions

If your baby is sensitive to bananas or if you'd like to try something different, you can substitute them with applesauce or pureed pears. These alternatives will provide natural sweetness and moisture to the mixture, similar to bananas. You can also try using mashed sweet potato or pumpkin puree for a slightly different flavor and added nutrition.

For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is an excellent alternative to almond or peanut butter. You can also use soy nut butter if soy isn’t a concern. If you're avoiding all nuts and seeds, you can replace nut butter with full-fat coconut milk or yogurt, which will help add moisture and richness.

Rolled oats provide a chewier texture, but if you want a smoother consistency for younger babies or a softer result, you can substitute with quick oats or even oat flour. To make the recipe completely smooth, you could blend the oats in a food processor before mixing them with the wet ingredients.

If strawberries are out of season or you prefer another fruit, you can swap them for any soft fruit that’s safe for babies, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or mashed peaches. You could also use applesauce or mashed banana in place of the strawberries for a more uniform texture.

Additions

To add a little extra flavor, you can stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract. Both options are naturally sweet and can complement the bananas and strawberries nicely.

For a boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, you can add a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds to the mixture. These additions will also help with binding the ingredients and provide additional nutrients.

If your baby is ready for coconut, you can mix in a tablespoon or two of unsweetened shredded coconut. It adds a nice texture and a mild tropical flavor.

Feel free to experiment with other fruits like mashed ripe peaches, pureed mango, or blueberries. These can add different flavors and nutrients to the oat cups, giving you variety and options depending on what’s in season.

Serving Suggestions

For babies who are 6 months and older, the oat cups make a perfect finger food. Break the oat cups into small, bite-sized pieces to make them easier for your baby to hold and self-feed. The soft texture is great for babies who are still learning to chew. If your baby is still on purees, you can serve the oat cups alongside mashed fruits or vegetables such as avocado or sweet potato. This will provide some variety and added nutrients without overwhelming their developing taste buds.

Another option is to serve the oat cups with breast milk or formula poured over them, making them easier to eat while also maintaining the familiar taste and comfort of milk.

For toddlers around 1 year and older, these oat cups work wonderfully as a snack. They are easy to take on the go, so pack them in a lunchbox for daycare or on family outings. Toddlers will also enjoy dipping the oat cups into yogurt, applesauce, or nut butter for added flavor and fun.

Pairing the oat cups with other toddler-friendly foods like fruit, veggie sticks, cheese cubes, or even scrambled eggs will create a more complete meal. These oat cups can also be served as a quick breakfast or a healthy snack throughout the day.

For families with older children or adults, the strawberry oat cups serve as a great wholesome snack. They can be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea, coffee, or milk, offering a naturally sweet and satisfying treat. A fun idea is to make parfaits by layering the oat cups with yogurt, fresh berries, or granola. This makes for a tasty and nutritious breakfast or snack option.

The oat cups also pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad or green salad, adding a bit of sweetness to the meal. If you're looking for a lighter dessert, serve the oat cups with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat that the entire family can enjoy.

How to store

If you plan to eat them within a few days, you can store the oat cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness.

For longer storage, place the oat cups in the refrigerator. In an airtight container, they can last up to 1 week. This is a great option if you want to prepare them in advance for quick snacks or meals throughout the week.

If you'd like to store the oat cups for even longer, freezing them is a great option. To freeze, arrange the oat cups in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once they are fully frozen (usually after 1-2 hours), transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Frozen oat cups can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or warm them gently in the microwave.

Equipments

• Mini muffin tray
• Mixing bowl

Nutrition

Suitable for 6 months +

 (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 150-180 (depends on nut butter and toppings)

• Protein: 3-5g (from almond butter and oats)

• Healthy Fats: 6-8g (from almond butter)

• Carbohydrates: 30-35g (from oats, bananas, and strawberries)

• Fiber: 4-6g (from oats and strawberries)

• Vitamin C: from strawberries

• Calcium: from almond butter (if using)

• Iron: from oats

• Omega-3s: from chia seeds (if added)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredient brands and portion sizes used.