Short description

A wholesome and aromatic apple‑cinnamon puree, gently cooked until soft and blended to a smooth texture. Naturally sweet, lightly spiced, and delightful for babies and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This puree is remarkably simple yet flavorful—requiring only apples, water, and cinnamon. It’s ideal for early feeding stages or as a nutritious snack or dessert topping. Naturally sweet and free from added sugar, it offers versatility and wholesome goodness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
Water
Ground cinnamon (a pinch or up to ½ teaspoon depending on batch size)

Directions

Peel, core, and chop the apples into chunks.
Place the apple pieces into a saucepan with just enough water to cover the bottom (about ¼ to ½ cup for 6 apples).
Stir in ground cinnamon.
Cover and simmer over medium‑low heat for 15–20 minutes—or until apples are very soft.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Puree the mixture using a stick blender, countertop blender, or food processor until smooth. Add cooking liquid a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the spice level, adding a touch of additional cinnamon if preferred.

Servings and timing

Prep time: about 10–15 minutes
Cook time: approximately 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–35 minutes
Makes roughly 6 servings (about 60 ml / ¼ cup each) with 6 medium apples; yields may vary by apple size.

Variations

Use a mix of sweet and tart apple varieties (e.g. Gala with Granny Smith or Fuji) to enhance flavor depth.
Add other warm spices such as nutmeg, cloves, ginger, or star anise for variation.
Keep half the apple skin on for extra fiber—blend thoroughly using a high‑speed blender for smoothness.
For sweeter puree, stir in a little maple syrup or honey after blending (omit if intended for infants under one year).

Storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Freezer: Portion into ice cube trays or small containers, freeze overnight, then transfer to freezer bags—keeps for up to 4 months.
Thawing methods:
- Microwave: warm in 20‑second intervals, stirring each time to avoid hot spots.
- Refrigerator: thaw overnight for slow warming.
- Stovetop: gently reheat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring regularly.

FAQs

What apples are best for apple‑cinnamon puree?

Sweet varieties that break down easily when cooked—such as Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, or McIntosh—work best for naturally smooth and flavorful results.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling helps achieve a silky texture, but leaving some peel adds fiber and nutrients—just be sure to blend thoroughly if you include it.

Can I omit cinnamon?

Yes, cinnamon is optional. You can leave it out or replace it with spices like ginger or nutmeg depending on taste preference.

How smooth should the puree be?

Blend to preferred consistency: use a food processor or stick blender for smooth texture, or mash lightly for a chunkier result.

Is sugar needed?

No—most apple varieties are sweet enough that additional sugar isn’t necessary. Sweetness can be adjusted with natural sweeteners if desired.

How much water should I add?

Just enough to prevent sticking and allow steaming—typically ¼ to ½ cup per 6 apples. Add more later if needed for blending.

Is this puree suitable for babies?

Yes, it makes an ideal first food—smooth, gentle, and naturally sweet. Add spices cautiously and avoid honey for infants under one year old.

How long does refrigerated puree last?

Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for about 4 to 5 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze the puree and for how long?

Yes—freeze in small portions (ice cube trays work well). Puree stays good for up to 4 months in the freezer.

How should I reheat frozen puree?

Thaw overnight in fridge, heat gently on stove, or microwave in short intervals with stirring to avoid hot spots.

Conclusion

This apple‑cinnamon puree is simple, nutritious, and adaptable—perfect for baby meals, snacks, or dessert additions. Minimal ingredients, flexible texture, and excellent shelf‑life make it a kitchen staple. Whether served warm, stirred into yogurt, or frozen for future use, it brings natural goodness and cozy flavor to your table