Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon - No added sugar
Table of Contents
BLW Apple Slices - A Delicious Snack!
They are super simple to make and deliciously dairy-free and one of the best first foods for BLW! Baked apples make for a delightful and nutritious snack option for babies. This soft and tender treat is not only delicious but also rich in essential nutrients.
The natural sweetness of the apple is enhanced when it's baked, making it an appealing choice for little taste buds. Baked apples are easy to prepare by simply slicing and baking until they are soft and tender.
This snack is not only gentle on a baby's developing digestive system but also packed with vitamins and dietary fibre.
The natural fibre content aids in promoting healthy digestion while providing a satisfying feeling of fullness. Whether served on its own or mixed with a little cinnamon for added flavour, baked apples are a perfect choice for introducing new flavours to your baby's palate.
I probably will say it a lot but I am always on the the hunt for healthy low sugar, low salt snacks for my son. I always stare at the baby snack section in the supermarket and look at the labels and see the sugar content and I am never 100% happy.
I really enjoy thinking up snack recipes that I know my son will enjoy, that has no added sugar but natural sugars.
When it comes to sugar-free snack options for your baby, the emphasis should be on providing wholesome and nutritious choices. Fresh fruit is a fantastic option, as it offers natural sweetness and a plethora of vitamins and minerals.
Risk Of Choking?
Opt for baked apples for baby, ripe bananas, or soft berries that are easy for your little one to handle.
Vegetables such as cucumber sticks or carrot sticks make for crunchy and refreshing snacks that are low in sugar and high in fibre.
Consider incorporating protein-rich snacks like unsalted smooth nut butters or Greek yogurt, which can be mixed with pureed fruits for added flavour. When choosing pre-packaged snacks, carefully read labels to ensure they are free from added sugars, opting for whole grain or rice cakes.
Remember that creating a healthy and balanced diet for your baby is essential, and with the right choices, you can provide sugar-free snacks that will keep their little taste buds happy and their bodies nourished.
The Benefits Of Apples
Known for their crispness and natural sweetness, apples are a delightful addition to a baby's diet when following the baby-led weaning approach.
Packed with essential nutrients, these miniature powerhouses offer an array of benefits for your little one's budding palate, as they are a nutritious food.
Rich in fibre, apples aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system, ensuring regular bowel movements. They also contain essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, that strengthen the immune system, helping your baby combat illnesses.
Fresh apples make an excellent finger food for little hands to grasp and practice self-feeding skills, promoting fine motor development.
The natural sugars in apples provide an energy boost for your growing baby, making them an ideal choice for an afternoon snack.
So, embrace the versatility and wholesome goodness of apples during baby-led weaning, watching your little one explore and savour the variety of tastes and textures they offer.
Age-Appropriate Serving Suggestions
Introducing your little one to solid foods is an exciting milestone!
When it comes to serving raw apples or cooked apples for baby led weaning, it's important to consider age-appropriate options. it is the best first foods for young babies.
For babies around 6-8 months old who are just starting out, steamed apple for soft textures, grated apple or thinly sliced apple sticks (finger foods can be thick slices), with the apple skin removed to prevent choking, are ideal.
You could also use a crinkle cutter so that the apple is easy to hold! There are many different apple varieties available, whether a green apples or a red apples or organic apples you can give your baby any apple from 6 months of age.
As they grow and become more adept at chewing, you can gradually introduce small, pieces of raw apple that are easy for them to grasp and munch on.
Remember to always supervise your baby during mealtimes and to consult with your health visitor about any concerns regarding food introduction. Happy exploring, little foodies!
The Benefits Of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not only a delightful spice with a warm and comforting flavour, but it also offers a range of benefits for babies during the exciting stage of baby-led weaning.
When introduced appropriately and in moderation, cinnamon can enhance the taste and aroma of various foods, making them more appealing to little ones and encouraging them to explore new flavours.
Cinnamon possesses natural antimicrobial properties and is high in antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and protect against common infections.
Additionally, this spice aids in digestion by promoting healthy gut function and soothing digestive discomfort. It is important, however, to introduce cinnamon gradually and monitor your baby for any potential allergies or sensitivities.
Vegan Batch Cooking
Time can be a tough one when you’re a parent, especially with newborns, toddlers and beyond. But it really takes a simple recipe to sort out a few days of snacks and that’s what I like!
Batch cooking snacks for your baby is a game-changer for busy parents. By dedicating a chunk of time to prepare a variety of nutritious and delicious snacks in advance, you can ensure your little one is always satisfied. From homemade fruit purees to veggie muffins, the possibilities are endless.
Not only does batch cooking save you precious time during hectic days, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives found in store-bought snacks.
Plus, you can easily portion and freeze the snacks, making them convenient for on-the-go outings. So, roll up your sleeves and embark on a cooking adventure that will keep your baby happy and nourished throughout the week!
2 Ingredient Recipe
This recipe has only 2 ingredients which I love, and you can feel free to experiment with different spices that you know your little one will enjoy, to make these apples taste even more delicious.
I sometimes use some mixed spice or nutmeg, albeit in smaller amounts as the taste can be quite overpowering for little mouths. Or you can bake them just as they are with no seasoning.
Benefits Of Apple
The best part is you don’t have to worry about the apple seeds and core as when you slice the pips will naturally fall out. Apple is an excellent choice for baby-led weaning. Not only is it sweet and delicious, but it also offers a wide range of nutritional benefits.
Apples are a great source of fibre, which can aid in digestion and promote healthy bowel movements. They are also packed with essential vitamins like Vitamin C, which supports a strong immune system, and Vitamin A, which is crucial for healthy vision.
Serving apple in baby-led weaning is simple and fuss-free. You can offer small, soft apple slices that are easy for your baby to grasp and chew on.
Make sure to remove any seeds or tough parts of the apple to ensure safety. Watching your little one explore the taste and texture of this nutritious fruit is both exciting and rewarding.
You can use different fruits like pears, mango, just make sure that you cut into thin pieces and then bake.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
If you're looking for a delicious and wholesome treat, look no further than baked apple slices. These delectable cinnamon apples are a perfect blend of sweet and tart, and they are incredibly versatile. Whether you're craving a warm and cozy dessert or a healthy snack option, baked apple slices are a great food to prepare.
Not only are they incredibly easy to make, requiring just 2 ingredients, but they also provide lots of health benefits.
Packed with fibre and essential nutrients, these baked apple slices make for a guilt-free indulgence. From the tantalising aroma that fills your kitchen to the delightful burst of flavours in every bite, making baked apple slices is a no-brainer.
So, go ahead and treat yourself to this delightful treat for your baby– both your taste buds and your body will thank you, it is a treat for the whole family! The full recipe can be found below.
Ingredient information
Apples - I have used a royal gala apple in this recipe as that was the last apple in the fridge, but you can use any apple that you have in your fruit bowl. As previously stated you can use other fruits and bake, it really is that simple. Get experimenting and get baking!
Cinnamon - I love using cinnamon in my recipes for my son, it flavours fruit so well and adds a touch of sophistication to my son’s palate. Feel free to use a different spice that you think your little one will enjoy, or you don’t have to use anything at all and bake them bare.
Serving suggestion
The baked apple crisps are best stored in an airtight container and served on their own.
If you did want to serve them with something why not try serving them alongside a sandwich lunch, or dipped in some natural Greek yogurt, dairy or dairy-free.
They are soft enough to be sliced. Or if you get some crispy one’s why not sprinkle into some porridge or Weetabix at breakfast time.
They could also be great served as a little sweet treat after a main meal after 12 months, some main meal suggestions could be spaghetti bolognaise, cottage pie, chicken curry or a beef stew.
Storage instructions
The baked apple slices can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze the apple slices for up to 3 months in the freezer but I would freeze in small freezer bags in pre-prepared snack bags. To make life easy!
To defrost, leave in the fridge overnight.
Once defrosted you will not be able to refreeze.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Baking sheet - I have chosen to use a non-stick and BPA free baking sheet - they are easy to clean and, if you buy more than one, easily stackable and easily stored.
Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Recipe | Baked Apple Slices
1 Apple
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Pre heat oven to 160 C (fan oven) or 320 F.
Line a large baking tray with baking parchment.
Wash and dry your apple of choice.
Using a sharp knife carefully slice the apple into very thin slices.
Check that all of the apple seeds have fallen away and there are no large core pieces left on the inside of the apple slices.
Lay the slices on the baking tray and sprinkle them with the cinnamon and pop them in the oven.
Bake for 35 - 40 minutes.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
If you would like a crispier texture to this amazing fruit, the easiest way to do this is to leave them to bake for 50 minutes, but make sure you keep an eye on them! As all ovens can be a little bit different.
You could also make this recipe into a dessert for older children and adults. Use apple halves (cored and peeled) and bake in the oven 180C/350F for 30-35 minutes with a pinch of cinnamon. Serve the apple pieces with Greek yogurt.
You can find more apple recipes here: Apple oat crumble, Banana and Blueberry cake.
©The Petit Spoon
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