Sugar Free, Welsh Cakes For Babies and Toddlers
Table of Contents
What Is A Welsh Cake?
Welsh cakes, also known as "picau ar y maen" in Welsh, are traditional Welsh treats that resemble small, round scones. They are made from flour, butter, sugar, and dried fruits such as currants or raisins, and are flavoured with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These ingredients are mixed together to form a dough, which is then rolled out and cut into circles before being cooked on a griddle. The result is a delicious, slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside cake that is often served with a dusting of sugar. Welsh cakes are a beloved staple in Welsh cuisine and are enjoyed as a snack or as part of a teatime spread.
No Added Sugar In This Recipe
I have tailored this recipe to be suitable for toddlers and babies by omitting any added sugar. It's important to introduce little ones to wholesome flavours without the need for extra sweeteners. By focusing on natural ingredients and gentle flavours, this recipe provides a nourishing option for young children, promoting a positive relationship with food from an early age.
How To Introduce Spices Into Mealtimes?
It's natural for parents to wonder about introducing spices to their baby's diet. While some mild spices can be introduced to babies around 6-8 months old, it's essential to start with small amounts and observe any adverse reactions. Certain spices like cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of turmeric can add gentle flavour to baby-friendly recipes. However, it's best to avoid overly spicy or strong seasonings, as they may upset their delicate stomachs. Always consult your health visitor before introducing new ingredients to your baby's meals, and gradually incorporate spices to ensure they are well-tolerated.
No Sugar Welsh Cakes: A Great Option for Your Baby
No sugar Welsh cakes are an excellent choice for your baby due to their simple and wholesome ingredients. These delightful treats are made with flour, butter, and dried fruit, making them a nutritious snack option for your little one. With no added sugar, they provide a natural sweetness from the fruit, offering a healthier alternative to traditional sweet snacks. The soft texture of Welsh cakes also makes them easy for babies to chew and enjoy, making them a convenient and satisfying option for on-the-go snacking finger foods. Plus, their convenient size makes them perfect for little hands to hold and explore. Introducing your baby to no sugar Welsh cakes can help develop their taste for wholesome foods while providing a convenient and tasty snack option.
Welsh cakes are so tasty! I saw that St. David’s day was coming up and I thought it would be an exciting opportunity to create a child-friendly, no sugar Welsh cake.
I must stress this is my take on a Welsh cake, and I haven’t followed the traditional method. However they are still as tasty and more importantly for little ones no sugar has been added, just the fruit which has sweetened the Welsh cake.
I decided to use raisins and cranberries for this recipe, as they are a great combination and you can buy a mixed bag of raisins and cranberries in the supermarket so win-win!
I have also added ground almonds and flaxseed to the recipe to add some protein and some omega 3.
What Cutter Is Best To Use For BLW Recipes?
When it comes to preparing Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) recipes, using cutter shapes that are easy for little hands to grasp and explore is important. Opt for larger, simpler shapes such as strips, wedges, or rounds to minimise any choking hazards and allow your baby to practice their fine motor skills. Avoid intricate or small cutter shapes that may pose a risk of breaking off into smaller pieces. It's essential to prioritise safety and accessibility while still offering a variety of textures and tastes for a positive BLW experience.
You can choose a cutter that you have and suits you, I had a Mickey Mouse cutter that seemed to be the perfect size for these, but you can use your cutter of choice. The Mickey Mouse cutter made 16 Welsh cakes, so depending on the cutter size the quantity may differ slightly.
Overall, I am so incredibly happy with how these turned out. My son, the taste-tester, really enjoyed them, and therefore I think they are a success!
Give them a go as a tasty healthy snack for your little ones! Or as part of a dessert!
Ingredient information
Self raising flour - Sifting the flour makes such a difference to the Welsh cakes. They won’t be so dense.
Baking butter - I use baking butter, but you can use unsalted butter at room temperature.
Ground almonds - if you didn’t want to use ground almonds you could make up the 60g with extra flour to make these nut free!
Flaxseed - I’ve added flaxseed to add in some Omega 3! Why not!
Raisins and cranberries - Delicious as a yummy snack, so I decided to use these. You can use currants if you like to be more traditional.
Mixed spice - I find this spice makes these Welsh cakes! So delicious against the fruit.
Free range egg - I always use free eggs with the lion stamp.
Cinnamon (optional) - Adds something special to the taste of the Welsh cakes! This is optional so if you do not like cinnamon you can leave this part out.
Serving suggestion
The Welsh cakes are perfect on their own, as a snack! Or they could be part of a dessert with plain yogurt.
Either way they are a healthy snack alternative to the ready bought sugary snacks from the supermarket, so you must give them a go as they are so easy to make!
Serve with a mango pot, strawberry dessert or a chia seed pudding, great for dipping.
Storage instructions
The Welsh cakes can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, if stored in an airtight container.
If you wanted to freeze the the Welsh cakes, you will need to get yourself a freezer bag or an airtight container. Make sure that which ever you choose are labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container. The Welsh cakes will store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To defrost the Welsh cakes, leave in the fridge overnight to defrost and make sure it is fully defrosted, before serving.
Once the Welsh cakes have been defrosted you will not be able to re freeze.
Equipment Used To Help With This Recipe
Large bowl - Definitely choose a stainless steel one - they are lighter than the stone or glass ones and very easy to clean.
Micky mouse cutters - These are great for biscuits, cookies, pastry, icing and they are fun for creating something a bit different at mealtimes with your little ones.
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.
Nutribullet - I have found a blender to be an invaluable tool in the preparation of many of my baby led weaning recipes.
Recipe | Sugar Free, Welsh Cakes For Babies and Toddlers
Makes 16 Welsh Cakes
150g self raising flour
80g baking butter
60g ground almonds
1 tablespoon flaxseed
130g raisins and cranberries
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1 free range egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to a medium heat of 160C or 320F.
Sift the flour and add in the rest of the dry ingredients to the large bowl. The flaxseed, ground almonds and mixed spice and stir.
Add in the butter and mix with a spoon or use your hands.
Next add in the beaten egg and fruit. (From 6 months old blitz the fruit in a food processor).
Use your hands and mix and bring together with your hands to form a ball.
Lay the dough on floured surface and roll out to 1cm thick.
Cut out using a cookie cutter of your choice, I made 16 with my Mickey Mouse cutters.
Pop in the oven on a lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, until golden brown.
To finish, sprinkle with cinnamon if you like. Leave to stand for a couple of minutes before serving to cool.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
Traditionally Welsh cakes are made with currents so you could absolutely use them for this recipe! Equally, if you wanted to use a mixture of dried fruit you could too! Use your child’s favourite dried fruit of choice and they will love them!
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