Apple Puree - Healthy Little Foodies (2024)

All Posts, by Date » Baby Friendly Recipes » Puree Recipes » Apple Puree (Apple Sauce)

By: Amy

Jump to Recipe

Apple Puree takes little effort to make and can be used in a variety of ways.It is delicious warm, spiced with cinnamon, ginger or star anise,or chilled with some natural yoghurt.

Apple Puree - Healthy Little Foodies (1)

Apple puree (sauce) is my absolute favourite recipe to make in large batches so that it's always on hand. My kids enjoy it hot with their breakfast oatmeal or on ice cream for dessert. They also like eating it cold by the spoonful or swirled into yogurt as a tasty snack.

Jump to:
  • Reasons to Love this Puree
  • Ingredient Information
  • Step by Step Instructions (With Images)
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Puree Recipes
  • Apple Puree / Sauce

Reasons to Love this Puree

  • Versatile: Apple puree can be used in a variety of dishes, including desserts, smoothies, baking and sauces for meat dishes.
  • Easy to Make: Making apple puree is incredibly easy and requires only apples, a touch of water and optional spices to flavour it.
  • Nutritious: Homemade apple sauce is a great source of fibre, vitamins and minerals.
  • Freezer Friendly: Make in batches soo you always have some to hand.
  • Cost-effective: Apples are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable option for those on a budget.

Ingredient Information

For the full recipe, with ingredient amounts, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Apple Puree - Healthy Little Foodies (2)
  • Apples - Each apple variety has a different colour, texture, and taste and reacts differently to heat. The best apples for puree are those that are sweet with flesh that breaks down easily. However, I generally believe that it is down to personal preference and/or what you are looking to pair your apple sauce with.

    Our favourite apples are Kanzi and Pink Lady and as we have these in our house most often, this is what I generally make apple puree with. Other great options include McIntosh, Cortland, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Jazz, Royal Gala and Jonathan.

  • Cinnamon - This is optional, you can miss it out or replace it with a different spice. Depending on how you wish to use your puree,ginger, nutmeg, star anise and vanilla all work well.
  • Sweeteners - A lot of apple sauce/apple puree recipes call for the addition of sugar or another sweetener, such as maple syrup or honey. Personally, I do not think there is any need for sugar in applepuree, especially if you use delicious sweet apples. I have not added any to this recipe and strongly recommend you do not add if making for a baby or toddler.

Step by Step Instructions (With Images)

You can make apple puree by baking,slow cooking, pressure cooking,steaming or simmeringthe appleson the stove. My preferred method is cooking on the stovetop.

Apple Puree - Healthy Little Foodies (3)
  1. Peel and core the apples. Peel, core, and chop the apples into large chunks.
  2. Transfer the apples to a large pan. Add a little water (just enough to help them steam) and cinnamon (optional or sub for other spices.)
  3. Cover and Simmer. Simmer the apples for approximately 15 minutes. The apples should be very soft and starting to break up.
  4. Puree.Puree in a food processor, blender or by using a stick blender. Alternatively, if you would prefer a chunkier sauce then you can mash with a fork or potato masher.
Apple Puree - Healthy Little Foodies (4)

Serving Suggestions

Apple puree isn't just for babies! Here are some other suggestions for what to use it in.

  • Baking
    Apple puree can be used as a replacement for fat or eggs in baking. It can also be used to naturally sweeten baked goods.
    I've used it in these Carrot and Apple Muffins and Porridge Fingers
  • Swirl into porridge
    A couple of spoonfuls of puree will take your porridge to the next level of deliciousness.
  • Swirl into Yoghurt
    Use it to naturally sweeten some plain yoghurt like in this apple yogurt recipe.
  • Spread it on Toast Along with Nut Butter
    If you haven't tried this then I seriously recommend it.
  • A Sauce
    For pancakes, waffles or ice-cream.
  • Enjoy with Savoury Dishes
    Apple pairs perfectly with pork to create a flavour duo that’s hard to argue with. My kids love when I pair fruit with savoury dishes!
  • Add to Smoothies
    Add some to smoothies or (for the adults only) co*cktails.

Recipe FAQs

What is Apple Puree?

Apple puree is cooked apples that are pureed until even textured and smooth.

What is the Difference Between Apple Puree and Apple Sauce?

Apple puree is essentially applesauce. They are prepared in the same way but the finishing touches can differ. The puree is always smooth but applesauce can be a variety of textures from chunky to smooth.

Can I Serve Apple Puree to a Baby?

Apple puree is commonly used as an early baby food because it is nutritious and easy to digest. It can be enjoyed by itself or mixed with a range of other purees.
Some suggestions include.
Oatmeal, Banana Puree, Avocado Puree, Sweet Potato Puree, Carrot Puree, Butternut Squash Puree,
Chicken Puree, Blueberry Puree and Yogurt.

Read more about serving apples to babies (including how to prepare them and baby-friendly apple recipes)

How Do You Store Apple Puree?

Refrigerator
Place in an airtight container and store overnight. If you wish to store it for longer you can add some lemon juice when cooking the apples.
Freezer
Freezing is my preferred method of storage as you can freeze it in small amounts and take it out as needed.
Pour the puree into ice-cube trays and freeze until solid. (Flexible ice cube trays work best as it is easier to pop out the frozen cubes.)
Once they’re fully frozen, quickly pop them all out and place the frozen cubes into a freezer bag or container and return to the freezer.

Apple Puree - Healthy Little Foodies (5)

More Puree Recipes

  • Peach Puree
  • Vegetable Puree
  • Mango Puree
  • Strawberry Puree

Looking for more healthy kid recipes?Sign up for myfree recipe newsletter toget new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more kid-friendly inspiration onPinterest andInstagram.

Apple Puree - Healthy Little Foodies (10)

5 from 13 votes

Author: Amy

Apple Puree / Sauce

Apple Puree takes little effort to make and can be used in a variety of ways.

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Serves:6

Hover over "serves" value to reveal recipe scaler

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 Medium Apples , cored, peeled and cut into chunks.
  • 60ml (¼ cup) Water
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

  • Place all the ingredient into a heavy-based saucepan.

  • Cover and cook over a low heat until tender (15-20 mins)

  • Puree using a hand blender, blender or food processor.

Video

Recipe Notes

  1. My favourite apple in Kanzi or Pink Lady so this is what I use most often. Other great options include : McIntosh, Cortland, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Jazz, Royal Gala, Jonathan
  2. Cinnamon is optional. Leave out or replace with a different spice such as ginger, nutmeg, star anise, vanilla
  3. If you prefer a thicker consistency you can mash instead of puree using a fork or potato masher.

Nutritional information is a ROUGH guide only, calculatedusing an online calculator. The facts are based on using Pink Lady apples.

Nutritional facts

Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 194mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 8.3mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Course:Dessert, Puree, Snack

Cuisine:Western

Did you make this recipe?Tag me on Instagramat @healthylittlefoodies or leave me acomment & rating below.

You may also like

  • Cucumber Apple Salad

  • Cinnamon Apples

  • Blueberry Puree

Meet Amy

Amy Whiteford runs the blog Healthy Little Foodies. She is a mum to two, has a BSc (Hons) Food Science, PGDE Primary Education and a Certificate in Childhood Nutrition. She uses her experience and knowledge to create healthy and delicious recipes for kids. Explore the site for creative ideas, tips, and inspiration! Read more

Apple Puree - Healthy Little Foodies (14)

How to raise a Healthy Little Foodie

Receive family friendly recipes, delivered weekly to your inbox, for FREE! And receive this FREE ebook - "How to Raise a Healthy Little Foodie"

Previous PostPea Fritters
Next Post Slow Cooker Curried Sausages

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment

27 Comments

  1. Grace says

    How long will the purée last in the fridge?

    Reply

    • Amy says

      Refrigerator
      Place in an airtight container and store overnight. If you wish to store it for longer you can add some lemon juice when cooking the apples.
      Freezer
      Freezing is my preferred method of storage as you can freeze it in small amounts and take it out as needed.
      Pour the puree into ice-cube trays and freeze until solid. (Flexible ice cube trays work best as it is easier to pop out the frozen cubes.)
      Once they’re fully frozen, quickly pop them all out and place the frozen cubes into a freezer bag or container and return to the freezer.

      Reply

  2. Gia Fernandez says

    How do I defrost it after doing the ice cube tray method?

    Reply

    • Amy says

      Hi Gia, pop a couple of ice-cubes (or however many you wish to defrost) in a small bowl and cover. Place in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.

      Reply

  3. Kim says

    Apple Puree - Healthy Little Foodies (17)
    This was amazing mixed in my overnight oats!

    Reply

    • Amy says

      Delicious! Thanks Kim 🙂

      Reply

Older Comments

Receive more free kid recipes!

Receive family friendly recipes, delivered weekly to your inbox, for FREE! And receive a FREE ebook - "How to Raise a Healthy Little Foodie"

Rate This Recipe

Apple Puree - Healthy Little Foodies (2024)

FAQs

Is apple puree healthy? ›

Apple purée is high in fibre, which aids digestion and keeps you from feeling bloated. It contributes to maintaining a well-balanced microbiota in the digestive tract, thereby promoting overall digestive health.

What is the healthiest fruit puree? ›

What are the best fruit purees for weaning?
  • Plums - cooked and mashed or blended.
  • Avocados - mashed or blended.
  • Peaches - cooked then blended.
  • Melon - blended.
  • Apricots - cooked then blended.
Sep 20, 2023

Is apple puree the same as applesauce? ›

Apple puree is essentially applesauce. They are prepared in the same way but the finishing touches can differ. The puree is always smooth but applesauce can be a variety of textures from chunky to smooth.

Can babies eat apple puree everyday? ›

Yes. Apples offer fiber, vitamins B6 and C, and antioxidants to help a growing baby thrive. Together, these nutrients help to support the digestive system, metabolic processes, boost iron absorption, and aid repair and recovery.

Is apple puree OK for IBS? ›

First and foremost, apple sauce is a great way to get all of the flavor of apples without the irritation. When making applesauce, apples are peeled and cooked down. Both processes help to reduce the likelihood of triggering IBS symptoms. In addition, we also suggest baking fruit in the oven!

Is apple puree concentrate sugar? ›

Because fruit juices and fruit purees are concentrated forms of naturally occurring sugar, they may be added to products to sweeten the taste.

Is pureed fruit as healthy as whole fruit? ›

Fruit Purees and Health

It may offer slightly more calories than normal fruit as it is more concentrated, but the amount of vitamins, minerals and beneficial nutrients is the same. Fruit purees, as well as fruit, also offer antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and help limit cell damage within the body.

Is fruit puree high in sugar? ›

Typically, these fruit-focused snacks and meals have the highest amount of fruit sugar per serving. “A study analyzed 703 pureed baby and toddler food products and found that pouched purees were often higher in sugar than baby food in other packages, like jars or plastic tubs.

Does pureed fruit lose nutrients? ›

And blending shouldn't degrade the vitamins or minerals found in fruits and vegetables, Dr. Lila said. Nor will it immediately harm certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, like anthocyanins and flavonols, she said.

How long does apple puree last in the fridge? ›

Best Tips for Success

Refrigerate the apple puree for up to 5 days in airtight containers. Freeze, once cooled, in a silicone ice cube tray overnight. Transfer to a zip top storage bag and freeze for up to 6 months.

Do you have to peel apples for puree? ›

The skins of an apple, peach or cucumber (just a few examples) might not puree smoothly and could be a choking hazard for new eaters. Play it safe and peel until they're ready to take on more textured foods.

Can you freeze apple puree? ›

Apple puree freezes very well and we would suggest that you freeze the puree in 285g portions, so that you don't thaw more than you need for the cake. Put the puree in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months (which, at time of writing, will take you beyond Christmas).

Do I need to heat apple puree for baby? ›

Baby purees are often best served at room temperature, but don't be tempted to partially reheat food for your baby to avoid having to wait for it to cool. Unless served cold straight from the fridge, baby purees should always be reheated until piping hot, which means steaming throughout, to kill off bacteria.

Will apple puree help baby poop? ›

Apples (especially with the skin on) are high in fiber and can help pull water into your baby's colon. This keeps baby's poop soft and easy to pass. Try offering small pieces of cooked apple or pour some apple juice into a sippy cup to help get things back on track. Apples are a great stage 1 baby food.

Why is banana good for babies? ›

Are bananas healthy for babies? Yes. Bananas are packed with carbohydrates to energize the body and essential nutrients that babies need to thrive, like folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium. Together these nutrients support the nervous system, skin health, iron absorption, and blood pressure.

Is homemade fruit puree healthy? ›

Fruit Purees and Health

It may offer slightly more calories than normal fruit as it is more concentrated, but the amount of vitamins, minerals and beneficial nutrients is the same. Fruit purees, as well as fruit, also offer antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and help limit cell damage within the body.

How much sugar is in apple puree? ›

Nutrition
Typical ValuesPer 100gPer Pack
Sugars10.5g7.4g
Fibre1.8g1.3g
Protein<0.5g<0.5g
Salt0.02g0.01g
4 more rows

Is it healthy to eat applesauce every day? ›

Apple sauce is a popular snack for both children and adults, but is it a healthy choice? The answer is a resounding yes! Apple sauce is low in calories, fat-free, and contains beneficial vitamins and minerals. Apples are packed with fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and aids in digestion.

Are fruit puree pouches healthy? ›

Fruit pouches are OK once in a while, especially when you're busy and need a quick snack for your child. But it's best to offer other snacks most of the time. If you do choose pouches, opt for ones that don't only have fruit but also non-sweet vegetables, as well as pulses (like chickpeas and lentils) or yoghurt.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kieth Sipes

Last Updated:

Views: 6086

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kieth Sipes

Birthday: 2001-04-14

Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271

Phone: +9663362133320

Job: District Sales Analyst

Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing

Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.