Side Dishes
This broccoli apple baby food recipe transforms simple ingredients into a naturally sweet, nutrient-packed puree perfect for little ones—no added sugar or salt required. The combination of steamed broccoli and tender apples creates a smooth, easy-to-digest texture while retaining all the essential vitamins and minerals babies need for growth.
My approach focuses on gentle cooking methods to preserve nutrients and create a puree that’s both safe and delicious for tiny taste buds.
The secret to this recipe lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Steaming the broccoli until fork-tender ensures it softens just enough to blend smoothly, while the apples add natural sweetness that babies love without any artificial additives.
I’ve tested this recipe with both breastmilk and formula for extra comfort, and you can easily adjust the thickness by adding a splash of water or a healthy fat like avocado puree for added calories.
What makes this puree stand out is its versatility and ease of preparation. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a batch ready to serve, store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for later use.
The puree is gentle on digestion while packed with fiber, vitamin C, and potassium—everything a growing baby needs. Plus, the natural sweetness from the apples makes it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
For extra nutrition, consider adding a teaspoon of olive oil or mashed avocado to boost healthy fats, or mix in a little breastmilk or formula for a familiar taste. This recipe isn’t just about feeding your baby—it’s about nourishing them in the healthiest way possible.
Let’s get started on a batch that’s as good for you as it is for them.
Ingredients for broccoli apple baby food
Simple ingredients for a naturally sweet, nutrient-rich baby puree—no added sugar or salt needed.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Broccoli Florets 🥦 | 2 cups | Cut into small florets |
| Apples 🍎 | 1 medium | Peeled, cored, chopped |
| Water 💧 | ½ cup | For steaming |
| Breastmilk or Formula 🍼 | ¼ cup | Optional for thinning |
| Avocado Puree 🥑 | 2 tbsp | Optional for healthy fats |
| Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 🫒 | 1 tsp | Optional for richness |
| Cinnamon 🌿 | ¼ tsp | Optional for warmth |
Broccoli is the star here—look for bright green florets with tight buds for the best texture. Whole Foods or your local grocery store usually have the freshest options, but frozen works too if you're in a pinch. Apples should be firm and sweet—Honeycrisp or Fuji varieties are perfect. Peel and core them before chopping to avoid any tough bits. The water is just for steaming, but if you're using breastmilk or formula, grab it fresh from the fridge for that familiar taste babies love.
No breastmilk or formula? Water or unsweetened applesauce works just as well for thinning. Want extra healthy fats? Mashed avocado or olive oil adds creaminess without any artificial ingredients. The cinnamon is optional but adds a lovely warmth—just a pinch is all you need. For a smoother texture, blend longer, but don’t overdo it. Babies love the natural sweetness of the apples, so no need to add sugar. If you’re making a big batch, double the ingredients and freeze in ice cube trays for easy portions later.
This puree keeps for 3 days in the fridge, but it’s best fresh. For longer storage, freeze in small containers or ice cube trays—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The broccoli and apples can be prepped ahead and stored separately in the fridge for 1 day before steaming. Always check the temperature before serving—it should be cool but not cold. The natural sweetness and nutrients make this puree perfect for tiny taste buds, and it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive stomachs.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fewer Tools Needed: I swear by this combo—just a steamer basket, blender, and spoon. No fancy gadgets, no small-chop stress. Those tiny broccoli florets and apple chunks soften perfectly in one go, and the avocado puree blends right in without extra steps.
- Sweet-Savory Magic: The apples bring that gentle sweetness, but the broccoli’s earthy crunch (even when pureed) keeps it interesting. Add a splash of breastmilk or formula, and it’s like a grown-up smoothie—naturally balanced, no sugar needed.
- Batch Prep Hero: Make a big batch and freeze in ice cube trays. Thaw one cube at a time for quick meals, or mix into oatmeal when your little one’s ready for textures. Honestly, this is my go-to when I’m juggling grocery runs and baby schedules.
- Budget-Boosting Combo: Broccoli and apples are pantry staples, and avocado adds richness without breaking the bank. I’ll be real: this costs me half what store-bought baby food does, and I know exactly what’s in it. Plus, leftovers? Just reheat with a splash of water.
Step-by-step instructions for broccoli apple baby food puree
Here's how to create a naturally sweet, nutrient-packed puree that's perfect for your little one.
🍳 Step 1: Steam the Broccoli and Apples
Place the 2 cups fresh broccoli florets and 1 medium chopped apple in a steamer basket over 0.5 cup water in a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and cover. Steam for 8-10 minutes until the broccoli is tender and bright green, and the apples are soft enough to pierce easily with a fork.
You'll know it's ready when the broccoli florets collapse slightly and the apple pieces lose their firmness. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the puree bitter. The steam should create a gentle, fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen—this is your cue that the vegetables are cooking properly.
👨🍳 Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Transfer the steamed broccoli and apples to a blender or food processor. Add the 2 tablespoons avocado puree and 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil for healthy fats and richness. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. The puree should have a vibrant green color with a naturally sweet apple flavor.
If the puree is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of breastmilk or formula at a time until it reaches a smooth, spoonable consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still easy for your baby to swallow. The texture should be silky and velvety, with no lumps or graininess.
🥘 Step 3: Add Optional Warmth and Balance
Return the puree to the saucepan and warm it gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes if you'd like to incorporate the 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir in the cinnamon until fully dissolved, which adds a subtle warmth that complements the natural sweetness of the apples. Taste it yourself—it should be naturally sweet without any added sugar, with a gentle spice that's safe for babies.
If you're not using cinnamon, simply let the puree cool to room temperature before serving. The natural sweetness of the apples should be balanced by the earthy flavor of the broccoli, creating a harmonious taste that even picky babies often enjoy. The puree should smell fresh and inviting, with no metallic or burnt odors.
⏰ Step 4: Store and Serve
Let the puree cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. When serving, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat until just heated through—never microwave directly from frozen, as this can create hot spots.
For best results, serve the puree at room temperature or slightly warmed. The texture should remain smooth and easy to swallow, with no separation between the broccoli and apple flavors. This puree makes a great first food or a nutritious addition to meals as your baby grows. The natural sweetness from the apples and healthy fats from the avocado make it a perfect introduction to solid foods.
Pro Tips For Making Broccoli Apple Baby Food
- STEAM BROCCOLI UNTIL TENDER: Broccoli florets should be fork-mashable when done—no crunch, no mush. I learned this the hard way after serving a batch with slightly undercooked florets that made my baby gag. Cover the pot with a tight lid and steam for 8-10 minutes, checking at 7. If the stems still snap like twigs, add 2 more minutes.
- PEEL APPLES BEFORE COOKING: Raw apple peels stay tough no matter how long you steam them, turning your puree into a gritty mess. Take 30 seconds to peel and core apples before chopping—it’s easier than picking out peels later, and the texture will be silky smooth. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
- DILUTE GRADUALLY WITH LIQUID: Start with just breastmilk or formula—adding water first makes the puree too thin to cling to spoons. Mix in 1 tablespoon of liquid at a time while blending, tasting as you go. The goal is a thick, spoonable consistency that doesn’t slide off the tray like soup.
- SAVE TIME WITH AVOCADO FIRST: Blend the avocado puree into the hot broccoli-apple mix last—it prevents the other ingredients from turning gray. I skip pre-cooling the blend by adding the avocado right after steaming, then pulsing until smooth. The fat from the avocado also helps lock in the bright green color instead of dulling it.
Make-ahead tips for this broccoli apple baby food
Prep Ahead Strategy
Chop the broccoli florets and apple up to 2 days ahead and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This saves time when you're ready to steam—just toss them into the steamer basket and cook as directed.
The broccoli stays fresh and vibrant, while the apple maintains its natural sweetness. 🥦🍎
Batch Cooking Tips
Double the recipe and freeze the puree in ice cube trays for easy, portion-controlled servings. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a small bag or container. This method works perfectly for busy parents—just thaw one cube overnight in the fridge or warm it gently in a saucepan.
The texture remains smooth and safe for babies. ❄️
Storage Containers
Use glass containers with tight-sealing lids for fridge storage—they’re safer for babies and won’t absorb odors like plastic. For freezing, silicone molds or small glass jars work best.
Label everything with the date to keep track of freshness. I love using Wean Green containers—they’re designed specifically for baby food and stack neatly in the fridge. 📅
Freezing for Later
Portion the puree into 1-2 ounce servings before freezing to match your baby’s appetite. Lay flat in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a bag once frozen.
This prevents clumping and makes it easy to grab just what you need. Thaw overnight in the fridge—never microwave directly from frozen to avoid temperature fluctuations. 🥶
Reheating Safely
Warm frozen puree gently in a small saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or breastmilk to restore creaminess. Stir constantly to prevent hot spots.
The puree should reach body temperature (around 98°F) before serving. Always test with your wrist to ensure it’s safe for tiny hands. 🔥
Mix-In Flexibility
Pre-mix optional ingredients like avocado puree or cinnamon into the steamed veggies before blending. Store these separately in the fridge if you’re not using them immediately. Just add them fresh when you’re ready to blend—this keeps flavors bright and prevents spoilage. 🌿
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
When can I introduce this broccoli apple puree to my baby?
This puree is perfect for babies starting solids around 6 months old. Always check with your pediatrician first, but the smooth texture and gentle flavors make it an excellent first food. Start with small portions (1-2 teaspoons) and watch for any reactions. The natural sweetness from apples often helps transition babies from milk to solid foods more easily.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Frozen broccoli works perfectly and is often more convenient. Just thaw it completely before using and pat dry to remove excess moisture. The texture will be just as tender when steamed. For apples, fresh is best, but you can use unsweetened applesauce in a pinch if you're short on time.
How do I adjust the thickness for different baby stages?
For 6-8 month olds, aim for a smooth, thin puree by adding more breastmilk or water. As your baby gets older (9+ months), you can make it thicker by reducing liquids or adding mashed avocado. Always test the texture by running it through a fork—it should glide smoothly without clumping. The natural sweetness helps babies accept new textures.
Is this puree safe if my baby has acid reflux?
Yes, this recipe is generally gentle for reflux-prone babies because it avoids citrus and tomatoes. The apple's natural pectin helps soothe digestion, while the steaming process preserves nutrients without creating acidic byproducts. However, always monitor your baby's reaction and consult your pediatrician if you notice any discomfort. Starting with small amounts is always wise.
Can I add other fruits or veggies to this puree?
You can absolutely mix in other baby-friendly ingredients! Try adding steamed sweet potato for natural sweetness, carrot for extra vitamin A, or peach for a different fruit flavor. Just introduce new ingredients one at a time to monitor your baby's reaction. The key is keeping the texture smooth and the flavors mild—this puree's gentle base makes it easy to customize.