how to serve banana bread to baby
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas the riper, the better for natural sweetness
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter or a neutral oil like coconut or vegetable oil
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon optional, for flavor
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce optional, for added moisture
- Pinch of salt optional, for older babies
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter and eggs to the mashed bananas. Mix well until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt (if using).
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. If using applesauce, fold it in at this stage for extra moisture.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it into small pieces suitable for your baby.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- For babies under one year old, cut the banana bread into small strips or bite-sized pieces.
- For older babies (over one year), you can toast slices lightly for added texture and serve them with yogurt or fresh fruit on the side.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Freezing: Slice the banana bread and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in an airtight freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw slices as needed at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.