If you’re on the lookout for a delicious and nutritious breakfast option for your little one, you are going to adore this Apple Pancakes for Baby-led Weaning & Toddlers Recipe. It’s tender, naturally sweetened with fresh apples, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients that nurture your baby’s developing taste buds and introduce exciting new textures. Whether you’re dipping your toes into baby-led weaning or just want to serve up a family-friendly treat, these pancakes are quick to whip up and perfectly sized for tiny hands to hold, making mealtime both fun and stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most magical meals, and this recipe is no exception. Each component plays a key role in making these pancakes fluffy, flavorful, and toddler-approved.
- 5 oz chopped apple: Adds natural sweetness and moisture while introducing a gentle fruity flavor.
- 2 eggs: The essential binder that makes the pancakes hold together and provides protein.
- 3 tbsp wholewheat flour: Brings fiber and a mild nutty taste, plus it helps with texture.
- 3 tbsp rolled oats: Adds a subtle chewiness and keeps the pancakes wholesome.
- 1 tbsp whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender without overpowering.
- Coconut oil for cooking: Provides a hint of tropical flavor and ensures perfect non-stick cooking.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Apple Pancakes for Baby-led Weaning & Toddlers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by peeling your apple if your baby is under 8 months old, then chop it into smaller pieces and toss it into the blender. For older toddlers, leaving the peel on is perfectly fine as it adds extra fiber and nutrients.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
Add the eggs, wholewheat flour, rolled oats, and whole milk to the blender with your apples. Blend everything until you get a silky smooth batter. Keep an eye on the consistency—it should be thick enough to pour slowly but not runny. If too thin, spoon in a bit more flour, little by little.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Warm a non-stick pancake pan over medium heat so it’s ready to cook your pancakes evenly and gently.
Step 4: Grease the Pan
Add a small teaspoon of coconut oil to coat the pan lightly. This little touch prevents sticking and adds a lovely hint of flavor without overwhelming the gentle pancakes.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Using a tablespoon, carefully scoop the batter onto the pan. You’ll likely fit around four pancakes at once depending on your pan size. Let them cook until the edges look firm and the bottom turns golden, usually about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip each pancake gently and cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes. The pancake should be cooked through but still delightfully soft inside.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, place them on a plate to cool down before handing them over to your eager baby or toddler. These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh but hold their texture nicely too.
How to Serve Apple Pancakes for Baby-led Weaning & Toddlers Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a light smear of natural yogurt or a drizzle of unsweetened apple puree. For older toddlers, a little sprinkle of cinnamon or finely chopped soft fruits can add exciting new flavors and colors.
Side Dishes
Add a side of mashed avocado or a small serving of soft-cooked veggies to balance sweetness with creaminess and a savory note, making a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few pancakes and threading them onto toddler-friendly skewers with bits of soft fruit in between for a fun, handheld breakfast or snack. You can also cut the pancakes into bite-sized pieces to practice self-feeding skills.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple pancakes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them cool to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your apple pancakes separated by parchment paper inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month, ready for a quick defrost when needed.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes gently in a non-stick pan over low heat, or warm briefly in the microwave. Avoid high heat to keep them soft and avoid drying out, preserving their toddler-friendly texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the wholewheat flour with another flour?
Absolutely! You can swap the wholewheat flour for oat flour or all-purpose flour if you prefer, but wholewheat adds extra fiber and nutrients suited for toddlers.
Is it okay to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Yes, mild spices like cinnamon and nutmeg complement the apples beautifully and are safe for babies over 8 months, adding interest and flavor.
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Definitely try pears or mashed bananas as alternatives for a change of pace while keeping the recipe toddler-friendly and naturally sweet.
What if my baby has a dairy intolerance?
You can replace whole milk with a suitable non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk to make this recipe dairy-free without compromising taste or texture.
How do I know when the pancakes are cooked through?
Look for edges that are firm and a slight lift away from the pan before flipping; once flipped, they cook quickly. The center should feel soft but not wet when gently pressed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about making meals that your baby can enjoy safely and independently, and this Apple Pancakes for Baby-led Weaning & Toddlers Recipe fits perfectly into that special space. It’s simple, wholesome, and a joy to share at the table, encouraging healthy habits and happy tummies. Give these pancakes a try and watch your little one light up with every bite — breakfast just got a whole lot sweeter and more fun!
PrintApple Pancakes for Baby-led Weaning & Toddlers Recipe
Delicious and nutritious Apple Pancakes, perfect for baby-led weaning and toddlers. These soft pancakes combine fresh apple, wholewheat flour, oats, eggs, and whole milk to create a wholesome, easy-to-digest breakfast or snack that little ones will love.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 small pancakes (serves 10 toddlers)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 5 oz chopped apple (peeled if under 8 months old)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp wholewheat flour
- 3 tbsp rolled oats
- 1 tbsp whole milk
- coconut oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the apple: Peel the apple if your child is younger than 8 months, then chop it into smaller pieces and place them into a blender.
- Make the batter: Add eggs, wholewheat flour, rolled oats, and whole milk into the blender with the apple pieces. Blend until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter that can pour but is not runny. If too loose, add flour spoon by spoon to thicken.
- Heat the pan: Place a pancake pan over medium heat and allow it to warm up.
- Grease the pan: Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pancakes: Using a tablespoon, scoop the batter onto the pan, making about 4 pancakes to cover the surface.
- Flip the pancakes: When the edges firm up and the pancake slightly lifts from the pan (about 2 minutes), carefully flip each pancake to the other side.
- Finish cooking: Cook the pancakes for another 1-2 minutes depending on the heat to ensure they are cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and let them cool before serving to your child.
Notes
- You can skip peeling the apple if your child is older than 8 months for added fiber.
- If the batter is too runny, add a bit more wholewheat flour to achieve the right consistency.
- Use coconut oil or a mild oil for greasing to keep pancakes soft and toddler-friendly.
- Always cool pancakes before serving to little ones to avoid burns.
- This recipe makes approximately 10 small pancakes, suitable for 10 toddler servings.