Apple, Butternut Squash & Raisin Baby Purée (7+ Months)
This homemade apple, butternut squash, and raisin baby purée is naturally sweet, packed with vitamins and fiber, and an easy way to introduce comforting fall flavors to your baby’s diet. The apples and squash create a smooth, creamy texture while the raisins add a touch of natural sweetness and extra iron.
Suitable for babies around 7 months and older, this wholesome purée is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and can even be transformed into healthy muffins the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the simplest ways to help children connect with nature is through seasonal eating. From their very first bites, babies can begin discovering the flavors each season has to offer.
Fall brings an abundance of naturally sweet foods like apples and butternut squash that are rich in vitamins, easy to digest, and perfect for homemade baby food. This simple purée celebrates the harvest season while introducing your little one to wholesome ingredients that nourish growing bodies (and we hope, spark a lifelong appreciation for seasonal foods).
- Naturally sweet without added sugar
- Rich in vitamins A and C
- Good source of fiber
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep
- Smooth texture that’s easy for babies to eat
- Uses simple, whole-food ingredients
- Leftover purée can be used to make healthy apple spice mini muffins
When Can Babies Eat This Purée?
This recipe is best for babies around 7 months and older who have already been introduced to individual foods like apples and squash.
The raisins are steamed until soft and blended completely smooth, making them very different from whole raisins, which are a choking hazard and should not be given to young children.
As with any new food, introduce ingredients one at a time before combining them, and consult your pediatrician if your child has specific dietary concerns.
Why Add Raisins?
Raisins might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind for homemade baby food, but they add several benefits.
They provide:
- Natural sweetness without refined sugar
- Fiber to support healthy digestion
- Iron and potassium
- A deeper, richer flavor that pairs beautifully with apples and squash
When steamed and blended into the purée, the raisins create a silky texture while naturally enhancing the sweetness.
How to Make Apple, Butternut Squash & Raisin Baby Purée
Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces.
Peel and cube the butternut squash into similar-sized pieces.
Place the apples and squash in a steamer basket and steam for 10–12 minutes, or until fork tender.
Add the raisins during the final 2 minutes of steaming to soften them.
Transfer everything to a blender or food processor along with about ½ cup of the reserved steaming liquid.
Blend until completely smooth, adding more liquid as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
Allow the purée to cool before serving.
Apple, Squash, and Raisin Purée for Baby
Ingredients
- 3 sweet apples Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp
- 1/2 butternut squash
- 1/4 35 g cup raisins
- 1/2 cup water (reserved from steaming)
Instructions
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
- Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
- Steam the apples and butternut squash together for 10 to 12 minutes, or until soft. Add the raisins and steam for 2 additional minutes. Reserve the liquid from the steamer.
- Purée the apple, butternut squash, and raisins in a food processor with 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of the reserved liquid. Add more liquid as needed to obtain the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes. Frozen squash works well and can save prep time.
Can I leave out the raisins?
Absolutely. The apples and squash make a delicious purée on their own. The raisins simply add extra sweetness, fiber, and nutrients.
Can I use another type of squash?
Yes. Kabocha or pumpkin purée can also work, although butternut squash produces the smoothest texture and sweetest flavor.
Is this good for constipation?
Both apples and raisins contain fiber that may support healthy digestion as part of a balanced diet. Every child is different, so talk with your pediatrician if constipation is an ongoing concern.
Don’t Waste the Leftovers
This recipe makes enough purée for several servings, and any extra can be used to make our Healthy Apple Spice Mini Muffins. They’re soft, naturally sweetened, and perfect for toddlers, lunchboxes, or a cozy fall breakfast.