Apple Nut Bake

A four-ingredient homemade baby food that takes 30 minutes from start to finish. Cooking apple gets stewed in orange juice until completely soft, then mashed or pureed smooth. An egg yolk and a tablespoon of ground almonds stir in before the mixture goes into the oven to bake until just set.

The egg yolk adds protein and healthy fat, both important for infant nutrition. The ground almonds add a little more fat and a subtle nuttiness without introducing whole nuts. The orange juice does double duty: it cooks the apple and adds a gentle citrus flavor that pairs naturally with the fruit.

Serve warm straight from the oven, or make ahead and refrigerate for a cold serving. The recipe suggests varying the fruit by season, so pear, peach, or mango all work by the same method.

Kitchen Tips

• Mash thoroughly or use a small blender for a completely smooth texture, especially for younger infants.
• Use cooking apples rather than eating apples since they break down faster and produce a softer puree.
• Grind the almonds finely so there are no chunks. Ground almond from a packet also works.
• This is a small-batch recipe. Scale up if making for several meals, and refrigerate leftovers for up to two days.

Variations

• Pear version: Swap the apple for ripe pear, which breaks down even faster and has a naturally sweeter flavor.
• Stone fruit: Peeled, pitted peach or apricot works well in summer months as the recipe suggests.