Banana Cherry Beet Puree

This intensely colored Banana, Cherry + Beet Baby Food recipe takes less than 10 minutes to make and is so delicious your baby is going to love it! The vibrant purple-red hue is not only visually appealing but packed with nutrients your little one needs for healthy development.

I created this recipe when my daughter was starting solids and was getting bored with single-ingredient purees. The first time she tried it, her eyes lit up and she actually reached for more—quite the achievement for introducing beets to a baby!

Ingredients

• Bananas: Provide natural sweetness and creaminess while offering potassium and easy digestibility for young tummies
• Cherries: Add antioxidants and a touch of tartness that balances the sweetness of banana. Choose fresh in summer or frozen year-round
• Red beets: Bring incredible color and nutrients like folate and iron. Look for firm beets with smooth skin
• Fresh lemon juice: Helps preserve the bright color and adds a hint of brightness. Always use fresh not bottled

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the beets:

Steam the peeled and chopped beets in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 7 minutes until fork tender. This cooking method preserves more nutrients than boiling directly in water.

Add cherries:

If using frozen cherries place them on top of the beets in the steamer basket and continue steaming for 3 more minutes. Fresh cherries can skip this step as they'll blend easily without cooking. Let everything cool slightly before blending.

Blend until smooth:

Combine the steamed beets cherries bananas and lemon juice in your blender or food processor. Puree on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth with no chunks remaining. The puree should have a silky consistency.

Adjust consistency:

If the mixture seems too thick for your baby's preferences add reserved steaming water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect texture. For younger babies you might want it thinner while older babies can handle more texture.

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Beets are my favorite ingredient in this recipe because they add so much nutritional value without overwhelming the flavor. My daughter would always end up with this puree all over her face making for the cutest purple-cheeked baby photos that we still treasure years later.

Storage Solutions

This puree maintains its quality in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in airtight containers. The lemon juice helps preserve the bright color during storage. For longer storage freeze the puree in ice cube trays then transfer the frozen cubes to freezer bags. Label with the date and use within 4 months for best quality.

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Adaptation Ideas

As your baby grows you can transform this puree into a more textured food by mashing instead of pureeing or by adding small chunks of soft banana. For babies approaching 10-12 months try mixing this puree with infant oatmeal or quinoa for added texture and nutrition. The natural sweetness makes it a hit even with more textured versions.

Nutritional Benefits

This colorful combination delivers important nutrients for your growing baby. Bananas provide potassium and carbohydrates for energy while beets offer folate iron and fiber. Cherries contribute vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune function. Together these ingredients create a nutrient-dense meal that supports brain development digestion and overall growth without any artificial additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prepare the beets for this puree?

Peel and finely chop the beets. Steam them until fork-tender for about 7 minutes before combining with other ingredients.

→ Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Steam them on top of the beets for a few minutes before blending.

→ How do I adjust the puree's consistency?

Add reserved steamed water one tablespoon at a time while blending until you achieve the desired texture.

→ How should I store the puree?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 4 months.

→ What age is this puree suitable for?

This puree is ideal for babies aged 7 months and up, depending on their readiness for solids.