Baby-Friendly Baked Oatmeal Bites Recipe

The perfect healthy Baked Oatmeal Bites that you and your littles will love!

Ah, snack time—one of my favorite times of the day, but also one of the hardest to keep healthy. Instead of reaching for pre-packaged snacks I keep on hand, I try to plan out healthier, but equally tasty goodies that both my babies and I will enjoy. One of my current favorites is my Baby-Friendly Baked Oatmeal Bites!

With rolled oats, baby purée, and almond butter, these naturally sweet and easy to hold oatmeal bites are the perfect balance of nutritious and delicious. The perfect starter solid snack for my little twins, Roxy and Riley (and I!) devour these delicious bites.

You can watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on The Savvy Spoon Instagram, here!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Breakfast Option: Packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, bananas, and almond butter, these bites are a healthy breakfast choice. They’re sweetened naturally with banana and applesauce, making them a wholesome, no-added-sugar option perfect for starting your day.
• Simple Ingredients and Easy Prep: With simple ingredients like banana and oats, and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings. Plus, they’re economical and accessible, with ingredients found at your local grocery store.
• Customizable and Versatile: These oatmeal bites are dairy-free and can be made gluten-free with certified oats, catering to various dietary needs. This recipe is extremely versatile and can be topped with your favorite toppings such as pumpkin seeds and flax seeds for an extra burst of nutrition! Plus, you can customize these bites with different baby purée flavors or mix-ins for added nutrition and a variety of tastes.
• Kid and Budget-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, these bite-sized portions are ideal finger foods for babies, toddlers or adults!
• Easy Storage and Meal Prep: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer, and easily double or triple the batch for convenient meal prep.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2 (4 oz.) cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 (4 oz.) baby purée pouch, any flavor (I use Cerebelly)
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 1 large banana, mashed
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Let’s get baking!

1. Preheat and Prepare
   Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
   
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, and baking powder. Create a well in the center of the oat mixture.
   
3. Add Wet Ingredients
   Into the well, add the unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, baby purée pouch, and almond butter. Mix everything together until well combined.
   
4. Fill the Muffin Tin
   Scoop the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup completely.
   
5. Bake
   Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the bites are set. Be careful not to let the oats brown too much.
   
6. Cool and Enjoy
   Allow the oatmeal bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Once cooled, these bites can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Why Are These Baked Oatmeal Bites Baby-Friendly?

You might be wondering what makes these oatmeal bites perfect for babies and toddlers. Here’s why:

Wholesome Ingredients

This recipe uses ingredients like oats, applesauce, banana, and almond butter, which are gentle on little tummies and provide essential nutrients.

Texture

The texture of these baked oatmeal bites is soft and chewy, making them easy for little ones to handle and enjoy.

No Added Sugar

We skip refined sugars and rely on natural sweetness from fruits and baby purée, which makes these bites a healthier choice for your baby.

Tips for Success

• Variety of Flavors
  Experiment with different baby purée flavors to add variety and introduce new tastes to your little one.
  
• Mix-Ins
  Feel free to add optional mix-ins like chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or even a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for a treat.
  
• Meal Prep
  These oatmeal bites are perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for a quick grab-and-go option.
  
• Mix Ingredients Well
  Mixing the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly and not over-baking will help ensure these oatmeal bites stay soft and chewy and have the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Baked Oatmeal Bites

Can I freeze these baked oatmeal bites? 

Absolutely! These bites freeze well. Simply store them in a freezer-safe bag and thaw as needed.

Can I use different flavors of baby purée?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors to suit your child’s preferences.

Are these bites gluten-free? 

Ensure your oats and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Do I need to use a toaster oven, or can I use a regular oven? 

Either will work fine! The recipe is designed for a regular oven, but a toaster oven can also be used with adjusted baking times as needed.

What can I use instead of almond butter? 

You can substitute any nut or seed butter of your choice, such as peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.

Can I add other ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to these oatmeal bites? 

Absolutely! Feel free to customize these bites with your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

I hope you enjoy making these Baby-Friendly Baked Oatmeal Bites as much as I do. They’re not just for babies—they’re a wholesome, perfect snack that the whole family can enjoy. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast, snack time, or a finger food option, these oatmeal bites are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or share your experience making these delicious treats. Happy baking!

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