10 Nutritious and Easy Plum Baby Food Recipes

Plums are superfoods with health-promoting properties and high nutritional value. Many moms want to learn plum recipes for babies since common recipes may not be suitable and palatable. The presence of high amounts of phenolic compoundsⁱBioactive secondary metabolites that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties such as anthocyaninsⁱDeep red, blue, and purple pigments found in plants is the secret behind the various benefits of plums (1). Babies older than six months already taking solids can begin to eat plums as per pediatricians’ recommendations. This sweet and sour fruit can be a good choice for baby-led weaning.

You may begin with simple plum recipes such as puree and in lesser quantities; otherwise, it can be hard for your baby’s immature digestive system. Read on to learn its benefits, how to incorporate them into a baby’s diet, and some healthy plum recipes for babies.

Health Benefits Of Plums For Babies

Plums are a low-calorie fruit that contains many vital vitamins, such as A, C, K, B and minerals such as potassium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and fiber, bioactive compoundsⁱChemicals found in fruits and vegetables that are beneficial for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties , such as anthocyanins.

1. Dried plums or prunes are associated with bone health due to its unique nutritional profile that contains major phenolic compounds (2).

2. Both fresh and dried plums have laxative effects as the fiber in it is mostly insoluble and contains sorbitolⁱA sugar alcohol with laxative and diuretic properties which has natural laxative effects.  Thus, they are associated with healthy intestinal motility, thus keeping constipation at bay (3) (4).

3. Plums contain phytochemicalsⁱBioactive compounds found in plant-based foods that act as antioxidants and have antimicrobial effects such as cyanidinⁱWater-soluble organic compounds that impart red, orange, and blue colors to fruits and flowers and luteinⁱA carotenoid protecting the retina from damage due to overexposure to light . Some studies show that regular consumption of plums could possibly have beneficial effects on brain functioning (5).

4. Plums are considered a good source of phytonutrients such as flavonoidsⁱNaturally occurring chemicals found in fruits and vegetables that are beneficial to health , neochlorogenic, and chlorogenic acid, which have high antioxidantⁱMolecules in the body that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals activities. These compounds could help reduce inflammation and combat free radical damage in the long run (5).

Besides these, plums are considered to have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, and antimicrobial properties, which are all beneficial for your infant.

Research finds

Studies have also shown that plums can help improve an individual’s memory (4).

Delicious Plum Recipes For Babies

1. Plum Puree:

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This is the most basic baby food recipe that is ideal for babies who have started solids. You can either prepare fresh plum or prune puree for babies. As the baby progresses on solids, you can try adding different purees or mashed fruits to this recipe to intensify its nutritive value.

You will need:

• 1 cup fresh plums
• Water – Room temperature and ice-cold

How to:

1. Wash the plums and let them dry. Add water in a pan and let it boil. Add the plums and let them stay in the boiling water for about 45 minutes. This process of treating plums is known as blanching. You may also try to steam them instead of blanching.
2. Meanwhile, put ice water in another pan and keep aside.
3. Using a spoon, remove the plums from the hot water, and immediately transfer them into the ice-cold water.
4. Remove the plum from the ice-cold water and use your fingers or a knife to peel off the skin.
5. Slice the plums from the middle and remove the seeds. Puree the plum in a blender or mash it until soft. You can add water or a bit of breast milk or formula milk to make it creamy.

2. Plum yogurt:

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This quick recipe is a step forward from basic plum puree. The addition of Greek yogurt improves the nutritional value of this plum baby food recipe. Besides, yogurt enhances the gut microbiota, which helps your baby’s digestive system remain robust.

You will need:

• 1 cup fresh plums
• 1 cup unsweetened plain Greek yogurt

How to:

1. Make plum puree using fresh plums, as shown in the previous recipe.
2. In a serving bowl, add plain yogurt and plum puree. Mix well and serve.
3. You may also add a half-teaspoon dry fruit powder to this recipe before serving it to your baby.

Quick tip

You can add sliced green apples, pomegranate seeds, rose water, cardamom powder, orange juice and diced plums to hung curd to make a yummy dip for babies.

3. Oats and plum porridge:

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The high fiber content of plums and oats helps boost your baby’s digestive microflora. Besides, the rich micronutrient composition of this recipe supports your baby’s healthy growth and development.

You will need:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup full-cream milk
• ½ cup fresh plums
• Water

How to:

1. In a pan, add the milk and oats and cook according to the instructions given on the packet. Remove and keep aside.
2. Meanwhile, boil water in a pan and add the plums. After about 45 seconds, take them out using a spoon. Place them in chilled water and remove the peel.
3. Once cool, mash the plums using your fingers.
4. Add the mashed plum to the oats porridge.
5. If you wish, you may also add some finely sliced or powdered cinnamon, dried fruits such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachio to this recipe. This will boost the nutritive value of the recipe multi-folds.

4. Baked plums with cinnamon:

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Cinnamon has several health benefits when consumed regularly, and makes a good addition to your baby’s diet. The spice can be added to a variety of recipes to enhance their nutritive composition.

You will need:

• 1 cup fresh plums
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 tbsp apple juice

How to:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Slice plums in half and remove the seed. Place them in an oven-safe dish.
3. Add apple juice and sprinkle some cinnamon powder over the top.
4. Cover the dish and bake for about 25 minutes or till the plums turn tender.
5. Once cool, remove the skin and mash using your fingers.
6. Serve the recipe warm with some toasted bread slices.

5. Roasted plums with yogurt:

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This tasty recipe is yet another version of plum puree with yogurt. Here the plums are roasted instead of being blanched or steamed. This way of cooking enhances the flavor of the plums and makes the recipe more delectable.

You will need:

• 1 cup fresh plums
• 1 cup unsweetened plain yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla pod or essence
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Pure maple syrup

How to:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice plums in half and remove the seed. Place them in an oven-safe dish with the cut portion on the top.
3. Place a small piece of the vanilla pod on each plum piece. Also, add a little butter and a drop of maple syrup on each piece.
4. Place in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes or till the plums turn tender.
5. Once cool, remove the skin, mash, and serve as a puree mixed with yogurt.

6. Frozen plum puree:

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Most babies find ice creams and candies attractive. You can satiate your baby’s craving for cold desserts through this frozen plum puree recipe. This recipe is delicious and nutritious. Besides, this preparation might help soothe the aching gums of teething babies.

You will need:

• 1 cup fresh plums
• Water

How to:

1. Cut plums in half and remove the seed.
2. In a pan, add water. Place the plums in the pan with the cut portion facing the water. Let it simmer on low to medium heat till plums turn tender.
3. Once cool, remove the skin.
4. Add the plums and the water to a blender and make a puree. Add more water to get a liquidy consistency. Place into an ice tray and freeze the baby plum puree.
5. Take out of the freezer just when you are ready to serve the same to your baby.

7. Plum Jam:

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Babies enjoy having jam due to its semi-solid consistency. However, the high sugar content is a concern. This plum jam recipe uses the natural sweetness of plum instead of added sugar. You can serve plum jam to your baby with a slice of wholegrain bread or crackers.

You will need:

• 1 cup fresh plums
• 1 tbsp ground allspice (optional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• Water

How to:

1. Cut the plums in half and remove the seeds. Place in a pan and add water and sugar. Let it boil till the plums are soft.
2. Remove from heat and puree. Add the puree back to the pan and add allspice and cinnamon. Cook on low heat till it becomes thick, just like jam. Remove and let it cool before storing it.
3. Store the prepared jam in an air-tight container in your refrigerator and label the date of preparation.
4. Ensure to finish the jam within a stipulated time as homemade jams tend to expire faster than commercial ones.

8. Plums and bananas with quinoa

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Quinoa is a pseudocereal that makes a healthy addition to an infant’s diet. The nutritional properties of quinoa are promising, and its regular consumption is associated with several health benefits. This recipe is an interesting combination of quinoa with plums that will become your baby’s favorite in no time.

Note: This recipe contains cow’s milk and is suitable for babies older than 12 months. It is important that the quinoa is dehulled and your baby is not allergic to it.

You will need:

• 1 cup fresh plums
• 1 banana (mashed)
• ½ cup quinoa
• 1 cup full-cream cow’s milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder

How to:

1. Cook quinoa in milk as per the directions given on the packet of quinoa.
2. Add deseeded and peeled plums with the banana in a blender. Blend till you get a smooth semi-fluid consistency of the paste.
3. Add the paste to quinoa porridge. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top and serve it to your baby while it is still warm.

9. Plum and ginger smoothie

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Smoothies are easy to prepare, easy to digest, and can also meet your growing baby’s nutritional needs. This smoothie recipe is a blend of plums and banana with a dash of ginger juice.

You will need:

• 1 cup fresh plums
• 1 medium-sized banana
• 1 tsp ginger juice
• 1 tbsp dried fruits powder
• 1 cup water

How to:

1. Place the plums in a pan and add water. Let it boil till the plums turn tender. Remove from water, blend to a puree, and keep it aside for a while.
2. Add sliced banana, ginger juice, and dried fruit powder in the blender and blend until thoroughly mixed.
3. Add plum puree to the mix and blend once again. Ensure that the mix has no lumps. Add water to dilute the smoothie, if required. Strain the smoothie to remove any excess residual.
4. Pour it into your baby’s sipper cup and serve.

10. Plum, peach, apricot, and thyme custard

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This recipe brings the sweetness and creaminess of custard, along with nutrition from selected stone fruits like plums, apricots, and peaches for babies. It is a suitable recipe for babies older than six months. Before introducing it to your baby, check for any possible allergies.

Note: This recipe contains cow’s milk and is suitable for babies older than 12 months.

You will need:

• 1 ½ tbsp custard powder
• 1½ cup full-cream cow’s milk
• ½ cup plums
• ½ cup peach
• ½ cup apricot
• 1 tsp nuts (fine-chopped)
• A pinch of thyme

How to:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
2. Cut the fruits and remove seeds. Place the fruits in an oven-safe dish with a cut portion facing down. Pour cold water over the fruits. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the fruits are tender.
3. Once cool, remove the skin. Place fruits in a blender and blend well until you get a smooth paste. Keep this fruit puree for babies aside for a while.
4. For the custard, take a small bowl and put custard powder in it. Now, add one-fourth cup of milk to it and mix well with a continuous whisk. Stir continuously to  Ensure there are no lumps. Once done, set aside.
5. Now, heat the remainder of the milk in a pan. After five minutes of bubbling, simmer it and add custard powder slowly to the milk while stirring the milk continuously.
6. Mix until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Switch off the flame once done and keep the pan aside to cool.
7. Once the custard and milk mixture has cooled, add the fruit puree to it with some finely sliced fruit pieces. Refrigerate the final mix for 20 minutes.
8. Serve with some finely sliced nuts and serve it to your baby at room temperature.

When preparing plum recipes for your baby, it’s important to prioritize safety. Try to choose fresh, organic plums that are not mushy and are free from blemishes. Wash them thoroughly under running water to remove pesticides or chemicals before proceeding.

Infographic: Health Benefits Of Plums For Babies

Plums are a nutritious choice for babies. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, including vitamins A and C and potassium. It’s important to introduce plums to your baby gradually and in small amounts to ensure they tolerate the fruit well. The below-given infographic provides more information about the benefits of plums for babies. Read on!

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Easy And Delicious Plum Baby Food

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Discover the art of creating a delectable and nourishing plum puree for your baby through this concise and engaging video tutorial.

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Seeemaa BudhrajaDDHE & DNHE

Seeemaa Budhraja is a Delhi-based dietitian and nutritionist. She specializes in weight and lifestyle management. She is a healthy recipe designer, works as a health motivator and wellness coach as well. She has worked as a slimming head with one of the top organizations in India.

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Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

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