Homemade cherry baby food recipes

Jess-Miller-Sunglasses
Published by 
Jess Miller
Last updated: 
February 14, 2023
Cherry on a basket

Cherries are not only delicious but also packed full of important nutrients for your baby. There are many delicious and simple but delicious cherry recipes that your baby will love.

Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing new foods to your baby.

How to Pit Cherries

Biting down on a cherry pit is one of the worst feelings ever. While fresh cherries contain more nutrients than frozen cherries, they also have to be pitted before serving to your baby.

Fortunately pitting cherries can be achieved with a simple object found in just about every house. A paperclip. Use a small paper clip for sour cherries and a large paper clip for sweet ripe cherries.

  1. Insert the double loop of the paper clip into where the stem of the cherry is and push it down and under the pit.
  2. Scoop (pull, flick, whatever you want to call the movement) the pit back up through the stem hole.

It may take a few attempts to perfect the technique but once you have you will be pitting cherries like a pro.

If you simply can't get the hang of using a paper clip or have hundreds of cherries to pit, why not invest in a purpose-made cherry pitter like the one below?

Cherry Pitter

Style: Red or Black.Features:- Sturdy.- Splatter shield.- Locks closed for storage.

Okay, now that you understand how to prepare cherries, let us look at some delicious cherry recipes you can prepare for your baby.

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Cherry puree

A cherry baby food recipe at its simplest. Just cherries. Just delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh cherries (stems removed, washed, pitted)
  • 1/4 cup filtered water (or apple juice if using tart cherries)

Directions:

  1. Combine the water and cherries in a saucepan and bring to boil.
  2. Simmer cherries for 5 minutes or until soft and tender and juices flow freely.
  3. Set aside to cool before mashing or pureeing in a blender to your baby's preferred consistency.
  4. Freeze excess in ice cube tray and defrost when needed.

Bonus Tip: For cherry puree with a twist, add 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, diced) and a dash of vanilla essence to the saucepan in step 1

Bonus Tip 2: Combine with steamed or mashed sweet potato for a deliciously wholesome (not to mention funk colored) baby meal.

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Bunch of cherries

Cherry quinoa

A delicious and healthy baby food recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh cherries (stems removed, washed, pitted)
  • 1 cup white quinoa
  • 2 cups filtered water
  • 3 tablespoons sweet potato (steamed, mashed)

Directions:

  1. In a pot bring water to boil, add quinoa and simmer for 10 - 20 minutes until quinoa is soft and mushy.
  2. Warm cherries in the microwave for 30 seconds or until soft and mash with a fork.
  3. Stir cherries and mashed potato into the quinoa (puree if needed).
  4. Serve warm.
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Cherry banana baby mash

A nice fresh and revitalizing baby food recipe. No cooking needed.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh cherries (stems removed, washed, pitted)
  • 1 small ripe banana

Directions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a blender and blend to your babies preferred consistency.
  2. Serve cool.

Bonus Tip: For a summer treat, freeze the banana overnight to turn this recipe into a cool and refreshing ice-cream like treat.

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Bowl of red cherries

Cherry-Banana Baby Custard

The above cherry and banana mash recipe forms the basis of a delicious custard. This custard is a tasty dish for babies and parents alike.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup cherry and banana mash (recipe above)
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 cup milk (or breast milk or formula)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. Place cherry banana mash at the bottom of a ramekin or other oven proof dish.
  3. In a bowl combine egg yolks, milk, and vanilla and whisk together. Pour into oven proof dish on top of the cherry mash.
  4. Place ovenproof dish into a baking pan. Fill the pan halfway up the side of the ovenproof dish, effectively creating a simple 'bain marie'.
  5. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until custard has set.
  6. Set aside to cool. Serve chilled.
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Cherry and banana baby popsicle

A delicious way to beat the heat in summer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup natural yogurt
  • 1/2 cup water (or apple juice if using tart cherries)

Directions:

  1. Combine cherries and water in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes or until cherries are soft and tender.
  2. leave cherries to cool before adding to blender with remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth consistency.
  3. Pour the cherry mixture into popsicle molds.
  4. Freeze overnight.
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bowl of cherries

Cherry Cheese Mash

A great way to introduce your baby to the world of dairy with the help of a sweet cherry flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of cherry puree (Click to jump to above recipe)
  • 1 tablespoon natural yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon wheat germ
  • (optional) 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients but wheat germ and mash together or puree to your baby's favorite consistency.
  2. Place mixture into a bowl, sprinkle wheat germ over the top and serve.
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Cherry and apple oatmeal

A great way to introduce your baby to the world of dairy with the help of a sweet cherry flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water
  • 2/3 cup oatmeal (not instant)
  • 1 apple (peeled, cored, cubed)
  • 1/3 cup cherry puree (Click to jump to above recipe)
  • 2 tablespoons apple juice (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • (optional)1 pinch of cinnamon powder or nutmeg

Directions:

  1. Add water to the pot and bring to boil.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat for 10 - 15 minutes or until apples are soft and tender.
  3. Serve as is or puree to your baby's favorite consistency. Thin out with filtered water if needed.
  4. You can store extra in a reusable baby food pouch for an easy on-the-go meal for your baby!
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bunsh of red cherries

Cherry puree

A cherry recipe for baby at its simplest. Just cherries. Just delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup frozen cherries
  • 1 - 2 cups yogurt (natural)
  • 5 mint leaves

Directions:

  1. Microwave cherries in a bowl until thawed.
  2. Using a slotted spoon add cherries to the blender and set aside juice.
  3. Add mint leaves to blender and puree until smooth. For a runnier puree, add juice that you set aside (optional).
  4. Combine with yogurt and stir thoroughly. Serve cold. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

A special thanks to Jane who contacted me to add this delicious recipe.

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Do you know any homemade baby food recipes prominently featuring cherries? If you have a recipe or modification you would love to share, leave it below.

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