Baby food recipes with pears

Pear Puree for Baby (Pear Baby Food)

Published: Mar 4, 2020 · Modified: Sep 3, 2021 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

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This homemade pear puree is an easy baby food recipe that's made with only two ingredients- pears and water! Making homemade pear baby food costs so much less than store-bought jars! It's easy to make it organic too, by using organic pears!

Pears are one of the first fruits I introduce to my babies, and they all go crazy for them. They are sweet, and full of fiber to help keep things moving in the digestive tract (if you know what I mean), plus it's so easy to make baby pear baby food at home!

I always have made my baby food from scratch, from sweet potatoes, to baby food carrots, to combinations like pumpkin apple baby food, I always prefer homemade over store bought! Not only does making your own baby food save SO much money, but it's also easy to make it organic with minimal ingredients!

This homemade pear puree is an easy baby food recipe that is great for little ones of all ages. It's made with only two ingredients- pears and water - with the option of adding some cinnamon once you're certain your baby isn't allergic to pears!

How to make Pear Puree for Baby

There are two ways to make baby food pears. For younger babies with sensitive tummies, I recommend cooking the pears first. For older babies who still love their purees, you can simply blend fresh pears with water, no cooking required! I will show you how to make baby food pears that are cooked!

Cut and Cook the pears

Begin by cutting each pair into about six pieces. Then place the pears into the container of a slow cooker.

Add water

When using 8 small pears (which measured to be about 6 cups), add ½ cup of water.

Cook

Next, cook the pears (if desired). I have used two methods to cook pears to make pear puree:

Slow cooker - Cook the pears on high for 1-2 hours, or until the they are soft. Notice they will change color as they cook! I love this method because I just toss them in the slow cooker and walk away. No need to watch them as they steam!
Steam on the stovetop - If you'd prefer, simply put the pears in a pot with the water, or in a steaming basket, and steam the pears on the stovetop for about 10-20 minutes, until they are soft.

Blend

Place the contents of slow cooker (water and cooked pears) into a Vitamix Blender (or anther high-powered blender). Blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth.

Store or serve to baby

Transfer the pear puree to ice cube trays to freeze, or individual containers to store in the refrigerator. I love these silicone ice cube trays. I found them after I had baby #4 and I couldn't believe I went so long using floppy, difficult trays! These silicone ice cube trays have a firm outer rim, making them easy to transport, and a lid for storage! The wells hold a good amount of puree too!

To reheat frozen pear puree:

Reheat one or two cubes of pear puree in a glass container in microwave for 40-60 seconds. You could also warm it on the stovetop or let it thaw at room temperature for several hours!

FAQS: Pear Puree for Baby

Here are some frequently asked questions about pear baby food!

Do you have to cook pears for baby food?

The answer to this question depends on the age of your baby and softness of the pears. I prefer to cook pears to make pear puree until my baby is 8-10 months old because it makes them easier on their tiny little tummies. If you buy soft, juicy pears, you can blend them without cooking them!

Can I give raw pear to my baby?

Once your baby is 8-10 months old, you can feed him or her raw, peeled pears. I recommend peeling to reduce the risk of gagging and choking. Also, be sure to stay very near your baby when you feed her finger foods, to prevent choking. Before 8 months, I recommend cooking the pears before feeding them to your baby for easier chewing and digestion.

What age can my baby eat pears?

You can feed cooked and pureed pears to your baby at 6 months old!

Are pears constipating for babies?

No! Quite the contrary! I find the fibrous nature of pears keeps the systems flowing (if you know what I mean)!

What kind of pears are good for baby food?

I recommend using organic pears, especially if you will be cooking and pureeing them with the skins on. My babies have loved all pears, but I try to stick to soft, sweet varieties like Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, and Comice!

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Pear Puree for Baby (Pear Baby Food)

Laura

This homemade pear puree is an easy baby food recipe that's made with only two ingredients- pears and water! Making homemade pear baby food costs so much less than store-bought jars! It's so easy to make it organic too, by using organic pears!

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 2 hrs

Total Time 2 hrs 10 mins

Course baby food

Cuisine American

Servings 19 Servings (2 TBS per serving)

Calories 43 kcal

▢
Vitamix blender
▢
silicone ice cube tray

▢ 8 small pears about 6 cups
▢ ½ cup water

Cut pears into slices.
Add pear slices and water to the container of a slow cooker.
Cook in slow cooker on high for 2 hours.
Place the contents of slow cooker into a Vitamix Blender (or anther high-powered blender).
Blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth.
Transfer to ice cube trays to freeze, or individual containers to store in the refrigerator.

What kind of pears are good for baby food?

I recommend using organic pears, especially if you will be cooking and pureeing them with the skins on. Stick to soft, sweet varieties like Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, and Comice!

How to steam pears on the stovetop

If you'd prefer to not use a crockpot, simply put the pears in a pot with the water, or in a steaming basket, and steam the pears on the stovetop for about 10-20 minutes, until they are soft.

How to store pear puree

Transfer the pear puree to ice cube trays to freeze, or individual, airtight containers to store in the refrigerator.

To reheat frozen pear puree:

Reheat one or two cubes of pear puree in a glass container in microwave for 40-60 seconds. You could also warm it on the stovetop or let it thaw at room temperature for several hours!

Serving: 2TBSCalories: 43kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 87mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg

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Pear Baby Puree (4+ Months - Stage One)

This Pear Baby Puree is so creamy and delicious that you will want to eat it as well! A healthy and homemade puree filled with wholesome pears, this recipe is a wonderful first puree for your baby. It’s a great Stage One Baby Food for 4-6+ month olds.

Medically reviewed and co-written by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).

Pear Baby Food Puree

Level up the yumminess of your baby’s purees with pears! 👊

This is a simple recipe filled with simmered pears paired with a pinch of warming spices. It delivers an irresistible, delicious combo that easily hits the one-for-one status — one bite for your baby 👶, one bite for you 👩!

Is it your first time making homemade baby food? Then I suggest you start this journey by reading my in-depth Guide on how to Make Homemade Baby Food. The detailed guide goes over all the important information such as the best cooking tools to have on hand, safe storage, how to know when baby is ready for solids, how to introduce purees, the best first foods for baby, and more! You can also check out my best-selling cookbook for even more information and recipes!

Pear Baby Food Video

Watch this video to see how easy this Pear Puree is to make!

Reasons to Love this Pear Baby Puree

great baby food for 4-6+ months
1-ingredient recipe
super smooth and creamy
delicious
great for digestion
simple and easy to make — less than 20 minutes
freezer-friendly
budget-friendly
homemade
healthy
organic – you can use organic pears in this recipe

Health Benefits of Pears

Good source of immune-boosting vitamin C
Great source of fiber that helps with digestion and improves constipation
Protects your baby’s heart by providing antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber
Provides vitamin K to help strengthen bones

Ingredients

Make sure to read the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions!

Pears: Pears are inexpensive fruits that you can easily find at almost any grocery store year-round. You can use any pear variety you prefer for this recipe. Since organic pears are just a fraction more than conventional ones, I recommend going with an organic variety as they have more polyphenols and antioxidants, but that is completely up to you.
Warming Spice: We are kicking up the flavor profile of the pears by pairing them with a warming spice such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom. To be clear, you don’t add them all; just pick one and add a pinch. Trust me, they all taste amazing with pears, and I will not be surprised at all if I find you in your kitchen eating a bowl of this puree. 😉 But you can always skip adding the spices to your baby food if you prefer (see more below).

Type of Pears to Use: While my favorite pear to use for this recipe is Bartlett pear, you can use any type of pear you prefer — whether it’s Bosc Pear, Taylor’s Gold Pear, Anjou Pear, Asian Pear, or Comice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep: Peel and roughly chop the pears.
Mix: Place the pear chunks, spices (if preferred), and water into a medium saucepan.
Cook: Cover and heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
Blend: Let it cool slightly and then transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
Eat: Serve or freeze for another meal.

Other Cooking Methods

While I love the crisp and slightly sweet flavor of simmered pears, there are several ways you can cook pears for baby food.

Steaming

Peel and roughly chop 6 pears. Place the cubes into a steamer basket over 2 inches of boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until tender when pricked with a fork. Puree in a blender as directed below.

Roasted

Cut 6 pears in half. Place them into a medium roasting tray with the cut side down. Add enough water to cover the very bottom of the tray. Cook at 400 degrees F for 30-40 minutes or until tender when pricked with a fork. Puree in a blender as directed below.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can baby eat pears?

Babies can have pears as one of their first foods. When a baby can start on solids is determined by their own rate of development, which generally comes between 4-6 months of age. Some of the developmental milestones babies need to reach in order to start solids include: if your baby has solid control of their head and neck, if your baby has doubled in weight, and if your baby is reaching for or opening their mouth when you eat (see my guide here). Before you start your baby on purees, you should consult with your pediatrician to make sure your child is developmentally ready.

Can pears be baby’s first food?

Pears can 100% be your baby’s first food if you want it to be. It is recommended to wait to introduce the top eight allergen foods to your baby once a few other well-tolerated foods have been introduced, but otherwise, foods can be introduced in any order so choose whatever you are most excited for your baby to have.

Are pears a common allergen for baby?

No, pears are not a common allergen, however, as with any food, start with a small portion and be aware of any signs that might be an allergic reaction after introducing it.

Do pears cause constipation for babies?

Pears are not known to cause constipation in babies, but are actually one of the “P” fruits known to help alleviate constipation.

Tools Needed

These tools will make it a lot easier for you to make this healthy Green Bean Puree. For more of my favorite kitchen tools make sure to check out my shop.

Steamer insert with lid
Blender or Food Processor
Freezer Tray
Storage Containers for Fridge
Stasher Bag
Bib with catch pocket
Reusable pouches

Adding Spices

While the most popular option is adding cinnamon to pear baby food, you can also add in cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, fresh mint, fresh basil, freshly grated ginger, or even allspice (see quantity recommendations in the recipe card).

Tip on Spices: I always add spices or herbs to my baby food purees, but you can choose to leave them out in all of your baby food. You do you! Either way, this puree will surely taste amazing.

How to Store Pear Puree

Refridgerator

You can store this puree in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer

This puree can be frozen for up to 4 months.

Spoon puree into a freezer storage container. Do not overfill.
Place the lid on the storage container or cover it with a piece of saran wrap, and label it with the date and recipe name.
Place the tray into the freezer and let it freeze completely — preferably overnight.
Pop-out the baby food cubes and place them in a ziplock baggie or stasher bag. Don’t forget to relabel the baggie or stager bag for future reference.

Need more information on how to store your baby foods? Head over to my Best Baby Food Storage Containers – Plus 6 Tips on Freezing and Thawing post!

Label Tip: Don’t forget to label your purees before you place them in the fridge or freezer with the name of the puree and the date you made it. Take it from me; by the end of the week, you will completely forget what is in your freezer and how long it’s been there… because you know… mommy brain. 😉

Great Pear Combination Purees

While this pear puree is flavorsome and great by itself, it’s also super easy to mix and match with other nutrient-dense baby food purees. So give these fun Stage 2 flavor combos a try!

Apples
Apricots
Blueberry
Bananas
Quinoa Baby Cereal
Prunes
Kiwi
Sweet Potato
Soft Tofu
Oats
Pumpkin
Mango
Strawberry
Yogurt

PUREE FEEDING TIPS

Try adding a little seasoning or spice to purees – babies like flavor! Or consider changing the temperature of purees from time to time, to slightly warmed or slightly chilled. Varying these aspects adds to the sensory experience!
Place a small amount of puree on the tray during spoon-feeding, so that your baby can dip their fingers or hands in the puree. Allowing your baby to explore foods in this way helps them learn to self-feed and can help them be more willing to try new textures and foods in the future.
Purees are great to keep in your baby’s regular rotation of foods – but if you start feeding with traditional weaning using purees, make sure to progress beyond eating ONLY purees. Once your baby can safely and comfortably swallow purees (usually by 7 or 8 months) it’s time to introduce other textures, such as teething biscuits and soft-cooked finger foods. Moving onto additional textures in a timely manner may help prevent feeding difficulties at a later age.

Or watch a shortened version of this video here.

6 pears
1/8 tsp cardamom or other spice (see notes)
1/4 cup water

Prep: peel and roughly chop the pears.
Combine: place the pear chunks, spices (if using) and water into a medium saucepan, cover.
Cook: heat on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender when pricked with a fork
Transfer: let cool slightly. Using a slotted spoon, scoop the pears out of the saucepan, leaving the excess water behind, and place in a blender or food processor.
Blend: turn on the machine and blend for 1-2 minutes until you have your desired consistency. If your pear puree is too thick, add the leftover cooking water in 1/4 cup increments.
Eat: serve to baby or freeze for another meal.

Age: 4-6 months and up

Yield: roughly 20 ounces

Additional Spices: You can also use 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp cloves, 1/8 tsp cardamom, 1/8 tsp allspice, 1/4 teaspoon freshly minced ginger, or a pinch of freshly chopped basil or mint.

Note on Pears: while my favorite pear to use for this recipe are Bartlett pears, you can use any type of pear you prefer – Bosc Pear, Taylor’s Gold Pear, Anjous Pear, Asian Pear or Comice.

Storage: Fridge – store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezer – can be frozen for up to 4 months.

Blender

Tripp Trapp High Chair

Freezer Tray

Silicone Baby Bibs

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NEW TO MAKING PUREES?

THEN CHECK OF MY GUIDE ON WHICH KITCHEN TOOLS YOU ACTUALLY ARE GOING TO NEED TO MAKE THE CREAMIEST AND SMOOTHEST BABY PUREES. HINT, IT’S NOT MANY!

5 delicious pear recipes for baby food

Of all fruits, a pear is one of the first to be introduced into a child's diet. It is rich in vitamins and minerals useful for the baby's body, much less likely than other products to cause allergies. At what age should a pear be included in the children's menu? What can you cook a baby from this fruit?

What is useful fruit?

Children love pear for its delicate, sweet taste. But not only because of the taste, it is worth introducing fruit into the baby's menu. The pear is rich in vitamins (groups B, C, A, PP) and minerals (zinc, copper, potassium), which are so necessary for the development of the child. It is also rich in pectins, carbohydrates, organic acids.

The fruit is well absorbed by the child's body if all the rules for its processing and preparation are followed. Its use helps to relieve nervous tension, improve mood. Before going to bed, it is better not to give a pear to a baby - it contains a lot of sugars that tone up. But for an afternoon snack, such food is quite suitable.

The pear is recommended for use in case of diarrhea and other disorders in the work of the gastrointestinal tract - it “strengthens” the stool. But overripe fruits, on the contrary, can have a slight laxative effect.

When to introduce pear into baby food?

A pear is introduced into baby food from about 7 months. Children who are bottle-fed can try the fruit a little earlier - from 5 months. But in any case, it is better to add a pear to the menu only when the child has already tried some vegetables and an apple.

It is not recommended to start complementary foods with a pear. The digestive system of a baby at 3-4 months. not yet ready for such a "heavy" product. In addition, when a child tastes a sweet fruit, then he may not want “tasteless” vegetables - there will be problems with the introduction of complementary foods.

Acquaintance of a child with a pear begins with the preparation of mashed potatoes. Do not make it from fresh fruit - pre-boil or bake! It is permissible to give the baby a little juice from a fresh pear or dried fruit compote. And about 10-11 months. you can offer the child a thermally unprocessed product.

The first portion of a new product for a child is no more than a teaspoon. Observe the reaction of the baby's body. If an allergy does not appear in the form of a skin rash or itching, and the stool remains normal, the serving volume can be gradually increased to 60 g of puree per day. Did the baby's body react unfavorably to the introduction of the pear? Then remove it from the diet for at least 3 months. Check with your pediatrician.

What to cook a child from a pear?

Children love fruits. It is unlikely that you will have to persuade the baby to try this or that pear-based dish. From the fruit prepare fruit yoghurts, drinks, dessert casseroles.

Pear puree - from 5 months

Monocomponent puree, as a rule, is introduced as a child's first acquaintance with a pear. While in the dish it is better not to add other fruits and vegetables. But a little later, diversify the recipe for pear puree by introducing apples and various berries into the composition. It can be mixed with fermented milk products - you get a delicious and healthy dessert. Add a little puree to oatmeal - the child will definitely eat everything.

Ingredients:

ripe pear,
1 st. water.

Wash and peel the pear, remove the core, cut into cubes and boil. Remove the fruit from the water, chop with a blender or mash with a fork. You don't need to sweeten the puree.

Baked pear - from 8 months

If you are not giving your child fresh fruit yet, bake them. The pear turns out to be very soft - feed the crumbs from a spoon in small pieces, he will be able to chew it. A fruit mashed with a fork can be added to porridge. Or complement the dish with a couple of spoons of yogurt - you get a hearty afternoon snack.

Ingredients:

2 pears,
a pinch of cinnamon.

Wash the pears, remove the peel and core. Cut them into slices. Place the fruit in a deep baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon. Add some water to this as well. Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees. approximately 20 min.

Pears with oatmeal - from 8-9 months

The dish has a maximum of useful substances, since along with juicy fruits it will contain oatmeal and natural yogurt. This dish will be the best training if the child learns to eat with a spoon on his own - the puree-like consistency is very convenient for the first "experiments" with cutlery.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. l. oatmeal,
half pear,
1 st. l. baby yogurt without additives.

Cook a thin porridge from oatmeal. Boil the pear and make a puree out of it. Mix oatmeal with yogurt. Spread fruit puree on top. The dish can be seasoned with a pinch of cinnamon. But there is no need to add sugar.

Rice pudding with pear - from 10 months

Rice pudding can be served as an afternoon snack or after the first meal. It turns out very satisfying and tasty.

Ingredients:

1 st. l. rice (can be replaced with store-bought rice porridge for children),
150 ml baby milk,
pear.

Make rice porridge with milk (do not add sugar). Make a puree from a pear - peel, cut, boil, chop. Process the porridge with mashed potatoes with a blender to a puree-like consistency.

Cottage cheese with pear — from 1 year old

Why buy commercial baby food when you can make everything at home? Homemade cottage cheese with pears turns out no worse than store bought! If the baby does not have allergies, other fruits and berries can be introduced into the recipe - apples, peaches, strawberries, bananas. Prepare multi-component mixtures if the child has already managed to get acquainted with each product separately.

"Adult" cottage cheese for children is not suitable - too fat. Make your own - it won't take long.

Ingredients:

100 g baby milk,
100 g baby yogurt,
pear.

Mix milk and kefir in a container (a glass or a baby bottle will do). Leave the mixture for 2-4 hours in a warm place to ripen. Then heat the mixture in a water bath until the whey is gone. Using a sieve, drain the liquid from the separated curd. Now take care of the pear - peel, remove the core, pour over with boiling water, cut into cubes. Grind the pear and cottage cheese together with a blender. For older kids, you can simply mash the ingredients with a fork.

Top 5 pear recipes suitable for baby food | Nutrition and diet | The kitchen

Photo: www.globallookpress.com

If the pear is ripe, then it is not necessary to boil it - and it will be so easy to make mashed potatoes. Steaming fruits is recommended for children under 8 months old in order to soften the fibers and remove excess sugar. Pears are very gentle on the digestive system, so it's up to you to decide whether to steam them or not. It all depends on the individual characteristics of your child. However, if you start solid food before 6 months of age, the pear should be steamed.

1. Pear puree

Photo: www.globallookpress.com

You will need:

One ripe pear.

Preparation:

1. Peel the pear and remove the seeds.

2. Mash with a fork or use a blender.

3. You can add oatmeal to thicken the puree.

2. Pear Breakfast Parfait (8m+)

Photo: www.globallookpress.com

Needed:

½ cup plain oatmeal (cooked), ½ cup pear puree (mashed with a fork or blended), ½ cup sugar-free yogurt.

Preparation:

Mix oatmeal with yogurt, then top with pear puree and stir. You can add a pinch of vanilla, ginger or cinnamon. This dish is suitable for toddlers who are learning how to use cutlery.

3.

Baked pears “You will lick your fingers”

Photo: www.globallookpress.com

You will need:

3 pears, a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla or ginger.

Preparing :

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Cut the pears in half, remove the center.

3. Place the pears in a shallow baking dish, add water - 2.5 cm.

4. Add spices.

5. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the pears are tender. Mash up and serve with baby oatmeal, yogurt, or even chicken.

4. Baked pears with oatmeal and dates (8 months+)

Photo: www.globallookpress.com optional), a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla or ginger.

Preparation:

1. Cut the pears in half, remove the center.

2. Mix oatmeal, dates and spices with water, bring to a boil, then simmer until the mixture has the consistency of soup.

3. Then pour the resulting "soup" over the pears and bake in the oven at 180°C for 45 minutes, or until the pears are tender. Add a few drops of maple syrup if desired.

5. Whipped Pear Rice Pudding (8m+)

Photo: www.globallookpress.com

Needed:

15 g dairy-free rice porridge, 250 ml cooked infant formula, 1 pear.

Preparation:

1. Prepare the pear puree: after peeling the pear and removing the seeds, mash it with a fork or use a blender.

2. Mix the puree in a blender with rice porridge until smooth.

3. Pour into a serving mould.

Try your own recipe for baby food that suits your baby.

Here is a list of foods that go great with pears: apples, avocados, bananas, blueberries, mangoes, peaches, sweet potatoes (sweet potatoes), chicken meat, yogurt (not sweet).