Easy Blueberry Muffins (for Babies and Toddlers)

Developed with babies and toddlers in mind, but sure to be loved by the whole family, these healthy blueberry muffins are naturally sweetened with fruit and mini in size. Perfect for little hands, they are a tasty snack and also make a great addition to lunch boxes.

Jump to:

• Why These Muffins are Great for Babies / Toddlers
• Ingredient Information (With Alternative Suggestions)
• Process Steps and Cooking Tips
• Storage Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Baby-Led Weaning and Toddler Friendly Muffins
• Baby Blueberry Muffins

Why These Muffins are Great for Babies / Toddlers

1. Fruit-sweetened: It is recommended that children under two should not consume any added sugar. Many muffin recipes, even those targeted to babies, are packed with sugar, maple syrup or honey. These are sweetened with only banana and blueberries.
2. Texture: Soft and moist with burst of fresh blueberries allowing your little one to explore different textures.
3. Size: Mini in size for mini hands and tummies.
4. Freezable: Make a batch and freeze for a quick and easy snack option.
5. Iron Source: Oats are a non-heam (vegetarian) iron source and blueberries provide Vitamin C to aid absorption

Ingredient Information (With Alternative Suggestions)

The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. This section gives information on each ingredient and suggests alternatives if required. 

• Rolled Oats: Quick oats can be used as a replacement since they are blended to a flour-like consistency. Note that steel-cut oats are not suitable for this recipe. Opt for gluten-free oats to create gluten-free muffins.
• Yogurt: This recipe has been tested successfully with both natural Greek yogurt and coconut yogurt (a dairy-free yogurt option).
• Eggs: While I haven't tested any egg replacements for this recipe, a flax egg could be a potential substitution, although results cannot be guaranteed.
• Mashed Bananas: Provides most of the sweetness, use ripe bananas for best results.
• Cardamom: While not essential, adding different spices to baby food allows your little one to experience different flavour profiles. Feel free to skip or replace with cinnamon 
• Lemon zest: Added for flavour enhancement and complements the blueberries wonderfully.
• Vanilla Extract: For flavour and sweetness.
• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them beforehand. 
• Baking Powder: Ensure the baking powder is fresh. If it has been sitting in your pantry for an extended period, its efficacy might be compromised.

Process Steps and Cooking Tips

​This section features step-by-step photos for visual reference. The complete recipe can be found by scrolling to the recipe card at the bottom of the post. 

1. Blend Oats & Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • Blend the oats to a flour-like consistency using a high-speed blender or food processor.
   • Add the cardamom and baking powder to the blended oats, then stir to combine.
2. Mash Banana:
   • Mash the banana to your desired consistency. Leaving small chunks adds texture to the muffins, but you can also puree it smooth if preferred.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed banana, egg, yogurt, vanilla, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine.
4. Stir Through Dry Ingredients:
   • Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. It's okay to have a few lumps; avoid overmixing.
5. Stir Through Blueberries:
   • Carefully fold the blueberries into the muffin batter. If using frozen blueberries, add them directly to the batter without thawing.
6. Fill Mini Muffin Tin:
   • Prepare a mini muffin pan by greasing the muffin cups with cooking spray or lightly coating in oil. Fill each muffin cup to the top with the batter. Place an additional blueberry on top of the muffins for aesthetic appeal.
7. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven and bake the muffins for approximately 13 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Storage Instructions

• Cool on a wire rack. Allow the mini blueberry muffins to cool, at room temperature, for around 5 minutes in the muffin tray and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are completely cooled before packing them away to store. If they are still warm then it can cause condensation and result in soggy muffins.
• Refrigerate - These muffins can be refrigerated but it does affect the texture. Refrigerate in an air-tight container for 2 days.
• Freezing - Once cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, place them in a large freezer bag or airtight container. To thaw, leave at room temperature for a few hours or defrost in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Baby-Led Weaning and Toddler Friendly Muffins