Banana Puree couldn't be easier! No cooking or fancy equipment is needed - just peel and mash. Delicious on its own and adds a wonderful creaminess when combined with other purees.
One of the greatest things about bananas is how easy they are to turn into homemade baby food, even when out and about. They come in their own "packaging" and there is no need to prepare or wash them; simply peel and mash.
Look for bananas that are blemish-free and have a nice yellow colour. Under-ripe or green bananas do not have the same flavour or creamy consistency and they are also harder for your baby to digest. You are best to allow them to ripen on your counter before mashing/pureeing.
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Bananas are a great "first food" for babies. They are rich in nutrients and babies generally love the sweet taste and creamy texture.
Mash or Puree?
Due to bananas having a very soft texture you can easily mash with a fork and serve to a baby. However, if you are looking for a super smooth puree then you can blend in a food processor or blender.
During the early stages of weaning, you may wish to mix it with a little formula/breast milk to thin it out and make it creamier for your baby.
Does Banana Puree Cause Constipation?
There is conflicting information regarding whether or not bananas cause constipation. Some claim that bananas cause constipation, while others say they help prevent it. This is because it depends on timing. Less ripe bananas may contribute to constipation, whereas riper bananas may not.
Babies might get constipated if they eat too many bananas. It is recommended not to feed banana to a constipated child, as there are many other good sources of fibre available (e.g. prunes, plums & pears)(1)
Puree Combinations
Banana puree adds a lovely creaminess to other fruit purees and adds sweetness to yoghurt and oatmeal. Why not try mixing it with
- strawberry puree
- raspberry puree
- peach puree
- apple puree
- sweet potato puree
- pumpkin puree
- avocado puree
- natural yoghurt
- oatmeal
Other Uses for Banana Puree
Not just for babies! Banana puree can be used to
- naturally sweeten yoghurt ( banana yoghurt),
- add into baked goods
- swirl into oatmeal
- throw into smoothies
Storage Instructions
As banana puree is so quick and easy to make there is less need to make in batches for storing. However, if you have a surplus of bananas you can easily freeze banana puree. The puree may brown a little and change texture (can go a little slimey) but it is perfectly safe to eat.
To freeze, spoon the puree into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once solid, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag/airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months.
Moving on from purees? You may also like this post on Banana for Babies, showing how to prepare bananas and includes some great baby-friendly banana recipes.
More Banana Recipes
Looking for more healthy kid recipes?Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more kid-friendly inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.
Banana Puree
Ingredients
- 1 Banana
Instructions
- Peel banana and slice. Place on a board or large bowl.
- Mash well, with a fork, until desired consistency is reached.
lupe says
I find what to do with my extra bananas, thanks
Amiee says
Hiya, Thanks for so much info! I see you included instructions to freeze, but I wondered if you had any extra info on thawing and is they are ok to eat just a it when thawed?
Bit of a long story, but I bought bananas to use for making a mashed banana/greek yoghurt/chia seed concoction to take to work as a snack, but we got put into lockdown again and work got postponed for a week. I now have some very ripe bananas that I was trying to figure out if i mashed them and froze them, could i just pop some cubes into the jar with the yoghurt and chia seeds when i mix that up the night before work this coming week?
Would love your thoughts if you yourself have tried eating the thawed banana puree
Amy says
Hi Amiee, You can freeze the bananas as they are (or in slices) and add to smoothies, make banana ice cream etc. Frozen banana slices taste great straight out of the freezer. You can of course blend and freeze if you wish, I do find the texture can be a little "slimey" (and can turn brown) one thawed but mixed into yoghurt it may be ok.
Bel says
I can’t believe anyone needs a recipe for this. Peel a banana and mash!
Amy says
Thanks for the feedback Bel. I have included a lot more information than that and actually over 2000 people search for banana puree a month!
Debbie says
Thanks for the info.