Baked Apple Slices
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Learn how to bake soft apple slices safely for babies starting solid foods. A naturally sweet, caramelized BLW finger food option.
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Bake the sweetness in, skip the added sugar entirely. We bake apple slices until they're melt-in-the-mouth tender, concentrating their natural sugars into a soft finger food that's ideal for babies just learning to chew — no honey, no syrup, just fruit.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 2 firm, sweet baking apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn)
- 🫗 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 🫗 A light splash of water for the baking dish
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash, peel, and core the apples completely. Cut them into thick, long finger-sized wedges that a baby can easily grip.
Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon if desired.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the slices are fork-tender and yield effortlessly when pressed between your thumb and index finger.
Let them cool down completely to a safe, lukewarm temperature before serving to your baby.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Serving undercooked or crunchy baked apple wedges, which present a choking hazard for infants.
- ✕
Adding honey or brown sugar to the apples (honey is strictly prohibited for infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism).
🔄 Variations
Apple & Pear Blend: Bake apple and pear slices side by side on the same tray for a sweet, mixed-fruit platter.
Unspiced Slices: Omit the cinnamon entirely for a pure, simple fruit flavor profile.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Fridge: Store leftover baked apple slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat slightly or serve chilled.
- 📦
Freezer: Freezing changes the structural integrity and turns baked apples excessively mushy, so fresh preparation is strongly recommended.
💡 Chef Tips
Ensure the apples are baked long enough to become completely soft; firm baked apples can break off into dangerous chunks.
The baked slices can easily be mashed with a fork if your baby prefers a textured puree or mash instead of holding solid finger foods.
❓ FAQ
Can I leave the peel on the baked apples? For beginner self-feeders around 6 months old, it is safest to peel the apples completely. For older toddlers, you can leave a thin layer of peel if they are accustomed to chewing textures.
How do I know the apples are safe to serve? Press a slice between your thumb and index finger; it should mash cleanly with very little resistance, simulating the gums' ability to break it down.
Is cinnamon safe for a 6-month-old? Yes, common sweet spices like cinnamon can be introduced safely in small amounts right from the start of solid foods.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →