ABC Baby Muffins (Apple, Banana and Carrot!) — Gentle, Healthy Muffins for Little Ones

These soft, naturally sweet muffins combine apple, banana and carrot into a baby-friendly bite that’s easy to hold, easy to chew, and easy to love. They’re designed for babies starting solids (with texture adjusted by age) and make a great snack or breakfast for toddlers. This version focuses on minimal added sugar, simple pantry ingredients, and tips for adapting texture as your child develops.

ABC muffins are a clever way to introduce three nutritious produce staples at once: apples for fiber and mild sweetness, bananas for creaminess and potassium, and carrots for beta-carotene. If you’re planning complementary savory meals, you might also like this collection of 10 easy chicken baby food recipes to round out your weekly menu.

Ingredients (makes about 12 mini or 8 regular muffins)

• 1 cup grated apple (peel on or off, depending on age)
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
• 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
• 1 large egg (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce + 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water for egg-free)
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup plain full-fat yogurt or unsweetened applesauce (for moisture)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
• Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped soft raisins or diced cooked sweet potato

Notes:

• For babies under 9 months, reduce added textures (omit raisins) and use finely grated fruits and vegetables.
• No added sugar is necessary; the fruit provides sweetness.

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini or standard muffin tin with liners or oil lightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk egg (or flax mixture), oil, and yogurt/applesauce until combined. Stir in mashed banana, grated apple, and grated carrot.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and fold gently until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few small lumps are fine.
5. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full. Sprinkle optional add-ins if using.
6. Bake mini muffins 10–12 minutes, regular muffins 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and tops are springy.
7. Cool fully on a rack. For younger babies, mash or crumble a muffin and mix with breastmilk, formula, or yogurt to adjust texture.

Texture and Serving Tips by Age

• 6–8 months: Make the batter extra moist (add an extra tablespoon of yogurt), bake as mini muffins, then mash or puree to a smooth, lump-free consistency. For more age-appropriate recipes, see this roundup of baby food recipes for 6–8-month-olds.
• 9–11 months: Serve small, soft pieces or flattened mini muffins for practicing pincer grasp and chewing.
• 12+ months: Offer whole mini muffins as finger food. Encourage self-feeding and supervised independent eating.

Storage and Freezing

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cooled muffins in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat or thaw and serve warm or at room temperature.
• To reheat, microwave briefly or warm in a low oven — check temperature before offering to baby.

Variations and Add-ins

• Dairy-free: Use plant-based yogurt and oil instead of butter.
• Grain-free: Substitute oat flour or a nut flour blend (for infants without nut allergy).
• Boost nutrition: Stir in 1–2 tbsp plain protein powder or finely ground chia for older babies.
• Flavor twists: Add a pinch of cardamom or a splash of vanilla extract (for children over 12 months) for variety.

Safety Notes

• Always supervise babies while eating. Cut larger muffins into appropriately sized pieces for your child’s chewing ability.
• Introduce new ingredients one at a time, watching for allergic reactions.
• Avoid honey for children under 12 months.

Conclusion

If you’d like to follow the original inspiration and compare ingredient proportions or baking times, check the full recipe at ABC Baby Muffins (with Apple, Banana, and Carrot!) for helpful photos and notes. For another take with step-by-step guidance geared toward babies and toddlers, see The Perfect ABC Muffins for Baby & Toddlers, which offers tips on texture and serving sizes.