Steps
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper.
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Mash the banana in a bowl until completely smooth with no lumps. Add the egg and whisk vigorously until the mixture is uniform and slightly frothy.
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Add the melted coconut oil and oat flour to the wet mixture. Stir gently until a smooth, thick batter forms. It should be pipeable but not runny.
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Transfer the batter to a zip-top bag and snip a tiny corner (about 1/4 inch), or use a piping bag with a small round tip. Pipe small dots, about the size of a blueberry, onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them about 1 inch apart.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes until the puffs are dry to the touch and very lightly golden on the bottom. They will firm up further as they cool.
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Let the puffs cool completely on the baking sheet. They should be crisp on the outside and dissolve easily when placed in the mouth. Test one yourself before serving.
Why It Works
Commercial baby puffs often contain rice flour (which can carry traces of heavy metals), added sugars, and natural flavors that are anything but natural. These homemade puffs use just four whole-food ingredients. Oat flour provides iron and gentle soluble fiber that supports developing digestive systems. The egg adds protein and choline, which is essential for brain development. Banana delivers natural sweetness along with potassium and vitamin B6, while coconut oil provides easily digestible medium-chain fatty acids that support energy and nutrient absorption.
Tips
- Test for dissolvability. Before serving to your baby, place a puff on your tongue and press it against the roof of your mouth. It should dissolve within a few seconds. If it doesn’t, bake for another minute or two.
- Pipe them small. These puffs are designed for little fingers to practice the pincer grasp. Aim for blueberry-sized dots. They will puff up slightly in the oven.
- Add variety. Once your baby tolerates the basic recipe, blend in a tablespoon of cooked sweet potato, pumpkin puree, or mashed avocado for different flavors and added nutrients. Always introduce new foods one at a time and consult your pediatrician before offering new ingredients.
