I can’t get enough of pumpkin during the Autumn months. It’s SUCH a versatile ingredient, that I have been using it in every recipe I have been making for the boys of late. The latest recipe is these yummy, scrummy pumpkin waffles for babies.
These waffles don’t even taste like they’ve got a super healthy veggie in them, which is fab for my four year old who was determined that his waffles would just be ‘normal’ ones. He didn’t have a clue that just like Felix, his waffles had pumpkin in them too!
With the boys wanting to go pumpkin picking every weekend, I have a LOT of pumpkin to use. So pumpkin waffles just became our go-to breakfast at the weekend!
Pumpkin for babies
Why offer pumpkin to your baby? You may have enjoyed the delights of pumpkin over the last at your local coffee shop, since pumpkin spice lattes became all the rage. But, what are the benefits of offering pumpkin to your baby?
Technically a fruit, pumpkins are planted between May and July and are ready to harvest in October – hence why they are very much associated with Halloween and harvest.
The health benefits of pumpkins are plentiful:
- Rich in antioxidants which enhances the immune system – very much needed during the cold autumn and winter months!
- Contains calcium and magnesium which help build strong teeth and bones
- Rich in phosphorus which is great for digestion and brain health
- Pumpkins contain tryptophan that helps the body produce serotonin. This amino acid helps induce calmness and drowsiness which could help your baby sleep better! (A huge reason to feed pumpkin errrryday!)
How do you make pumpkin puree?
Instead of throwing away all the contents of the pumpkins you picked at the pumpkin patch, save all the flesh for your baby’s pumpkin puree recipes! Pumpkin can be used in a multitude of baby led weaning recipes and creating the puree is so simple.
Read the full post on creating pumpkin puree here.
More Pumpkin Recipes for Babies
Are these baby led weaning pumpkin waffles versatile?
Absolutely! Just like baby led weaning pancakes, waffles are super versatile too. There’s tons of switches you can make in order to create dairy free, wheat free or even more unhealthy, sweeter waffles!
- The milk can be switched out for any type of milk you or your baby uses – formula, breastmilk, almond milk, soya, coconut milk – whatever you need!
- The egg can be replaced with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2 tbsp warm water mixed together until an egg-like consistency is formed) .
- You can add maple syrup, a spoonful of sugar or a tablespoon of honey for those who need a sweeter pancake (not recommended for babies).
- You can even replace the flour with a gluten-free option such as almond flour or use ground oats.
The options are endless!
What did Felix think of these baby led weaning pumpkin waffles?
Felix was a huge fan, as was Dexter! They really think that waffles is such a treat on a weekend morning, even though really it’s one of the most simple breakfast meals you can make. The waffle maker does all the work!
What waffle maker do you use?
I use a VonChef waffle maker available on Amazon for less than £20*! We’ve had it a number of years now, so can definitely recommend it’s excellent value for money.
It makes two waffles at a time, however I usually cut these waffles in half so it feels more like four.
More Waffle Recipes for Babies
Pumpkin Waffles for Babies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles 1x
Description
Super simple and delicious recipe creating yummy pumpkin waffles for babies – a truly magical, Autumnal breakfast dish!
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk (breast, formula, cows milk etc)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Spray the waffle maker with oil.
- Use a ladle to spoon the mixture into the waffle maker.
- Cook for five minutes and then use the rest of the batter to make more waffles.
- Wait until completely cool before serving to baby
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 161
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 36
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 49
Author: Nicola Hughes
Nicola has weaned both of her boys using the baby led weaning method. She loves nothing better than creating simple recipes that anyone can recreate, using as few ingredients as possible. All of her recipes have been tried and tested by both Dexter and Felix and have their seal of approval!