This avocado puree is delicious and makes a gentle, nutrient-rich first food for babies. The recipe highlights ripe avocado mashed smooth and brightened with fresh lime juice. Many babies enjoy this simple puree, and it pairs well with other first foods like banana and pea purees.
A perfectly ripe avocado has a buttery, smooth texture that’s easy for little ones to eat. Avocados provide healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin C, making them an ideal choice for introducing new flavors and textures.
The best way to cut an avocado
For safety, consider wearing a cut-resistant glove. Hold the avocado lengthwise in your palm and slice around the perimeter until you reach the pit. Twist the two halves apart—the pit usually stays with one half.
To remove the pit safely, press with your thumbs on the skin side and gently push until it pops out, or simply scoop it out with a spoon. Either method avoids risky knife techniques often seen on TV.
Ingredients
- Avocado: Use very ripe avocados so they mash easily. Ripe fruit will be dark green and yield slightly when pressed. If your avocados are underripe, store them with bananas to speed ripening.
- Lime: Fresh limes are best for bright flavor and preventing browning; lemons can be used instead. Bottled citrus juice works in a pinch, though fresh-squeezed tastes best.
Pro Tip: Roll citrus on the counter with gentle pressure before cutting to release more juice and make squeezing easier.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit by pressing with your thumbs or scooping with a spoon.
2. Scoop the avocado flesh into a small bowl.
3. Mash to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, use a fork. For an ultra-smooth puree, blend briefly in a high-speed blender. If the puree is too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of breast milk or formula.
4. Add a squeeze of lime juice to help prevent browning, then serve or store as directed below.
Picking a ripe avocado
Choose an avocado with dark green, unwrinkled skin that gives slightly to gentle pressure. It should feel soft enough to mash but not dried out. If unsure, pick one that is close to ripe and let it finish ripening at home.
Difference between avocado puree and guacamole
Guacamole typically includes chopped onion, tomatoes, peppers, and seasonings. A puree is a smooth, blended or mashed fruit or vegetable. This recipe is essentially a simple, baby-friendly version of guacamole—pure avocado with a touch of lime and optional salt for older toddlers.
Getting the avocado smooth without a blender
Begin with a perfectly ripe avocado and mash thoroughly with a fork until chunks are broken down. For an even smoother finish, whisk with a small whisk until uniform. A mortar and pestle also works and can be a fun way for older children to help.
Can you freeze avocado puree?
Yes. To store leftovers, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the puree to remove air and prevent browning, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the puree in silicone ice cube trays for convenient single-serving cubes. Thaw cubes in the refrigerator or gently on the counter when needed.
Frozen avocado cubes are also a great addition to smoothies.
How to use any leftovers
Leftover avocado puree is very versatile:
- Turn it into quick guacamole by adding finely chopped mild salsa or small amounts of onion and tomato for older eaters.
- Spread it on crusty bread or use it in an avocado toast or bagel sandwich.
- Stir frozen cubes into smoothies for creaminess and nutrition.
- Serve as a dip alongside chips and salsas for adults while keeping baby portions plain or lightly seasoned.
If you try this recipe and enjoy it, leave a comment or rating to share your experience.
Recipe
Avocado Puree (Homemade Baby Food)
Marni Katz
A simple, creamy avocado puree brightened with lime. Perfect as a first food or mixed with other purees as your baby explores new flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 juicy lime, squeezed to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, for older toddlers)
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half and carefully remove the pits.
- Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl.
- Mash to the desired consistency. Use a fork for a chunkier texture or a blender for a silky puree. Thin with breast milk or formula if needed.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice to slow browning and serve.
Notes
If not using immediately, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the puree, seal, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Freeze in cubes for longer storage and thaw in the refrigerator.
To make larger batches for freezing, blend in a high-speed blender until smooth and portion into trays or bags.
Nutrition
Per serving (approx.): Calories 108; Carbs 6 g; Protein 1 g; Fat 10 g; Fiber 5 g; Vitamin C 8 mg; Potassium 331 mg.
Serving suggestions for babies
Combine this avocado puree with other baby-friendly foods to create balanced, interesting meals. Try these pairings as baby advances in age and texture tolerance:
- Fruits: banana, mango.
- Vegetables: broccoli, butternut squash, peas, sweet potato, or black beans (for older babies).
- Grains: rice, quinoa.
- Proteins: plain Greek yogurt or small amounts of scrambled egg (when allergen guidance allows).
- Combination ideas: avocado + sweet potato + black bean; kiwi + pear + avocado; mango + black bean + avocado.