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Sweet Potato & Apple Toddler Bites - Soft, Nutritious Finger Food

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium sweet potato (about 12–14 oz)
  • 1 medium apple (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
  • 1 cup quick oats or rolled oats
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for egg-free)
  • 2–3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (optional, for moisture)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free preferred)
  • Pinch of salt (optional; skip for babies under 1)
  • 1–2 teaspoons neutral oil or melted butter (optional, for richness)
  • Nonstick spray or parchment paper for the baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Prep the sweet potato: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and cube the sweet potato. Steam or microwave until very soft, about 8–10 minutes steaming or 5–7 minutes microwaving. Mash until smooth.
  2. Grate the apple: Peel if you prefer a smoother texture. Grate on the fine side and squeeze out excess liquid with a clean towel or paper towel so the batter isn’t too wet.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine mashed sweet potato (about 1 cup), grated apple (about 3/4 cup after squeezing), egg, applesauce, vanilla, and oil or melted butter if using. Stir until smooth.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Stir in oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if using. The mixture should be thick and scoopable, not runny. If it’s too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons more oats.
  5. Rest the batter: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the oats hydrate. This helps the bites hold their shape.
  6. Shape the bites: Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly spray it. Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds and gently flatten each to about 1/2 inch thick. Aim for 20–24 small bites.
  7. Bake: Bake for 12–16 minutes, until set, lightly golden at the edges, and springy to the touch. They should be soft, not crispy.
  8. Cool completely: Let the bites cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Cooling helps them firm up for tiny hands.
  9. Serve: Offer plain, or with a thin smear of plain yogurt or unsweetened nut butter for older toddlers.