Apple & Cinnamon Baby Compote Recipe (5 Months+): How to Make This Simple First Purée

If you’re starting solids this fall, apples are one of the easiest and most comforting first foods to introduce. They soften beautifully when cooked, making them ideal for smooth purées, slightly thicker mashes, or even soft finger-food wedges as your baby grows.

This naturally sweet Apple & Cinnamon Compote is a great way to introduce the warm flavor of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples — a cozy combination babies tend to love. Fall produce is naturally nutrient-rich and baby-friendly, and this simple recipe fits perfectly into the season.

For most babies, this purée works well around 5–6 months once they show readiness cues. And in true Bébé Foodie style, it’s flexible enough to support any feeding approach — relaxed, supportive, and free of pressure.

Why apple & cinnamon is a perfect first baby purée

Apples cook down into a silky, easy-to-eat texture that’s perfect for early eaters still learning how to move food safely in their mouths. Their mild sweetness helps little taste buds adjust to solids, and the soft consistency makes this recipe adaptable for both spoon-feeding and early texture exploration.

✔ Gentle on baby’s tummy

Apples (especially when cooked) are soft, mild, and easy for beginners.

✔ Naturally sweet — no sugar added

Babies don’t need added sugars, but they do love natural sweetness. Apples deliver that beautifully.

✔ A warm introduction to spices

You don’t need to wait on spices like cinnamon — a tiny pinch is safe for babies once they start solids and can help expand their palate early on.

✔ Quick for parents

This recipe takes around 15 minutes total, including prep and cooking time — ideal for a busy weeknight.

When babies can enjoy apples: age-by-stage guidance

Babies can start eating cooked apple purées from their very first week of solids, typically around 5-6 months after they show readiness signs such as sitting with support and showing interest in food. As your baby grows, apples can be offered in several textures, which helps build confidence and teaches little ones how to handle food safely. Exploring a variety of textures with the same food is a simple way to support oral-motor development during the first months of feeding (learn more in our article on the benefits of offering different textures).

✔ For 5-6 months

Smooth apple purée = perfect first step.

✔ For 6-9 months

Serve as a thicker mash, or mix into yogurt, cereal, or other purées. Alternatively, you can serve cooked half apples

✔ For 10 months+

You can offer raw apples only in very thin, shredded pieces or soft-cooked wedges. 

Apple & Cinnamon Baby Compote Recipe 

Warm, cozy, and naturally sweet. Makes 2–3 servings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Best For: babies 5 months+
Consistency: smooth purée or soft mash
Diet: allergy-friendly, no added sugar

Ingredients

• 1 small apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
  

• ¼ cup water
  

• A pinch of ground cinnamon
  
  

Directions

1. Combine the chopped apple and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until fully tender, about 10–12 minutes.
   

2. Stir in the cinnamon.
   

3. Mash with a fork for a soft, slightly textured purée, or blend until perfectly smooth.
   

4. Allow the compote to cool before serving.

Tips for serving apple purée to your baby

• Start simple: This can be served as a smooth purée for early tastes or thickened slightly as your baby becomes more comfortable with solids.

• Keep it baby-friendly: Apples should be soft enough to squish easily between your fingers. No added sugar needed — babies love the natural sweetness.
  

• Make it easy: Freeze leftovers in an ice cube tray for quick, single-serve portions.

• Save time: Pre-slice apples for quick steaming.

How to serve apple cinnamon compote by age

Every baby is different, so follow your baby’s cues and comfort level. Here’s a simple Bébé Foodie–style breakdown:

5–6 Months (Beginners)

• Serve smooth purée
  

• Offer by spoon or preloaded spoons for baby to self-feed
  

• Mix with oatmeal or yogurt if desired
  
  

6–9 Months

• Increase texture; a thicker mash is appropriate
  

• Mix with proteins like full-fat yogurt or ricotta
  

• Spread onto toast strips for BLW-style feeding
  
  

10 Months+

• Continue offering the compote
  

• Add small, soft-cooked apple wedges
  

• For raw apple: only very thin shreds
  
  

12 Months+

• Use as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or snack plates

FAQ about apple purée and cinnamon for babies

Is cinnamon safe for babies at 5-6 months?

Yes, mild spices like cinnamon in small amounts are safe from the start of solids. A small pinch adds warmth and flavor without heat.

How long apple purée keeps in the fridge or freezer?

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Our Bébé Foodie Tip:Apple compote doesn’t have to be boring!

This recipe uses cinnamon, but we actually love keeping the base applesauce nature and adding flavors separately: vanilla, a squeeze of lemon, even a little mandarin juice. One batch, multiple variations. Your baby gets to explore new tastes, and you get an easier prep. Baby wins, parents win. We love that kind of victory.

Seasonal fall flavors that pair well with apple cinnamon baby compote

This recipe is part of our fall baby food series, highlighting simple purées and baby-led weaning ideas made with cozy, nutrient-rich seasonal produce. Fall fruits like apples and pears, and veggies like sweet potatoes and squash, offer soft textures and warm flavors that make starting solids easier for everyone.

 

Written by Jenny Janov, MPH, RD

Pediatric Dietitian & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

 

Jenny is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in pediatrics. She studied nutrition at UNC Chapel Hill and worked in hospitals and clinics across California, including UCSF and Stanford. Passionate about helping families, she guides them in making positive nutrition choices and setting achievable goals. As Bébé Foodie’s pediatric dietitian, she helps create expert-backed guidance for parents navigating their child's food journey. Now based in Bend, OR, she enjoys the outdoors, running, snowboarding, paddleboarding, cooking, and time with her husband and two boys.

 

This blog post is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be used as personal, health, nutritional, or medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child's health or readiness for various foods.