These Easy Sautéed Cinnamon Pears are a quick and simple snack that are perfect for babies and toddlers. Cooking the pears with a little water helps soften them into a tender texture that’s easier for little eaters to manage, while cinnamon adds a naturally cozy flavour. As a registered dietitian and mom, I’m always looking for simple snacks that are nutritious and easy to prep, and these cinnamon pears check all the boxes!
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Table of Contents
Why You'll Love These Cinnamon Pears
As a Registered Dietitian, I often recommend pears for little ones because they belong to the 'P' fruits (pears, prunes, peaches, and plums) known for supporting digestive regularity. Pears support regular bowel movements in a few different ways. They are high in fibre to add bulk, rich in sorbitol (a natural sugar alcohol that draws water into the gut), and have a high water content to keep things moving smoothly.
- Works for babies and toddlers - A great option for both babies and toddlers. I've provided instructions and images on how to adapt these for baby-led weaning
- Soft texture for toddlers – cooking pears helps soften them for easier chewing
- Naturally sweet – no added sugar needed
- Quick and simple – ready in about 10 minutes
- Versatile – great for breakfast and adding on top of oatmeal or yogurt, toddler snacks, or adding as a side dish in toddler lunchboxes
If you're looking for other meal ideas helpful for constipation, check out my Blueberry Prune Constipation Smoothie and this Banana Chia Pudding!
Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Pears for Kids
Here is what you'll need to make these cinnamon pears.
- Pears
- Cinnamon
- Coconut oil or butter
- 2 tablespoon water
- Hemp hearts (optional but encouraged!)
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cinnamon Pears for Babies and Toddlers
Peel and slice pears into strips.
In a medium saucepan, melt the coconut oil.
Add the pears, water, and cinnamon. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, until pears are soft.
Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Hint: Adding 1-2 tbsps of water really helps soften the pears up.
How to Serve Cinnamon Pears for Babies and Toddlers
Safety Summary: Serving Pears Safely
- 6-9 Months (Baby-Led Weaning): Serve as large, peeled halves or thick wedges (about the width of two adult fingers) for easy palming.
- 6-9 Months (Spoon-Feeding): Mash the sautéed pears thoroughly with a fork to create a thick, lumpy puree or blend into a finer puree.
- 9-12 Months: Once the pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) develops, you can transition to small bite-sized pieces.
- The Smush Test: Regardless of how you serve them, always ensure the pear is soft enough to mash easily between your fingers before offering it to your baby.
For more information on safely serving pears, check out this post here.
Here is an image of pears cut into large halves and cooked till soft, then rolled in hemp hearts and ground flaxseed. This is an example of how they can be served for baby-led weaning for a baby who doesn't yet have a pincer grasp.
For other great foods for introducing to a baby starting solids, check out my post here on Best First Foods for Baby with Baby-Led Weaning and I have a post on Easy & Healthy Meal Ideas for a 9-Month Baby (Baby Led Weaning).
Substitutions
- Different spices - try a dash of apple pie spice or cinnamon and nutmeg to mix it up!
- Swap the fruit - you can use the same approach with apples or peaches.
If you like this recipe, try my Cinnamon Apples for Toddlers and Babies here.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Vegetable peeler
- Frying pan or sauté pan
- Cutting board and knife
Storage
Store cooled cinnamon pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
They can be:
- served cold
- reheated gently in the microwave
- warmed on the stovetop
You can also freeze cooked cinnamon pears for up to 2 months. Let them cool fully before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm gently before serving.
Toddler Tip
For a balanced snack, try serving cinnamon pears alongside a protein or healthy fat, such as full-fat yogurt, cheese or a hard-boiled egg.
Pairing fruit with protein or fat can help keep little ones fuller for longer.
FAQ
Yes! Cooked pears are a great fruit option for babies because the soft texture makes them easier to chew and swallow. You can mash cooked pears or serve soft halves for baby-led weaning.
Yes. Pears become soft when cooked, making them a great option for baby-led weaning. Cut the pears into large wedges and cook them until very soft so babies can easily grasp and gum them. Roll them in ground flaxseed or hemp hearts to help baby pick them up. See the image above for an example of this!
Pears are safe for babies when they pass the 'Smush Test.' You should be able to easily flatten the cooked pear between your thumb and forefinger with minimal pressure.
Recipe
Easy Sautéed Cinnamon Pears (for Babies and Toddlers)
Equipment
- 1 Peeler
- 1 Medium saucepan or skillet
Ingredients
- 3 Pears
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil or butter, or other cooking oil of choice
- 2 tablespoon Water
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Hemp hearts optional
Instructions
- Peel the pears, then cut them into thin slices (or large halves for baby led weaning).
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the coconut oil. Once melted, add the pear slices and water.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon over the pears and stir to combine.
- Cover the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pears are soft and easily pierced with a fork, about 8-10 minutes.
- Allow the pears to cool slightly before serving. Add hemp hearts if using and stir together.
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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutritional advice. Because every child develops on their own timeline, always choose food textures and sizes based on your baby’s specific age, chewing skills, and developmental readiness. Safety is the top priority: stay within arm's reach and supervised during all mealtimes, and adjust the softness or shape of foods as needed for your little one.
Brandon says
Kids love them