Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes — pre-cut frozen butternut squash steams just as well as fresh and is a real time-saver, since peeling and cubing a whole squash is one of the more tedious parts of this recipe.

What pear variety works best?

Softer, sweeter varieties like Bartlett or Anjou tend to break down more easily than firmer varieties like Bosc — make sure the pear is fully ripe for the smoothest texture.

Can I mix this with a protein like plain yogurt later on?

Once your baby is past the first few purees and your pediatrician has cleared dairy, plain whole-milk yogurt can be a nice addition to squash and pear for extra protein and creaminess.

Butternut Squash & Pear Puree Recipe for Babies

A smooth golden butternut squash and pear puree in a white bowl

Photo: Unsplash

Age: Around 6 months and up, once solids have started.

Butternut squash roasts down into a naturally smooth, mildly sweet puree, and pairing it with soft pear rounds out the flavor without needing any added sugar. It's a good option to rotate in alongside sweet potato for variety.

Ingredients

1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 ripe pear, peeled, cored, and chopped
Water, for steaming and thinning

Instructions

Steam the butternut squash cubes for 12-15 minutes, until very soft.
Add the chopped pear for the last 4-5 minutes of steaming.
Blend both together, adding a little steaming water as needed for a smooth, spoonable texture.
Cool completely before serving.

Roasting instead of steaming

Roasting the squash (400°F/200°C, about 25 minutes, cut side down) intensifies the natural sweetness even more than steaming, though it does take a bit longer — either method works well for this recipe.

Storage

Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in an ice cube tray for up to 2 months.

Butternut Squash & Pear Puree

Ingredients

Instructions

Roasting instead of steaming

Storage

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