Can I make Iron-Rich Vegan Lentil and Beetroot Brownies ahead?

Yes. Prepare the recipe ahead, cool it completely, and store portions airtight so they are ready for quick toddler snacks or meals.

How do I keep the texture toddler-friendly?

Keep pieces or spoonfuls small, avoid overcooking, and serve with a soft side if the texture feels dry or sticky for your child's chewing stage.

Can ingredients be swapped for allergies?

Yes. Use safe substitutes for your child's needs and check labels for common cross-contact risks before serving.

What should I serve with it?

Pair it with a protein, soft fruit, or cooked vegetable to make the snack or meal more balanced for little appetites.

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Healthy Snacks

Iron-Rich Vegan Lentil and Beetroot Brownies

Name: Iron-Rich Vegan Lentil and Beetroot Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 3/4 cup Red lentils; 1/2 cup Cooked and grated beetroot; 3/4 cup Whole wheat flour; 1/4 cup Cocoa powder; 1/4 cup Maple syrup; 1/3 cup Unsweetened applesauce; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon Pinch of salt

By TinyTummyTreats Test KitchenReviewed by TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished Apr 13, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026

International 45 mins nutritiouseasy-to-makevegandairy-freenut-freeiron-richvegetable-basedsoft-textureallergy-substitutionsbalanced-nutritionsuitable-for-2-year-oldslow-sugarhealthy snacksfinger-food-friendlymake-aheadbudget-friendlyquick-prepallergy-friendlytoddler breakfastlunchbox-ideasquick & easy

These Iron-Rich Vegan Lentil and Beetroot Brownies are a nutritious, soft-textured, and allergy-friendly finger food snack perfect for toddlers. Packed with protein-rich red lentils and vegetable-based beetroot, these brownies offer balanced nutrition with low sugar, no dairy, and no nuts. Ideal for picky-eaters, allergy-sensitive families, and as an easy-to-make, make-ahead healthy snack or lunchbox idea for toddlers aged 12 months and up.

Prep 15 min

Cook 30 min

Total 45 min

Servings 12

Difficulty easy

Cuisine International

Ingredients

Servings 12

3/4 cup Red lentils
1/2 cup Cooked and grated beetroot
3/4 cup Whole wheat flour
1/4 cup Cocoa powder
1/4 cup Maple syrup
1/3 cup Unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon Pinch of salt

Iron Rich Vegan Lentil Beetroot Brownies ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Combine rinsed red lentils with 1 1/4 cups water in a small saucepan. Boil, then simmer 15-20 minutes until lentils are very soft and water mostly absorbed. Drain excess water if necessary and cool slightly.
Mash cooked lentils with a fork or briefly blend with an immersion blender to achieve a mostly smooth but slightly textured consistency.
Add grated beetroot, maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract to the lentils. Stir until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour (or oat flour), cocoa powder, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to maintain soft texture.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth surface evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool brownies completely in pan on a wire rack before cutting into toddler-friendly bite-sized squares.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze up to 1 month for convenient make-ahead snacks.

Iron Rich Vegan Lentil Beetroot Brownies process image for TinyTummyTreats

Tips

Allergy Safety for Little Tummies

Allergy Warnings: This toddler-friendly recipe is free from dairy, nuts, and eggs, making it an excellent healthy snack option for children with common allergies. However, it contains gluten from whole wheat flour, so it may not be suitable for toddlers with celiac disease or gluten intolerance unless a gluten-free flour substitute is used. Substitution Suggestions: Flour: Replace whole wheat flour with oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend to maintain a soft, allergy-friendly texture.

Texture and Mouthfeel for Toddlers

These Iron-Rich Vegan Lentil and Beetroot Brownies are designed to be suitable for toddlers aged 12 months and older . At this age, toddlers begin to explore soft-textured finger foods, making these brownies an ideal snack that’s both easy to chew and nutrient-rich. For toddlers 12 to 18 months, ensure brownies are cut into small, manageable finger-food pieces to reduce choking hazards.

Feeding, Portioning, and Sharing Notes

To serve these Iron-Rich Vegan Lentil and Beetroot Brownies safely to toddlers aged 12 months to 2 years, attention to portion size, texture, and supervision is essential. Recommended Serving Size Offer 1 toddler-sized square, approximately 2 inches, as a snack or part of a meal. This portion balances energy and nutrient needs without overwhelming young appetites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Iron-Rich Vegan Lentil and Beetroot Brownies ahead?: Yes. Prepare the recipe ahead, cool it completely, and store portions airtight so they are ready for quick toddler snacks or meals.
How do I keep the texture toddler-friendly?: Keep pieces or spoonfuls small, avoid overcooking, and serve with a soft side if the texture feels dry or sticky for your child's chewing stage.
Can ingredients be swapped for allergies?: Yes. Use safe substitutes for your child's needs and check labels for common cross-contact risks before serving.
What should I serve with it?: Pair it with a protein, soft fruit, or cooked vegetable to make the snack or meal more balanced for little appetites.

Ingredient Replacements

cup Red lentils: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
cup Cooked and grated beetroot: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
cup Whole wheat flour: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
cup Cocoa powder: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
cup Maple syrup: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.

Storage

Cool Iron-Rich Vegan Lentil and Beetroot Brownies completely, then store portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze extras when practical, thaw before serving, and reheat gently only when a warmer, softer bite is helpful.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Iron-Rich Vegan Lentil and Beetroot Brownies

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions