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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Quick & Easy

Low-Sugar Spiced Pear and Amaranth Breakfast Bars

Name: Low-Sugar Spiced Pear and Amaranth Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 cup amaranth flour; 1/2 cup rolled oats, gluten-free; 1 cup pear, ripe and peeled; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tbsp melted coconut oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 tbsp water or almond milk (dairy-free, nut-free option: oat milk)

By TinyTummyTreats Test KitchenReviewed by TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished Apr 20, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026

International 35 mins nutritiouseasy-to-makewhole-grainsfruit-basedlow-sugarallergy-substitutionsmake-aheadlunchbox-friendlybalanced-nutritionquick-prepsuitable-for-12-monthsfinger-food-friendlysoft-texturedairy-freenut-freegluten-freeallergy-friendly

These Low-Sugar Spiced Pear and Amaranth Breakfast Bars are a quick, easy-to-make toddler-friendly breakfast or snack option. Made with whole grain amaranth flour and naturally sweet ripe pears, they offer a balanced, fruit-based, low-sugar meal ideal for picky-eaters. Allergy-friendly and soft-textured, these bars are perfect as make-ahead breakfast treats or lunchbox ideas, suitable for toddlers 12 months and older.

Prep 10 min

Cook 25 min

Total 35 min

Servings 12

Difficulty easy

Cuisine International

Ingredients

Servings 12

1 cup amaranth flour
1/2 cup rolled oats, gluten-free
1 cup pear, ripe and peeled
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp water or almond milk (dairy-free, nut-free option: oat milk)

Low Sugar Spiced Pear Amaranth Breakfast Bars ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with coconut oil.
In a large bowl, combine the amaranth flour, gluten-free rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
In a separate bowl, mix the finely chopped or grated pear with unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and water or dairy/nut-free milk substitute.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold until a uniform, slightly sticky batter forms. If too dry, add water or milk a teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, pressing gently to flatten the surface.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into toddler-sized portions.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer shelf life.
Serve as a nutritious breakfast or healthy snack for toddlers aged 12 months and older. Warming the bars slightly before serving enhances softness and flavor.

Low Sugar Spiced Pear Amaranth Breakfast Bars process image for TinyTummyTreats

Tips

Allergy Safety for Little Tummies

Allergy-Friendly & Safe Ingredient Guidance These breakfast bars are thoughtfully developed to be allergy-friendly: gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free when prepared with certified gluten-free ingredients. Key Considerations: Flours: Amaranth flour is naturally gluten-free; brown rice or certified gluten-free oat flour are excellent alternatives. Grains: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats or swap with quinoa flakes for added protein and texture.

Texture and Mouthfeel for Toddlers

These Low-Sugar Spiced Pear and Amaranth Breakfast Bars are crafted specifically for toddlers 12 months and older . By this stage, most toddlers are transitioning to varied solid foods and can enjoy soft, finger-food-friendly textures like these bars. For toddlers 12-18 months: Cut bars into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking.

Feeding, Portioning, and Sharing Notes

Safe Serving Sizes & Choking Prevention For toddlers 12 months and older, serve approximately one small bar (about 3x2 inches) per snack or meal portion, providing balanced nutrition without overfeeding. This recipe yields 12 toddler-sized bars. Choking Hazard Tips Cut bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for younger toddlers or those developing chewing skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Low-Sugar Spiced Pear and Amaranth Breakfast Bars 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 amaranth 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 rolled oats: 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 pear: 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 unsweetened applesauce: 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.
tsp ground cinnamon: 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 Low-Sugar Spiced Pear and Amaranth Breakfast Bars 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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Low-Sugar Spiced Pear and Amaranth Breakfast Bars

Recipe Details

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