Is there anything pumpkin can't do? Beyond being nutritious (iron, Vitamin A, potassium) and naturally sweet, the puree-like texture of the canned stuff makes it an extraordinarily useful add-on and asset to so many child and adult staples: think smoothies, curries (link), and treats (links). You can add breakfast to that list, too: with a little bit of time and virtually no effort, you can turn pumpkin and a few other ingredients you probably already having lying around into a substantive and substantial toddler breakfast recipe. Once you have this one, there's nothing you can't do--for breakfast, anyway.
(Note: the proportions for this recipe are intended to create enough toast to serve 3-4 people immediately + have enough pumpkin mix for at least two more meals. See Notes section for storage tips.)
If you're looking for a toddler breakfast recipe that is both easy to make and exciting for your child to eat, look no further! Though not exactly "butter," this thick and creamy mix of pumpkin, maple syrup, orange, and ginger certainly feels like it.
Spread cottage cheese mixture on top of the toast first, followed by the pumpkin mixture over the top of the cottage cheese.
Top with additional sprinkles of black sesame seeds and/or cinnamon, if using. Slice up the toast into the sizes your child prefers.
Cottage cheese is used here because of it's high protein content; yogurt or cream cheese can easily be subbed in its place. You can also enhance your own toast with nuts (pepitas highly recommended), seeds (i.e. chia), or even a bit of spice--in fact, you can hit all three by drizzling salsa macha all over it.
Servings 3
Serving Size 1 toast
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Because you're cooking down a whole can of pumpkin, you're going to have a lot of material--multiple meals/toasts of material. If stored in a tight/sealed container, it will last for a week in the fridge; you can also freeze and it will last 4-6 months. When reheating, add a small bit of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance its texture.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
