Homemade Cerelac for Babies – A Nourishing Homemade Baby Cereal
If you’re looking for an easy homemade baby cereal that is nourishing, versatile and made with ingredients you already have in your kitchen, this homemade cerelac is one to try. 🤍
When I started introducing solids to my little one, I wanted something that was simple, wholesome and easy to prepare, without having to rely on packaged baby cereals for every meal.
This homemade cerelac has become one of my favourite things to keep ready in the kitchen. I make it using makhana (fox nuts), aval (flattened rice/poha), chana dal, oats, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.
I love this combination because it brings together different types of foods — grains, lentils, nuts and seeds — giving the cereal a lovely balance of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, fibre and a variety of micronutrients.
And the best part? Once the ingredients are roasted and powdered, preparing a bowl takes just a few minutes. Perfect for those busy baby days!
Why I like homemade baby cereal
Making it at home means I know exactly what is going into my baby's food. There are no unnecessary flavours or additives, and I can adjust the consistency depending on my baby's stage and preference.
Makhana adds a light, naturally creamy quality, while aval and oats make the cereal easy to cook. Chana dal adds plant-based protein, and the nuts and seeds contribute healthy fats and other nutrients.
It’s also a great make-ahead baby food — prepare the dry mix once and you have an easy breakfast on busy days or snack option ready when traveling or whenever you need it.
🥣 Homemade Cerelac Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
1 cup aval (flattened rice/poha)
½ cup oats
½ cup chana dal
¼ cup almonds
¼ cup cashews
2 tbsp sunflower seeds
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp walnuts
Instructions:
Dry roast each ingredient separately on low heat until fragrant and completely dry. Nuts and seeds only need light roasting — be careful not to burn them.
Allow everything to cool completely.
Grind all the ingredients into a fine powder. For younger babies, make sure the powder is very smooth.
Store the powder in a clean, dry, airtight container.
To prepare a serving, take around 2–3 tablespoons of the powder and mix with water.
Cook on low-medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and the grains and dal are properly cooked.
Adjust the consistency with more water depending on your baby's age and preference.
Allow it to cool to a suitable temperature before serving.
How to serve it
Once cooked, you can keep it simple or add a fruit your baby has already been introduced to, such as banana, pear, apple or dates for sweetness. You may simply add hot water as needed to make a thick porridge. (Especially handy on a busy day or when traveling)
You can also add a little breast milk or formula after cooking and cooling slightly if that suits your baby's feeding routine.
Ps: If you're making this for your baby, introduce the ingredients individually first, particularly the nuts and seeds, and make sure your baby has tolerated them before combining them into a homemade cereal mix.
Always use finely ground nuts and seeds for babies rather than whole pieces, and supervise your baby while eating.
