Homemade Cerelac for Babies: A Nutritious and Tasty Alternative to Store-Bought Cereal
As a mum, nothing brings more joy than knowing exactly what your little one is eating. Store-bought baby cereals like Cerelac have been a go-to for many families for years—but what if you could make your own version at home that’s just as tasty, more nutritious, and 100% free of preservatives and additives? Yes, boss, it’s very possible—and I’ll show you exactly how!
In this blog, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make homemade Cerelac—a multigrain baby cereal that is both delicious and nourishing for your baby.
What Is Cerelac and Why Make It at Home?
Cerelac is a popular instant baby cereal that contains a mix of grains, milk, and added vitamins. However, it often includes added sugars, preservatives, and processed ingredients. While convenient, it doesn’t always meet the gold standard of fresh, whole food nutrition.
That’s where homemade Cerelac comes in. Making it at home:
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Gives you control over ingredients.
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Lets you avoid preservatives and added sugar.
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Allows you to customize flavors and textures for your baby’s liking and age.
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Costs less in the long run.
Ingredients for Homemade Cerelac Powder
Here’s a list of grains and pulses you’ll need to prepare a highly nutritious mix. These ingredients offer a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats—everything your growing baby needs:
Main Ingredients:
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1 cup rice (white or brown)
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1/2 cup wheat (whole or cracked)
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1/4 cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
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1/4 cup urad dal (optional, for extra protein)
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1/4 cup oats
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1/4 cup ragi (finger millet) – rich in calcium
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1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
Nuts and Flavor:
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6 almonds (soaked and peeled if your baby is under 1)
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6 cashews (optional)
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2 cardamom pods – for aroma and mild flavor
Note: You can adjust the ingredients depending on your baby’s age, allergies, and preferences. You can also simplify the mix for beginners—such as starting with just rice and moong dal.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
1. Roast the Ingredients
Each grain and pulse should be roasted separately in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and aromatic. This step enhances the flavor, increases shelf life, and makes digestion easier for your baby.
Roast the nuts and cardamom last, lightly, until fragrant.
2. Cool Completely
After roasting, allow everything to cool fully to avoid moisture buildup during grinding.
3. Grind to Powder
Use a powerful blender or grain grinder to blend all the ingredients into a fine powder. If needed, sieve to remove coarse particles—especially for babies under 1 year of age.
4. Store Properly
Transfer the powder into an airtight container—preferably glass. Store in a cool, dry place. This mix will stay fresh for up to 2 months.
You can refrigerate or freeze a portion for longer shelf life.
How to Prepare Instant Homemade Cerelac for Feeding
When it’s mealtime, here’s how to prepare this instant baby porridge:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons of homemade Cerelac powder
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1 cup of water, breast milk, or formula
Instructions:
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Mix the powder with the liquid in a small saucepan.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously.
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In 5–7 minutes, the mixture will become thick and soft like porridge.
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Let it cool to a lukewarm temperature before feeding your baby.
Additions for Flavor and Variety
If your baby is already used to flavored store-bought Cerelac, you can match the taste by naturally sweetening the porridge:
Natural Flavor Options:
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Mashed banana or apple puree
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Dates paste (blend soaked dates)
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Pear or peach puree
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A few drops of ghee for babies above 10 months
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A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for aroma
These additions make the porridge naturally sweet and flavorful—no sugar needed!
Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Cerelac
Homemade Cerelac is a powerhouse of nutrients:
Ingredient | Nutrient Benefit |
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Rice & Wheat | Carbohydrates for energy |
Lentils (Dal) | Protein for growth |
Ragi | Calcium for bone development |
Oats | Fiber and slow-release energy |
Nuts | Healthy fats and brain development |
Cardamom | Aids digestion and adds natural flavor |
It’s a well-rounded mix to support healthy weight gain, brain development, and strong immunity in babies.
When Can You Start Giving Homemade Cerelac?
You can start offering homemade Cerelac from 6 months onwards, once your baby is ready for solids. Always follow your pediatrician’s advice. Start with small amounts and single grains, then gradually introduce the full mix.
Why Mums Love It
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“I love knowing exactly what goes into my baby’s food.”
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“My baby prefers the taste of the homemade one!”
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“It feels good to feed something so nutritious and fresh.”
Many mums report that their babies enjoy the taste and texture of the homemade version—even more than store-bought Cerelac.
Tips for Busy Mums
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Prepare a big batch of the powder once every month.
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Store in small containers to avoid frequent exposure to air.
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Use clean, dry spoons every time.
Thoughts
Making your own baby food is a small act of love with a big impact. This homemade Cerelac is easy to make, affordable, and packed with goodness for your baby. It’s perfect for mums who want to give their babies the best start in life—naturally.
Stay Connected!
Did you find this recipe helpful? Try it out and let me know how your baby responds! Don’t forget to check out more baby food recipes, motherhood tips, and natural living guides here on Glow With Grace.
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Let’s raise strong, healthy, and joyful children—one bowl at a time!