I’m a crazy dog mom. I bake for my dogs. I know it sounds a little over the top, but hear me out. Store-bought dog treats can be full of questionable ingredients, and honestly, who really knows? What’s in a book? Why did I start making these?dog cupcakesWhat are some of the best songs that have been a HUGE hit? If you’re a dog-friendly cupcake maker, think of them as the dog friendly version of the human cupcake, only instead of sugary frosting. My furry friends go bonkers for this delicious topping. Seriously, their tails don’t stop wagging! I feel good knowing exactly what they’re eating, and they get a special treat that makes them feel special. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, it’s almost silly .
What are dog cupcakes?
What are these magical things?dog cupcakesWhat are some of the best baked treats for dogs? Imagine a personalized cake for your furry friend. Instead of flour and sugar, we’re using things like whole wheat flour (or even oat flour! ), pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, and honey for sweetness. Is it healthy to eat kibble? What is the “frosting” of plain yogurt or a dog-friendly Peanut Butter? What are some of the most delicious and nutritious rewards?dog cupcakesAre perfect for birthdays, training rewards, or just a special “I love you” treat?
Why you will love this recipe?
What isn’t to love about these guys?dog cupcakes?
- What are some of the best tail-What is the best combination of peanut butter and pumpkin? What are some of the best honey flavours you’ve ever had? I swear, they start doing their little happy dance the second they smell them baking. What is the cutest thing ever?
- They’re simple to make:Is this recipe really foolproof? What are some of the easiest recipes to cook? Is it worth it to do the whole process in 30 minutes?
- They’re budget friendlyWhat are some good dog treats that can be bought at the store?dog cupcakesAre incredibly economical. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and even if you don’t, they’re all in there! How do I get my Plus, you can make a big batch and freeze them for later, saving you even more money in the long run.
- They’re versatile:You can easily customize these templates.dog cupcakesCan you use sweet potato instead of pumpkin puree? What are some extra nutrients you can add to your diet? What are the endless possibilities? I even tried adding a little salmon oil once for shinier coat, and they didn’t even notice!
- Peace of Mind:What’s going into my dog’s treats? No weird additives, no artificial flavors, just wholesome, healthy ingredients that I can feel good about. That alone is worth the effort for me.
What I love the most is knowing that I’m giving my dog a treat that is both healthy and that they truly love me. What is peace of mind?
How do I make dog cupcakes?
Quick Overview
Making these dog cupcakesYou’ll simply whisk together the dry ingredients, combine the wet ingredients and fold them gently. What is the recipe for cupcake liners? What’s your favorite dog frosting? What is your favorite treat? What are some of the best ingredients you have in your pantry?
Ingredients
For the Dog Cupcakes: What are some good
- 1 12 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option) – Whole grain flour provides good nutrition. Is oat flour a good alternative for dogs?
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cupcakes rise and become nice and fluffy.
- 12 teaspoon baking soda – For that extra little lift!
- 12 cup unsweetened applesauce – Adds moisture and natural sweetness. How do I make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid added sugars?
- 12 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) Is pumpkin good for dogs?
- 14 cup honey – Just a touch for extra sweetness and flavor.
- 1 egg – Binds everything together and adds protein.
- 14 cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil) – Keeps cupcakes moist and tender.
For the Frosting: How does the
- Plain yogurt (unsweetened, non-fat) – A healthy and delicious alternative to sugary frosting. Plus, it’s packed with probiotics!
- What is the best peanut butter for dogs? Is xylitol toxic to dogs? I buy mine from a local pet store to be extra safe.
What is the best step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. If you don’t have cupcake liners, you can grease the muffin tin with a little coconut oil to prevent sticking. I always preheat my oven a little earlier just so its nice and ready.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour (or oat flour), baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure the cupcakes rise evenly. I learned that not mixing well can lead to lumpy cupcakes.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, pumpkin puree, honey, egg, and vegetable oil. Set aside. What is coconut oil? Whisk until smooth and well combined. The consistency should be nice and even. I’ve tried using melted coconut oil and room temperature, and honestly, didn’t see much difference.
Step 4: Combine
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix cupcakes, as this can make them hard. A few lumps are okay! Make sure there are no large pockets of flour. I always do this by hand and not the mixer, its much easier.
Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners
Fill each cupcake liner about 34 full with batter. I use an Ice Cream scoop to make sure they’re all evenly filled. This helps them bake at the same rate and prevents some from overflowing. I always tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
Step 6: Bake
Is it safe to bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean? How long does it take to bake a cake? I always start checking around 18 minutes just to be safe. Trust me, you will want to keep an eye on these.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack to cool completely. Cool completely. How do you cool a potato? Don’t frost them while they’re still warm, or the frosting will melt!
Step 8: Frost & Decorate
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost them! You can use plain yogurt or dog-friendly Peanut Butter, or even a combination of both. I usually just spread a thin layer of frosting on top and then decorate with a few of my dogs’ favorite treats. Just don’t overdo it on the decorations, as you don’t want to add too much extra sugar or unhealthy ingredients. I like to top with little bits of their favorite dried liver treats!
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
Now for the best part – serving these delicious dog cupcakes to your furry friend! Watch their tails wag with excitement as they devour their special treat. Just be sure to supervise them while they’re eating and don’t give them too many at once. Everything in moderation, right?
What to Serve It With
While these dog cupcakes are a delightful treat on their own, you can also pair them with other healthy goodies for a complete and balanced snack.
For Special Occasions: Whip up a batch of homemade dog biscuits or pup-sicles to create a fun and festive spread. You could even set up a “doggy buffet” with different healthy snacks for your pup to choose from!
For Training Rewards: Cut the dog cupcakes into smaller pieces and use them as high-value rewards during training sessions. The delicious flavor will keep your dog motivated and focused!
For a Healthy Snack: Serve a dog cupcake alongside a small portion of their regular kibble to add some extra excitement to their meal. You could also mix in some chopped veggies like carrots or broccoli for an added boost of nutrients.
For a Cozy Night In: Snuggle up on the couch with your furry friend and share a dog cupcake while watching a movie. It’s the perfect way to bond and create lasting memories! Make sure you’ve got a towel handy though, things can get messy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Dog Cupcakes
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making these dog cupcakes even better. Here are my top tips for perfecting your recipe:
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Just like with human food, the quality of your ingredients will affect the taste and texture of your dog cupcakes. Opt for organic, whole wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and pumpkin puree without any added sugar or spices.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dry cupcakes. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
- Adjust the Sweetness to Your Dog’s Preferences: Some dogs have a sweet tooth, while others prefer a more savory flavor. Adjust the amount of honey in the recipe to suit your dog’s taste. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for extra flavor.
- Get Creative with the Frosting: While plain yogurt and dog-friendly peanut butter are both great options, you can also experiment with other healthy frostings. Try mixing mashed banana with a little yogurt, or pureeing sweet potato with a touch of peanut butter.
- Store Them Properly: These dog cupcakes will last for several days in the refrigerator or up to a month in the freezer. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. If freezing, I recommend wrapping them individually in plastic wrap to make them easier to thaw.
- Be Careful of Allergies: Just like humans, some dogs have allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. If you’re not sure whether your dog can tolerate a particular ingredient, start with a small amount and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction. You can always consult with your veterinarian for more specific advice. My friend’s dog is allergic to wheat so she uses oat flour.
I tested one batch using coconut flour, they came out a little dense but my dogs still loved them!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make a big batch of these dog cupcakes and save some for later? Here are my tips for storing and reheating them:
Room Temperature: These dog cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, but they’re best kept in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. I usually put a piece of parchment paper in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, be sure to use an airtight container to maintain their freshness. I like to put a layer of paper towels on the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture and keep the cupcakes from getting soggy.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store these dog cupcakes for even longer, the freezer is your best bet. They can be frozen for up to a month without any loss of quality. To freeze them, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent freezer burn and keep them tasting fresh.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on frosting these dog cupcakes, I recommend waiting until just before serving to add the frosting. This will prevent the frosting from getting soggy or melting during storage. If you’ve already frosted them, you can still store them in the refrigerator or freezer, but the frosting may not look as pretty after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for homemade dog cupcakes that are sure to make your furry friend’s tail wag! These treats are not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make, and I love the feeling of knowing exactly what’s going into my dogs’ food. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and see for yourself how much your dog will love them.
And if you’re looking for more ways to spoil your pup, be sure to check out my other dog treat recipes, like my homemade dog biscuits and pup-sicles!
Happy baking (and happy treating)! I can’t wait to hear how your dog cupcakes turn out, so be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what your dog thought of them. And don’t forget to share your own variations and tips – I’m always looking for new ways to improve my recipes!
How to Make 7 Irresistible Dog Cupcakes for Your Furry Friend
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour Use a good quality whole wheat flour.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 0.5 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1 Egg
- 2 tbsp Peanut Butter Make sure it's xylitol-free!
- 0.25 cup Plain Yogurt For the 'frosting'
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
- In a bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, egg, and peanut butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting with plain yogurt.
