Pumpkin Dog Cake Recipe
This simple dog cake recipe calls for pumpkin and applesauce. The greek yogurt peanut butter frosting will be irresistible for your pup!
It’s Hudson’s birthday! Can you believe he’s two years old? It feels like I was just baking him his first homemade biscuits yesterday. To celebrate his second birthday, I baked him a pumpkin dog cake with peanut butter frosting—two of his favorite flavors!
Hudson spent his birthday hiking in Colorado with fellow fur friends. He also ate some of his birthday cake, which he loved! The recipe is incredibly easy.
Why your dog will love this recipe
- It uses whole ingredients with no added sugars! This is best for dogs’ sensitive digestive systems.
- It has popular flavors dogs love: peanut butter, pumpkin and apple.
- This dog birthday cake is decorated in biscuits so your pup knows it’s for him.
- Great for sharing with other fur friends. Your dog will know it’s a special day if his/her buddies are there to celebrate!
Ingredient notes
- Pumpkin purée: Hudson, believe it or not, has a sensitive tummy. Ever since he was a puppy, I have included pumpkin in my recipes for him. Pumpkin provides dogs with fiber and aids in digestive health. It’s easy for dogs to digest and the flavor isn’t overwhelming!
- Applesauce: It has the same benefits as pumpkin, but adds a little natural sweetness. Applesauce is also a substitute for oil, which I wanted to avoid using in this recipe.
- Peanut butter: Smooth natural peanut butter without any added sugars or sugar substitutes is best for dogs. The only ingredients on the label should be peanuts and salt.
- Greek yogurt: This is used for the frosting. Again, make sure it is plain without any added sugars.
How to make a dog cake from scratch
This recipe is incredibly easy. In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat together the wet ingredients—pumpkin, applesauce, peanut butter, eggs and honey. Mix the two together until combined. Pour into the cake pans and bake at 350F for 30 minutes!
I used these 6-inch cake pans so I can make a double layer cake. It is a small dog cake—perfect for Hudson and a few fur friends to share! You can always half the recipe and bake it in one pan for a single layer cake too.
Peanut butter yogurt frosting for dogs
This is Hudson’s favorite frosting. He always licks this first before eating the cake! It’s just peanut butter, Greek yogurt and honey (you can also use maple syrup). When choosing these ingredients, pick products that have no added sugar and not low-fat since there are additives in those foods. This is healthier for your pup!
Helpful recipe tips
The ingredients are important for this recipe. Use whole ingredients with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Always check the ingredients on the label. This cake is easy to make, but be sure to let it cool completely before frosting! If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little water or milk to thin it out.
Health benefits of peanut butter for dogs
Peanut butter is packed with natural protein and healthy fats according to the American Kennel Club. It also contains vitamin E, which is good for the immune system. However, peanut butter should be given in moderation since it is a high-calorie food. Also, choose natural, unsalted peanut butter. Avoid artificial sweeteners, which are found in low-fat and light peanut butters.
Health benefits of yogurt for dogs
Yogurt contains probiotics, which aids in digestion for dogs. It also is an excellent source of calcium and can keep your dog fuller for longer according to the American Kennel Club. Use plain whole, low-fat or non-fat yogurt with no added sweeteners..
Health benefits of honey for dogs
Honey is known to have antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties according to the American Kennel Club. It also reduces inflammation and cure allergies. Do not give raw honey to puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems. It is only okay in recipes. Hudson has been very itchy since moving from Connecticut to Colorado so I’m hoping honey helps his allergies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, replace it with plain Greek yogurt or a mashed banana instead. Other options include cashew butter and pumpkin seed butter. Consult your vet for any concerns.
Yes, a 9-inch round or 8-inch square pan also works for this recipe. Baking time will be 40 to 45 minutes.
I used biscuits from Trader Joe’s, but you should use your dog’s favorite treats for garnish!
Dog birthday party ideas
In addition to making this cake, why don’t you throw your pup a pawty? To some it might sound ridiculous, but the the exceptional dog mom or dad it sounds perfect. Have the dogs run around and tire themselves out while the humans enjoy a cocktail? Sign me up.
Here are some cool dog party props I found online.
- “Let’s Pawty” balloon banner – the balloons have paw prints on them!
- Birthday bandana – the goodest boy needs to stand out, right?
- Paper plates with pups – gotta stick with the theme here
- Birthday cake biscuits – perfect for decorating the cake or for goodie bags
- Dog party games for the humans.
- Pupcake dog toy as a gift for your pup!
Related recipes
Spoiling my pup results in many dog recipes. I often use pumpkin and peanut butter as the main ingredients. Here are a few of Hudson’s favorites…
Did you love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below and if you REALLY loved it, consider leaving a comment further down the page.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dog Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Pumpkin Dog Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, wheat and oat flour may be used as well
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
- ¾ cup pure pumpkin pureé
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup smooth natural peanut butter, (see notes)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1-2 tablespoons local honey
Peanut Butter Yogurt Frosting
- 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- ½ cup smooth natural peanut butter, (see notes)
- 1-2 tablespoons local honey, or pure maple syrup
Decoration
- ¼ cup smooth natural peanut butter
- dog biscuits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two 6-inch round baking pans. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set a side.
- Use an electric mixer (or mix by hand) to beat the pumpkin, applesauce, peanut butter, eggs and honey until well combined. Add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes then invert cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Use an electric mixer (or mix by hand) to combine the yogurt, peanut butter and honey until fluffy and smooth. Use an off-set spatula to frost the cakes.
- To pipe a number on top of the cake, place smooth peanut butter in a plastic zip top bag. Cut the corner of the bag and write the number or message. If the peanut butter is too stiff, place the bag in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. Garnish the cake with biscuits and serve your pup!
84 Comments on “Pumpkin Dog Cake Recipe”
Dipsy Daisy Doodle and her mom me thank you very much.
Can we also est it if we dont add the dog biscuit for decoration?
Can you half this recipe? I see it makes 2 cakes?
Hi Daniela – Yes, you can halve the recipe to make one 6-inch round cake.
My dog LOVED this cake and icing! I added a little extra pumpkin and 1/2 a banana to the batter
Hi Cynthia – how much extra pumpkin did you use? Did you add or omit anything else (along with the 1/2 of a banana)?
My dog loved this cake, and I honestly did too!! So good
What would be the difference in texture if we use wheat flour? Thanks.
How do you put a different color for the writing? Do you use food coloring?
Hi Cici! That was just peanut butter. I put it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften it up before piping. Enjoy!
Thank you so much for this amazing recipe. I tried it for Lulu’s 2nd birthday and she absolutely loved it. Especially the PB Yogurt frosting. Definitely going to bake it again.
I love love love this recipe and my two dogs love it to !
my batter is very thick like cookies dough…please help
Hi Michelle – The batter will be thick, but not that thick! Try adding 2-4 more tablespoons of applesauce. Hope this helps!
Could you use coconut flour instead?
Hi Stephanie – I have not used coconut flour in this recipe. Coconut flour has more fat content than most flours so it would turn out very dense.
I made this for my potbelly pig, Coco for his birthday and he absolutely loved it. Maybe you’re thinking “well yeah, pigs will eat anything” Not so! Coco is actually pretty picky about food! But he loved this. I’m going to make a cupcake version for him to have treats when he is being an exceptionally good boy. Thank you for this recipe 😘
My stepdaughter made this cake for her dog Duke last year and mentioned that it contained all human-grade ingredients, so I tried it. It was really pretty good! Today I made it into cupcakes and ate one and shared one with my 3 dogs. We ALL loved it!! I am trying to avoid eating sugar, and this was a great recipe to satisfy my sweet tooth!
Not just a recipe for dogs – my friends and I loved it just as much as Sammie (1-yo pup) loved it! Such a delicious recipe! 🙂
Bruno loved his pumpkin/peanut butter cake for his 1st birthday. My one year old grandson even liked it!
Kai LOVED this recipe. Highly recommended, especially since he doesn’t much care for sweets…. Kai especially loved the icing!!
Is it possible to freeze the cake and/or icing? How long will it stay edible for? How long can it be refrigerated for?
My pup loved his birthday cake! My girls liked the taste of the frosting (before the doggy). Thank you!
Can you use an 8 or 9 inch pan for this recipe instead of two 6 inch pans?
Hi Mary – Yes, people have used this recipe for a 9-inch baking pan. Keep in mind baking time will be longer.
This cake was a super success with my pups. Thank you for posting!
We wanted to do something special for my dog’s 10th Gotcha Day. I stumbled across this recipe and I’m glad I did. The cake was a hit! My dog practically tried to inhale it. He has a sensitive stomach at times, but this sat well with him. I definitely make this one again. 🙂
I didn’t have applesauce so I used one mashed banana instead and it came out great. The dogs loved it! I baked the cake one day and then iced it the next.
Can I use coconut flour for this ?
Hi Charlene – I have not tried this recipe with coconut flour. Coconut flour has a significantly higher fat content than other flours so I expect to turn out dense so I wouldn’t recommend it.
Delicious cake recipe. Love the way you’ve explained it. Will try it soon!
Hi! Great recipe so far the only problem is I ran out of honey. Do you have any ideas of what a good substitute for honey may be?
Hi Sadie – Maple syrup may be used in place of honey. Make sure to use pure maple syrup (not imitation pancake syrup).
Can you freeze the baked cakes unfrosted thaw and frost?
Hi Bev – Yes, once the cakes have cooled, store them in the freezer (plastic wrap or freezer bag works). Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before bringing to room temperature and frosting. Cakes will last in the freezer for up to 1 month.
I made this today for my Lacy’s 5th birthday. She LOVED it!
My dog is a picky eater, and he always refused to eat anything new. I made this pumpkin recipe and he really seems to like it.
Hi! Do you have suggested bake times if we make cupcakes instead of a cake? Thanks in advance! 🙂
Hi Elaine – Please refer to my pupcake recipe. It is an adaptation of the dog cake recipe. https://www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com/pumpkin-peanut-butter-pupcakes/
Hello
I don’t have 2 round baking pans, would I be able to use 2 loaf pans and make a rectangular cake?
Asking for Malcolm the Bouvier 🙂
Thanks,
Carole
Hi Carole – Yes, two 8×4 loaf pans will work for this recipe
Hi there, my dogs birthday is coming up and I want to make your cake but I don’t know what pumpkin purée? Is it bought or homemade? Which one do i by? And the applesauce?
Can’t wait to spoil my puppy 😁🥳🎉
Hi Imogen – Store-bought canned pumpkin puree is best. I suggest Libby’s pumpkin puree!
I made this for my puppy’s first birthday! she loved it and could not get enough of it. I was very happy with the simple and whole ingredients in the cake she totally loved it, would make again.
This is such a good recipe for dogs! My puppy is turning one on October thirteenth. We received her last year on December second for my daughter’s tenth birthday. Roxy (my pup) is going to enjoy her birthday snack very much!
What kind of dog biscuits did you use to decorate the cake? Where did you get them?
Hi Alexandra – I used peanut butter banana biscuits from Trader Joe’s.
The cake itself is great but the ‘frosting’ came out so so liquid it was unusable!
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I saved it a few months ago and we just made it today for our puppy’s first Birthday. She LOVED it, and it turned out just as cute as your pictures!
I made this in a single round cake pan and it worked great. I love the frosting–I may end up using it for a lighter frosting on people cakes too!
What size cake pan did you use
Can you use powdered peanut butter instead? How much would you use?
Can you use powdered peanut butter? What would the suggested amounts be if yes?
Hi Donna – I have not tried powdered peanut butter for this recipe. I don’t think it would work since regular peanut butter has moisture and fat content that is necessary for cake.
Can I leave out the pumpkin and salt from the recipe?
Can you make this in a square or rectangular pan? If so what size would be for this recipe? 8×8, 9×9, 9×13? Thanks
I made this for my dog’s gotcha day – we’ve had him for 1 year! He LOVED it!! We had to take it away from him because he was going to eat it all himself.
When he started taking huge chunks off the cake and running to one of his beds to eat it there so none of us (people) could steal it we knew we had a winner in this cake recipe. I used 1 cup regular flour and a 1/2 cup oat flour. Super simple to whip up and I just loved seeing how happy it made our dog! Delivering some slices to his dog friends today. Thank you!!
Thank you so much for this recipe! I have made this a few times for my dog and she LOVES this cake. Thank you!
I forgot to use the Greek yogurt pray for me
Any gluten free flour options you recommend? Thank you!
For this recipe, do you need to use oil?
Awesome! I wanted to do something special for my going on 12 to pup!
He is an April fool’s puppy. This recipe is perfect! I added candles, and the mini peanut dog bones. His favorite!❤🎂
I added 1/2 cup of greek yogurt to the cake recipe to thin.
Wish I could send a picture of my cake!❤👍
I omitted the honey and cinnamon, and added 1/4 cup of rolled oats.
My 2 dogs and their doggy friends all loved it!
Made this cake for my pupper. Turned out great!
I’ve read that baking powder is not safe for dogs to eat. Is it okay in this cake? Can I omit it?
Hi Alicia – From my research very small amounts are okay, but you should always check with your vet. If it’s a concern for your pup, you can omit the baking powder and cut the baking soda in half. The cake won’t be as fluffy, but your dog will still find it delicious!
I will be making this for our baby’s 1st birthday tonigjt, but also in honor of her saving mine and my 2 daughters lives and our home 2 weeks ago from a house fire. I can’t wait to see her sweet puppy face when she tastes it! I’ll keep you posted! And thanks for having a dog friendly recipe readily available!!!!
I make this every year in a silicone bone shaped pan! Thank you for sharing.
made this for my shitzue she’s3 today she loved it .
Lovely recipe. The frosting is awesome. I would even consider using it for human food. It is a wonderful consistency. And my dog just loved it! I thought she was going to take a bite out of her slice, but no inhaled it in one bite.
What àre the little crumbles on top? Dog biscuts?
Hi Christine – Yes, I added some chopped dog biscuits to the top of the cake.
Hi Haley. I am in the process of baking the cake now. The only Greek yogurt I have is flavored berry. Do you have other suggestions to substitute Greek yogurt for the frosting that is safe for dogs? I will post a pic. I used a pumpkin pan instead of 2 round pans and I make the dog cookies too!
Hi Tina – You can try cream cheese, but keep in mind that it has a higher fat content than Greek yogurt so share with your dog in reasonably sized portions. Sour cream could also work, but perhaps not last as long.
Just wanted to share with you that I made this as part of my dog’s birthday celebrations and my dog loved it! Here’s the link to his birthday if you want to see his cake: https://www.allthingschihuahua.com/6-fun-ideas-for-your-chihuahuas-birthday/
This was so easy to make. All good natural ingredients. And my furry baby loved it! It didnt not upset his stomach in any way 🙂
I do t have honey would it be okay without
This cake was so easy and a huge hit with my pup! I got the best birthday pics, hahah… Thanks for sharing 🙂
If you don’t put the frosting on how long can the cake stay out ? And also to add some writing on it with frosting how long should I let it dry on counter before writing on it.
Thank you.
After a few hours, the cake will start to dry out. After it has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap and it will keep for up to 3 days. For the writing, the frosting will set pretty quickly, about 30 minutes, then you can add the writing. Hope this helps!
All the neighborhood doggies loved it. Super moist
Hi, do you think I’m able to use a silicone dog bone cake pan for this recipe?
Hi – Yes, a silicone pan should work!
Cashmere loves this cake. We have made it many times. We use Almond Flour or Gluten Free Flour.
Today is his birthday and I’ve switched the icing up a bit. I package of low-fat cream cheese and 1/4 cup of pumpkin. He is not a big fan of pumpkin Next time I’ll substitute it for peanut butter or banana.
I cut the cake in half and then bite-size pieces and freeze. The other half will last in the fridge for 3 days.
Thank you for this easy to make cake. It’s quick, fun to do and healthy.