This 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 this recipe works
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!
For this recipe, I also included 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.
Step by step instructions
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!
Health benefits of peanut butter for dogs
Peanut butter is packed with natural protein and healthy fats. 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 you dog fuller for longer. Use plain whole, low-fat or non-fat yogurt. Check to make sure there are no added sugars.
Healthy benefits of honey for dogs
Honey is known to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It also reduces inflammation and cure allergies. Hudson has been very itchy since moving from Connecticut to Colorado so I’m hoping honey helps his allergies!
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 (affiliate).
- “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
- Party games for the hoomans – it’s still about the dogs though
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 my favorites…
- Pumpkin peanut butter pupcakes
- Homemade peanut butter dog treats
- Banana peanut butter pupsicles
- Pumpkin peanut butter dog ice cream
I also love using Honest Paws Hemp Peanut Butter. It has a calming effect, which is perfect for my high energy pup! Use code BLONDE for 15% off.
Did your pup like this recipe? Be sure to tag @ifyougiveablondeakitchen on social media and follow @hudson.thegoldenpup.
Pumpkin Dog Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Pumpkin Dog Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, wheat and oat flour may be used as well
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
- 3/4 cup pumpkin pureé
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1-2 tablespoons local honey
Peanut Butter Yogurt Frosting
- 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter
- 1-2 tablespoons local honey or pure maple syrup
- dog biscuits for decoration
Instructions
Pumpkin Dog Cake
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two 6-inch round baking pans. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set a side.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the pumpkin, applesauce, peanut butter, eggs and honey until well combined. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake 30-40 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.
Peanut Butter Yogurt Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the yogurt, peanut butter and honey until fluffy and smooth. Use an off-set spatula to frost the cakes. Decorate with dog biscuits and serve to your pup!
Notes
- Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Consult your pet’s veterinarian regarding possible allergies your dog may have.
- Suggested tools: 6-inch round baking pans, hand mixer, off-set spatula, and kitchen scale.
Jody says
Dipsy Daisy Doodle and her mom me thank you very much.
Dee says
Can we also est it if we dont add the dog biscuit for decoration?
Cynthia says
My dog LOVED this cake and icing! I added a little extra pumpkin and 1/2 a banana to the batter
Andi says
My dog loved this cake, and I honestly did too!! So good
Ceci says
How do you put a different color for the writing? Do you use food coloring?
Haley says
Hi Cici! That was just peanut butter. I put it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften it up before piping. Enjoy!
Jacinta says
I love love love this recipe and my two dogs love it to !
michele says
my batter is very thick like cookies dough…please help
Haley says
Hi Michelle – The batter will be thick, but not that thick! Try adding 2-4 more tablespoons of applesauce. Hope this helps!
Stephanie says
Could you use coconut flour instead?
Haley says
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.
Amber K says
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 😘
Emily Rascoe says
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!
Kelly says
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! 🙂
Sue J. says
Bruno loved his pumpkin/peanut butter cake for his 1st birthday. My one year old grandson even liked it!
RRA says
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?
Teila says
My pup loved his birthday cake! My girls liked the taste of the frosting (before the doggy). Thank you!