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.
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…
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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!
