Peanut Butter Apple Pupcake is perfect treat for celebrating your dog’s birthday. It is made with applesauce cake and frosted with peanut butter. Top it with your pup’s favorite biscuit treat!
Ten years ago, none of my friends or family would ever believe that I’d have a dog. It’s not that I didn’t like dogs. I love animals. I just never had the time or wanted to deal with the responsibilities (and mess) of caring for a pup.
Fast forward to present time and I have two dogs. And honestly, I can’t imagine a life without Charlie or Taylor.
Before meeting Charlie, I had spent a great deal of time visiting local shelters and scanning pet adoption websites. I had met other pups, thought they were extremely cute, I never felt any connection with them.
And then I met Charlie. I immediately knew he was meant to be part of my family.
Cuddly Canines
I found Charlie through Cuddly Canines, a non-profit rescue organization serving LA/OC counties. Cuddly Canines was hosting an adoption fair at a nearby Petsmart.
There was at least 15 pups of all ages there. They all were super energetic, jumped, barked and played with one another…expect little Charlie (then named Hobbs).
He was the smallest dog there and he was tucked in the corner sleeping soundly. I was told that Charlie was a solo orphan that was dropped off at a local shelter. Luckily the foster family that cared for him had a new beagle mom that took Charlie in.
We’re not really sure the exact date Charlie was born, but it was sometime in early July. As a result, we’ve always celebrated the first weekend of July.
This past Saturday (4th of July!) we threw a paw-ty for Charlie’s 4th birthday and served him this peanut butter apple pupcake!
Dog Birthday Cake
Charlie brings so much happiness and joy to my family. He is super sweet and polite.
Unless you hit the doorbell or knock on the front door, then a completely different dog emerges.
Whenever I’m reading a sad book or watching drama on tv, as soon as I start sniffling or tearing up, Charlie immediately tucks himself under my arm and begins licking my face.
He’s so loving and caring.
Is cake safe for dogs to eat?
This pup cake recipe is specifically designed for dogs. It is made with dog-friendly ingredients.
Have you ever met a pup that didn’t LOVE peanut butter? Me, neither.
This cake is flavored with peanut butter. It is moistened with apple sauce and vegetable oil. Grated apple and honey give the a cake a touch of sweetness.
However, you should consult with your veterinarian regarding any food allergies your dog may have.
How many servings are in this dog cake
This is a rich cake, even for large dogs. I suggest dividing this cake into at least 8 slices.
If possible, use unsweetened unsalted smooth peanut butter.
How to store pupcake
The assembled apple pupcake can be stored at room temperature for up to two days.
Keep in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for longer storage, up to 4 days.
Charlie is also the world’s pickiest eater. Partly because my mom always cooks him special no-salt chicken breast with freshly steamed rice whenever he sleeps over.
Despite his picky palate, one thing he can never refuse is peanut butter.
Hence, this peanut butter apple pupcake!
Happiest of birthdays my dear Charlie! Here’s to many, many, many more!
Interested in more homemade dog treats?
- These blueberry oatmeal dog treats are made with baby food puree!
- My pups LOVE these sweet potato dog biscuits. I love them because they’re so easy to make.
- Treat your fur babies with these peanut butter oat dog treats.
Homemade dog biscuits don’t contain preservatives. As such, they don’t last as long as store-bought treats.
Keep them in the fridge or freezer for longer storage. Better yet, make a batch and share them with friends from the dog park!
Peanut Butter Apple Pupcake
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup unsweetened apple sauce
- ⅓ cup smooth peanut butter, preferably unsalted and unsweetened
- 1 cup shredded or grated apple, peeled and cored preferably Granny Smith apple
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- additional smooth peanut butter to frost cake, if desired
- dog biscuit, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 3-inch round cake pan (5-inch tall) with parchment paper. Lightly grease and set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together flour and baking powder. Add whisked eggs, oil and apple sauce. Stir to combine. Once there are no longer any streaks of dry flour, add peanut butter. Stir to mix in. Follow with shredded apples and honey. Fold to combine.
- Transfer batter to prepared cake pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan for 3-5 minutes before unmolding. Let cool to room temperature on wire rack.
- If desired, slice cool cake into four layers. Stack layers together using a thin layer of peanut butter. Top with dog biscuit. Serve immediately.
Notes
Charlie is adorable and clearly one LUCKY dog! I think lots of dogs just love peanut butter so I’m sure they savored each piece!
Thanks Mary Ann! Yes, the pups enjoyed it! They’ll both do anything for a little pb :)
Happy Birthday, Charlie! Dogs are so special and your little guy is so cute and very lucky to have a Mom like you. My girl, Daisy, will celebrate her 3rd birthday on July 27th. I just may have to make her a peanut butter apple pupcake since she adores peanut butter.
Thank you Stephanie! Happy birthday month Daisy! You can also bake the batter in cupcake tins to make small portions :)
Happy birthday Charlie! What a gorgeous member of your family he is!
Since moving out I miss our family dog so much! I think I visit my parents more because then I can visit her… I can’t wait for Miss Molly’s birthday so that she can enjoy a delicious pupcake too!
Thanks so much Amy! Haha, sometimes I think my parents visit me just to see the dogs. Yes, I hope Molly enjoys these! :)
Oh wow this aounds delicious. Cant wait to give this a go. Thanks.
Simon
Oh! I’m so excited to try this for my Dodger Fan’s birthday this week! My Auggie Doggie is turning 4. I know this cake with leave him drooling in his dreams for next year!
Wishing your pup a very happy birthday! I hope he loves the cake!
Do you know Charlie’s breed at all?
Based on his appearance and personality, we’re guessing that’s be part chihuahua and dauchshund. We’re not 100% sure because we adopted him from a rescue group that found him abandoned somewhere :(
Will this make enough for an 8” or 9” pan? Cooktime?
Yes, you can bake this in an 8 or 9-in pan. You’ll have to reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes.
This is such a great idea! As I was reading through, I noticed you say to use unsweetened peanut butter. My puppies vet told us to never feed our pups unsweetened peanut butter because it’s very harmful to them and can be as deadly as chocolate. He said that regular peanut butter is a way better option!
I was told the opposite by my vet. Regular peanut butter has too much sugar and salt for dogs.
Your dog is so cute. Beautiful! I agree with all of your tips. She is also loved by us, and we are very protective of her. Do you have any helpful tips for your cutedog ?
are apples requiered for this recipe
What a fantastic suggestion! While reading through your post, I noticed that you recommend using unsweetened peanut butter. However, my puppy’s veterinarian advised against feeding them unsweetened peanut butter as it can be just as harmful as chocolate and potentially deadly. Instead, they recommended regular peanut butter as a safer alternative.
Are you thinking of sugar-free peanut butter? Some sugar-free peanut butter contains xylitol, which is deadly to dogs even in tiny amounts. I think the author is talking about natural unsweetened peanut butter, which is the same as regular peanut butter, just without the added sugar.