This Dog Cake Recipe Is the Perfect Way to Celebrate Your Pup’s Birthday
Updated: Dec. 18, 2023
Celebrate your furry friend with a special treat. Learn how to make a dog cake recipe that's perfectly safe for pups.
It’s common to whip up a special birthday cake for a friend or family member. But what about a cake for your best four-legged friend? Our dogs are with us through thick and thin. Wishing them a happy birthday with a cake they can enjoy is a wonderful way to show your pup just how much you love them.
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients for this dog cake recipe. Using ingredients that pups can eat, like applesauce and mashed bananas, you can whip up a delicious dog-friendly birthday treat in no time. Sprinkle the top with homemade dog treats for decoration. They’ll be begging for a slice!
Key ingredients in a cake for dogs
While some human foods are good for your dog, not all foods are safe for canine consumption. Be sure to stick with specific baking ingredients that your furry friend can handle. It’s crucial to avoid any ingredients with artificial sweeteners, specifically xylitol, as they’re toxic to dogs. If your dog has specific allergies, such as issues with grain, it’s best to avoid this dog cake recipe.
Flour
Dogs can have flour in small amounts. This key baking ingredient gives the cake structure. Use unbleached white flour or whole wheat flour.
Banana
Adding a mashed ripe banana gives the cake flavor and helps bind the ingredients. Just like bananas are a great source of potassium for humans, they are for dogs too! According to the American Kennel Club, the fiber and magnesium in bananas are also beneficial for dogs.
Egg
Incorporating an egg into this cake recipe gives it the right texture and assists in binding the ingredients. And as a bonus, according to the AKC, eggs contain great protein, vitamins and fatty acids for dogs. Don’t forget to read if dogs can eat scrambled eggs, by the way.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is essential to making the most delicious frosting for this cake! Most dogs love peanut butter and go crazy for this treat. Be sure to choose a natural peanut butter. Never use a peanut butter with xylitol, since the artificial sweetener is toxic for dogs.
How to make a dog cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1-2/3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 egg
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
Directions
Step 1: Prep the batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Mix in the apple sauce, vegetable oil, mashed banana and egg.
Step 2: Bake the cakes
Lightly grease two 6-inch cake pans with cooking spray. Place a round piece of parchment paper in the bottom of each pan to prevent sticking.
Divide the cake batter evenly between the two pans. Bake the cakes for 20 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once the cakes are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to fully cool.
Step 3: Frost and decorate
To make the frosting, stir together the yogurt and peanut butter. Place a cooled cake layer on a plate or cake stand. Spread frosting on the cake, then add the second layer. Frost the second layer and decorate with shredded carrot “sprinkles” and fun-shaped treats (try these dog biscuits!).
Tips for making a dog cake
How long will the cake last?
Because this cake is made with similar ingredients to a regular birthday cake, it will last in the refrigerator for three to five days. Since it includes dairy (the Greek yogurt), make sure to store it in the fridge.
Can humans eat a slice of dog birthday cake?
This cake recipe is perfectly safe for humans as well (minus the dog treats on top). However, without the addition of sugar, you probably won’t find it as delicious as your pup does.
Next, learn the answer to this burning question: Can dogs eat ice cream?
Sources:
- American Kennel Club: “Can Dogs Eat Bananas?”
