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by Haley//September 28, 2018 (updated May 22, 2023)
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Treat your dog to these easy pupcakes with frosting! Made with pumpkin, peanut butter and carrots, these dog cupcakes are perfect for your pup’s birthday. They will love the yogurt frosting and biscuit decoration too!
I can’t believe Hudson is one year old! It feels like I brought his little fur butt home just yesterday and now we’re celebrating his first birthday with some pumpkin peanut butter pupcakes. Huddybear as I lovingly call him is always full of cuddles, kisses and excitement so he deserves a special treat on his birthday.
This was my first time baking pupcakes and I wanted to make sure I was using ingredients that Hudson would love and keep his tummy happy. When I first got Hudson I baked pumpkin peanut butter treats and heloved them. I figured the flavor combo would be fitting for dog cupcakes too! The pumpkin is really easy on puppy tummies while the peanut butter adds a flavor that dogs can’t resist.
Table of Contents
Why You and Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
- One bowl recipe. Just mix the ingredients together and scoop them into the muffin tin to bake. How easy is that?
- Simple ingredients. The recipe calls for common ingredients that are safe for your dog to eat.
- Delicious flavors. These pupcakes are irresistible to dogs. They love the peanut butter taste!
- Nutritional benefits. The whole ingredients provide plenty of vitamins for your pup.
- Perfect for celebrating. Whether it’s their birthday, gotcha day or adoption day, this treat is the best way to make your dog feel special.
Ingredient Notes
- Peanut butter: This is the flavor that dogs love! Use all natural peanut butter without any added sugars or xylitol. The ingredients should only be peanuts and salt.
- Pumpkin: Use 100% pure pumpkin purée. This provides moisture as well as fiber and Vitamin A.
- Carrots: Some shredded carrots adds flavor and nutritional benefits. I prefer to shred the carrots myself since there is more moisture.
- Maple syrup: For a touch of sweetness, add just a tablespoon of 100% pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup). Honey is a good substitution if your dog is over a year old.
- Whole wheat flour: Use whole wheat flour for the base. It has more fiber and proteins than all purpose flour. You can also use gluten-free oat flour for a grain-free alternative.
- Cinnamon: In small amounts, cinnamon isnon-toxic to dogs and can provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Baking powder: Make sure the baking powder is not expired for best results. This helps the batter rise.
- Greek yogurt: Use plain, unflavored yogurt (check the ingredients for no added sugar or sugar substitutes). This is mixed with the peanut butter to make the pupcake frosting!
Refer to recipe card for ingredient measurements and substitutions.
Recipe Variations
Make it into a cake! I adapted this same recipe to make a dog cake for Hudson’s 2nd birthday. You can also make mini pupcakes by using a mini muffin tin and baking for 15 to 20 minutes.
Add some mix-ins. I opted for carrots in this recipe, but you can also mix in chopped apples, banana slices, blueberries or chopped vegetables, such as broccoli.
Decorate! I like using biscuits for garnish, but you can also add a sprinkle of finely chopped peanuts, shredded carrots or cheese. If it’s your dog’s birthday, make it a photo op and add a candle (just make sure they don’t eat it!)
How to Make Pupcakes
- Combine the ingredients. Place the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, peanut butter, pumpkin, shredded carrot, egg, maple syrup and greek yogurt into a bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Bake pupcakes. Divide batter evenly into 6 muffin tin cups. Bake at 350 F for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make the frosting. Mix together the Greek yogurt, peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth.
- Frost the cupcakes. Use a frosting bag (or a knife) to frost the cupcakes. Garnish with biscuits and share with your dog.
Expert Tips
Check your ingredients. It’s super important that the peanut butter have no xylitol or added sweeteners. The only ingredients should be peanuts and salt. I also recommend checking the yogurt ingredients too.
Let the cupcakes cool before frosting. Your dog may be super eager to try the cupcakes, but make sure they are completely cool! This prevents the frosting from melting too.
Dogs can have allergies just like humans! I always recommend consult your pet’s veterinarian regarding possible allergies your dog may have. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, let your pup try a little taste and wait until letting him or her enjoy more.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Make ahead: Pupcakes may be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days in advance. Frosting may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Storage: Once assembled, the cupcakes will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend covering them or keeping them in a container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing: Wrap the cupcakes in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. I suggest freezing the frosting separately and giving it a stir before frosting the pupcakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all purpose flour?
Yes, all purpose flour may be used. I personally prefer whole wheat flour for the added nutrients.
Can I make this recipe grain-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with rice flour or gluten-free oat flour.
Can humans eat these dog cupcakes?
Yes, they is perfectly safe for humans to consume. However, it won’t be anywhere near as sweet or moist as the cupcakes we typically enjoy.
Can you give dogs cupcakes?
It depends. Dog cupcakes with whole ingredients are perfectly safe to share with your pup. Regular cupcakes humans enjoy are high in sugar and can contain ingredients, such as chocolate, that are not safe for dogs to consume.
Can I make pupcakes without peanut butter?
Yes. Replace it with pumpkin purée in the cupcake batter and in the frosting.
Related Recipes
Do you love baking for your pup? Try these recipes next!
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: Pupcakes (Dog Cupcakes with Frosting)
Yield: 6 Pupcakes
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 35 minutes mins
Total Time: 40 minutes mins
Treat your dog to these easy pupcakes with frosting! Made with pumpkin, peanut butter and carrots, these dog cupcakes are perfect for your pup's birthday.
5 (28 ratings)
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Ingredients
Pumpkin Pupcakes
- ½ cup (63 g) whole wheat flour, (all purpose flour works too)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon (28 g) all natural peanut butter
- ½ cup (113 g) 100% pure pumpkin pureé
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded carrot
- ¼ cup (57 g) unsweetened plain Greek yogurt
Peanut Butter Frosting
- ½ cup (114 g) greek yogurt, cold
- ¼ cup (2 oz or 57 g) peanut butter
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a muffin tin with butter or olive oil. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Add the remaining ingredients—peanut butter, pumpkin, carrots, yogurt, egg and maple syrup. Mix until well combined.
Scoop batter evenly into prepared tin.Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until firm. Cool completely.
Place all of the frosting ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. If a thinner consistency is desired, add a tablespoon or water or milk.
Transfer mixture to a frosting bag with desired tip. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with a biscuit.
Notes
Don’t use paper liners in this recipe. Since there is no butter/oil in the recipe, the pupcakes will stick to the liners. Instead, grease your muffin tin with butter or oil.
Storein an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Peanut butter: Use all natural peanut butter with no added sugar or sugar substitutes, such as xylitol. The only ingredients should be peanuts and salt.
Substitute flour with rice flour or gluten-free oat flour.
Consult your pet’s veterinarian regarding possible allergies your dog may have.
Serving: 1pupcake, Calories: 170kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 92mg, Potassium: 325mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 5001IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 88mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Haley D Williams
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Canine
Dog Recipes
46 comments //Leave a Comment or Review »
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Leave a Reply
Margot —Reply
Happy Birthday Hudson!!!!
Jody —Reply
Thank you for these. I missed almost the whole year of Daisy being three. So she will be four on November 12 th. Kiddies just grow too darn fast.
Missy —Reply
These look great! Will the frosting start to melt off if you frost them while they are stored?
Thanks
MissyHaley —
Hi Missy! I stored the cupcakes in the refrigerator. The frosting won’t “melt” in there!
VaLinda —Reply
What is the measurement for 2oz of peanut butter?
Haley —
2 ounces of peanut butter is approximately 1/4 cup
R Downey —Reply
perfect!
Annette —Reply
Made these for my dogs and can’t wait to give them one for Thanksgiving!! Was very easy and quick to make!
Sara —Reply
I made these for my pups birthday yesterday and all 3 dogs loved them!
Ana —Reply
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!!! Just wondering, if instead of cupcakes I can bake this mixture as a cake?
Haley —
Yes, you could! I also have a similar recipe here – https://www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com/pumpkin-dog-cake-recipe/
Jessica —Reply
Hi! About to try these for my puppy! Are all these ingredients safe to consume for dogs? Just double checking because I’m that crazy dog mom! lol
Haley —
Hi Jessica! Yes, all the ingredients are safe for your dog to eat. Always check with your vet about any allergies your dog may have (gluten, dairy, etc.) I recommend 1 pupcake a day for your dog. If your dog has a super sensitive tummy, reduce baking powder to 1/2 teaspoon. Enjoy!
Tess —Reply
Hi there.
What brand of maple syrup did you use?Haley —
Hi Tess – I don’t remember the exact brand, but make sure it is pure maple syrup with no added sweeteners (do not use anything that contains xylitol or corn syrup). The only ingredient listed should be “pure maple syrup.”
Lauren —Reply
Hi! Is it ok to use regular flour if you don’t have oat flour?
Haley —
Hi Lauren – Yes, you can use regular flour! As long as it is okay with your pup’s tummy 🙂
Donya —Reply
Is it okay to not put the carrots in the recipe?
Haley —
Hi Donya – I have not tried this recipe without carrots, but I believe you can make them without carrots.
Nicole McKinney —Reply
Can people eat these as well? Have you tried them?
Haley —
Yes, people can eat them too, but they will taste a little bland since there’s no sugar or butter/oil in the recipe.
Patricia Altavilla —Reply
Hi there! Can you use wow butter in place of peanut butter
Haley —
Hi Patricia – I have never baked with wow butter so I can’t safely say that this will work. If you try it, let me know!
Erin —Reply
Hi! I see that you shouldn’t use paper liners, however, can you use foil liners or will it also stick to those?
Haley —
Hi Erin – I haven’t used foil liners in ages. It’s better to grease the pan to prevent sticking. If you do end up using foil liners, let me know how it turns out.
Julie —Reply
Can you freeze and for how long?
Haley —
Hi Julie – The unfrosted pupcakes may be kept frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Loti —Reply
Can these be frozen ?
daniela —Reply
Thanks for aharing the recipe! These sound like my Zoë would love them and we’re definitely going to find out. I fo recommend skipping the cinnamon though for reasons cited by the AKC here:https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cinnamon/
Lauren —Reply
My dogs loved these! They couldn’t get enough. They smell delicious, too. Thanks!!
Rina Solomon —Reply
These were so easy to make and looked great at my dog’s first birthday party. Definitely, a hit!
Toby the E.B.T. —Reply
Hi we make a similar recipe but as fat soft cookies using rolled oats instead of oat flour and Equal quantities of gluten free flour. Also wr a bit more generous on the peanut butter. I just wanted to say on the cinnamon front, it is important that you only use celon cinnamon. As the other type is toxic to dogs
Also make sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol as it’s also toxic. I use Whole Earth peanut butter. We also add some chia seeds and a banana if anyone is interested.Bobbi Jo —Reply
These look absolutely delicious and adorable! I have my two labs, Jake And Maggie, and love making them homemade treats!
Ggls —Reply
The peanut butter already has a lot of sugar in it so I don’t feel the maple syrup is a benefit. Same goes for adding honey when you already have the sugar from the applesauce. Animals are as susceptible as we are to diseases and adding more sugar just isn’t necessary, just turns them into sugar junkies where they wouldn’t have been otherwise.
I frown on ANY added sugar to ANY animal’s diet except what they may have gotten from nature. Use berries for added sugar but not a direct shot of sugar as in maple sugar, honey, etc…
Haley —
Hi – Thanks for your input. I don’t think one pupcake on a dog’s birthday once a year will have a severe impact on his or her health. However, if that is still a concern for your dog, then you can omit the maple syrup and honey.
Judy —Reply
Made these for my dog’s 3rd birthday. Easy and very much loved! Thank you for sharing.
Lorrie Jewel —Reply
**warning** check the ingredients for xylitol! even though it may be “natural” doesn’t mean all the ingredients are safe for dogs. Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products.Xylitol is the only ingredient in peanut butter that’s bad for dogs. It doesn’t matter the brand, give your dog peanut butter that isn’t harmful. my husband enjoys Jif natural and it has xylitol. the best for them, & us, is fresh ground. I get mine from Sprouts.
Bunny —Reply
Came out awesome, good rise, texture, and flavor. The batter is a bit thick so expect that. I baked in a standard nonstick cupcake pan for only 25 minutes. Maybe 40 minutes for a muffin pan. I baked half in cupcake liners and half with a dab of coconut oil. The liners stuck and the coconut oil got nice and crispy, much better (as suggested in the recipe). The only con was the peanut butter totally consumed the pumpkin flavor and I wish I had left it out. I did not make the frosting yet.
Thank you for sharing! I will play with this recipe more.
dji —Reply
hey! thanks for the recipe! cant wait to try it out 🙂 do you ever ship your cupcakes and if so- whats the secret?
Laurelle —Reply
Easy to make and healthy!!
shannon wadford —Reply
Can you please share what tip you used for these?
Sue C —Reply
I have 3 dogs, and they get these for their birthday each year. So many recipes have questionable ingredients or they just aren’t good, but your recipe is absolutely AWESOME in every respect. Thank you!
Jen —Reply
These were so easy and the birthday boy & his buddies loved them!!
I will definitely make them again.
Happy Birthday Dago!! #2
Summer —Reply
I made these for my Aunt’s doggies, it was one of their birthdays! I didn’t make the frosting but they still go crazy for these even without it.
TK —Reply
Excited to make these for my 2 year old pup. I’d like to make them smaller because she is tiny. Can I use mini muffin pan and if so what is the adjusted baking time?
Haley —
Yes, you can use a mini muffin pan. Check them at 10 minutes. If a toothpick comes out clean, then they are done.
