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Our sweet boy Max turned three last week and I wanted to make his birthday extra special. This peanut butter applesauce cake has become our go to celebration treat for all our furry friends. The moment that peanut butter aroma fills the kitchen Max sits by the oven waiting for his special treat. Your pup will do the same trust me.
A Cake They Can't Resist
My kitchen has become the favorite spot for all our neighborhood dogs thanks to this recipe. The natural sweetness from honey and that irresistible peanut butter scent drives them wild. Our little Yorkie neighbor Sophie loves it just as much as our friend's big German Shepherd. The best part? It's so simple to make you'll want to bake it for every dog birthday party.
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What You Need
- Flour: ¾ cup all purpose I use the same flour I bake with for humans
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon for a nice gentle rise
- Baking Powder: ¼ teaspoon helps make it fluffy
- Peanut Butter: 2 tablespoons make sure it's xylitol free I use natural
- Oil: 2 tablespoons I grab my regular canola oil
- Applesauce: ¼ cup unsweetened keeps it moist
- Egg: 1 large straight from the fridge is fine
- Honey: 2 tablespoons just enough for a touch of sweetness
Baking Time
- Get Ready
- Turn your oven to 350°F. Line your pan with parchment I use a 6 inch round one but a small loaf pan works too. Give it a quick spray so nothing sticks.
- Mix It Up
- Put all your dry stuff in one bowl. Mix up your wet ingredients in another. Combine them together until everything looks happy. The batter might be a bit thick that's exactly what we want.
- Into The Oven
- Pour everything into your pan smooth the top a bit. Bake about 20 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
- Time To Frost
- Whip up some heavy cream until it's nice and fluffy. Spread it all over your cooled cake. If you're not serving right away pop it in the fridge.
About That Frosting
Every dog I know goes crazy for whipped cream. It's so much easier than making complicated frosting and the pups love it more anyway. I skip adding any sugar since the cake is already perfectly sweet for them. If it's warm in your kitchen add the cream right before the birthday song.
Keeping It Safe
I always double check my peanut butter label since xylitol is dangerous for dogs. My vet friend helped me perfect this recipe to make sure everything's safe for our four legged friends. If your pup has special dietary needs just adjust the portions. My friend's diabetic dog gets tiny slices and still feels part of the celebration.
Saving Some For Later
The cake stays fresh in the fridge for three days but it never lasts that long in our house. Max gets a small piece each day as a special treat. When I make it for dog parties I sometimes freeze half for later just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you need it. The whipped cream might not look as pretty after freezing but the dogs never complain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of peanut butter is safe for dogs?
- Use natural peanut butter without xylitol or artificial sweeteners. Always check the ingredients list as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
- → How long does this dog cake stay fresh?
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream frosting needs to be kept cold.
- → Can I make this cake smaller or larger?
- Yes, you can use smaller pans for cupcakes or a larger pan for a bigger cake. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
- → Is this cake healthy for all dogs?
- While the ingredients are generally safe for dogs, check with your vet if your dog has allergies or dietary restrictions. Each dog's needs are different.
- → Can I freeze this cake?
- The cake base can be frozen without frosting. Add fresh whipped cream frosting after thawing when ready to serve.