Description
Spoil your pup with this homemade birthday cake! Made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, applesauce, and peanut butter, topped with healthy Greek yogurt frosting. A delicious and safe treat for their special day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for sensitive dogs)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or low fat)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
- Optional: A few drops of natural food coloring (beet juice for red, spinach juice for green, turmeric for yellow)
- Dog biscuits
- Small pieces of cooked chicken or beef
- Shredded cheese
- Blueberries or other dog-safe berries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 6-inch or 8-inch round cake pan. You can also use a springform pan for easier removal. Use parchment paper on the bottom of the pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, peanut butter, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the shredded carrots and chicken broth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- If you want to add some color to the frosting, add a few drops of natural food coloring and mix well. Remember to use dog-safe food coloring options!
- For a firmer frosting, chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before using.
- If the cake has a dome on top, use a serrated knife to level it.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Get creative with the decorations! Use dog biscuits, cooked chicken or beef, shredded cheese, or dog-safe berries.
- Let your dog enjoy a small piece of the cake. Store the remaining cake in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Xylitol is Toxic: Always double-check that the peanut butter you are using does *not* contain xylitol. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can be fatal.
- Allergies: Be aware of any allergies your dog may have. If your dog is allergic to wheat, use oat flour instead. If your dog is allergic to peanut butter, you can use sunflower seed butter or another dog-safe alternative.
- Moderation is Key: This cake is a treat and should be given in moderation. Too much can cause digestive upset.
- Consult Your Vet: If you have any concerns about feeding your dog this cake, consult your veterinarian.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Variations: Substitute the shredded carrots with mashed sweet potato or Use pumpkin puree instead of applesauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes