We all know our dogs are our children. They give us all their love and deserve only the best. And by best, I mean their own tent for camping, their own blanket for sleeping, the best dog food, and yes, birthday cakes.
Ok, maybe that is a little extreme (not really – Rhubarb has all of the above), but even if your dog maybe doesn’t need a tent, they would love a dog-friendly cake. Plus, this cake is so easy to make so there is no reason your best pal shouldn’t get this cake for their birthday!
And as an ecstatic (and exhausted and obsessed) #dogmom to a now one year old puppy, it’s time to make some cake!
Speaking of! We threw a pawty last weekend as a celebration of Bone Appétreat launching (along with Rhubarb’s 1st Birthday)! It was colorful and crazy and filled with all her favorite people and pups.
Ingredients for Dog Cake
Dog cakes can be found at bakeries around the country, but they are easier than you think to make at home! This one has carrots (great for dogs eyes), peanut butter (because it tastes delicious, just don’t use the one with xylitol!), and a delicious potato and yogurt dog cake frosting! Cake
All Purpose Flour: Flour is fine for dogs in small amounts. This helps give the cake structure. Feel free to use a whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. Baking Soda: Baking soda is definitely needed to help the cake rise and give it a fluffy texture. Apple Sauce: This adds the natural sweet flavor dogs enjoy, along with moisture (whereas traditional cake uses oil to accomplish this). Just make sure you are using no sugar added applesauce. Shredded Carrots: Feel free to use pre-shredded carrots, or you can shred carrots using a grater. Carrots have all the best nutrients for your four legged friend. Peanut Butter: What dog doesn’t like peanut butter?? Peanut butter acts as the fat in this cake (for better baking) and has a very strong smell that makes it irresistible to dogs! Eggs: Eggs are critical to help cakes rise, but also add protein for a more nutrient dense cake.
Frosting
Potatoes: We will boil and mash these potatoes for a delicious, whipped frosting! Yogurt: Low fat or fat free yogurt can be used, but be sure it doesn’t have xylitol in it Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
How to make Dog Cake
Ok, this cake is so easy peasy that your dog may be getting cake a couple times a year! Step 1: PrepPreheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease and lightly flour a round 8-inch cake pan (or smaller tiered pans). Step 2: Make the cake batterIn a large bowl, stir together flour and baking soda, then add in applesauce, carrots, peanut butter, and eggs. Stir to combine. Step 3: BakePour cake batter into cake pan(s). Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cake to cool fully before removing from pan. Step 4: Cook Potatoes for FrostingOnce the cake is out of the oven and cooling, begin making frosting (frosting needs to be hot when it’s piped on the cake because it hardens once cooled). Cook potatoes until very soft, either by microwaving or boil until fork tender. Step 5: WhipMash the potatoes until smooth, then use an electric beater to whip them together with the yogurt. Step 6: DecorateSpread some of the icing onto the cake, optionally using a piping bag to add icing decoration around the cake. Decorate with your dogs favorite treats, or even fresh fruit!
