Dog Birthday Cupcakes (Peanut Butter Recipe)

Spoil your pup with these easy dog birthday cupcakes made with peanut butter, pumpkin, and applesauce. A healthy and tasty treat to make tails wag!

Alright, dog parents, let’s be real—our pups are more than just pets, they’re family. So when it’s time to celebrate your fur baby’s big day, why not go all out with some homemade Dog Birthday Cupcakes? 

Yep, you heard that right. We’re talking pup-friendly cupcakes that are not only adorable but also totally safe (and delicious) for your favorite four-legged friend.

This recipe is all about spoiling your pup with love and tasty treats, minus the harmful ingredients that you’d find in your typical human cupcakes. No sugar overload or chocolate danger zones here—just simple, wholesome ingredients your dog will devour. 

And let’s be honest, seeing your doggo happily chomp down on their very own birthday cupcake? Priceless.

If you love this pupcake recipe you may also enjoy my Peanut Butter Pumpkin Homemade Dog Treats.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE DOG BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES

• Healthy & Safe Ingredients: Made with natural, wholesome ingredients like pumpkin, applesauce, and peanut butter, these cupcakes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. And with xylitol-free peanut butter, you can rest easy knowing your dog is safe and happy!
• Pumpkin Power: Pumpkin is great for your dog’s digestion, so these cupcakes are not only tasty but also good for their tummy. Plus, they add a natural sweetness your pup won’t be able to resist.
• Easy & Fun to Make: You don’t need to be a pro baker to whip these up. They’re simple, quick, and you’ll have the whole batch ready in under an hour. Perfect for a last-minute birthday treat!
• Customizable Frosting: If your pup can’t handle dairy, feel free to skip the Greek yogurt frosting or replace it with mashed banana. There are plenty of ways to personalize these cupcakes to suit your dog’s taste!

DOG-FRIENDLY INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER PUPCAKES

You will need the following simple ingredients listed below to make these dog-friendly cupcakes for your pup’s birthday (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this blog post):

• Whole wheat flour
• Baking soda 
• Oil – you can use sunflower or olive oil, but check with your vet to make sure it’s safe for your dog.
• Organic natural peanut butter – peanut butter with just peanuts, must be xylitol-free.
• Organic unsweetened applesauce
• Pure pumpkin puree – pumpkin’s great for digestion, and dogs love it!
• Large egg
• Plain Greek yogurt (for that tangy, creamy frosting)
• Optional – cream cheese, oat flour, baking powder, coconut oil, whipped cream, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE EASY DOG CUPCAKE RECIPE

1. Preheat Your Pup Party: Heat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease it. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
2. Mix It Up: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and baking soda. In a separate bowl, mix together the oil, peanut butter, applesauce, pumpkin puree, and egg until smooth. (Don’t be surprised if your dog starts giving you those puppy eyes at this point—they already know something good is coming!)
3. Combine the Wet and Dry: Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until it’s all mixed together. The batter should be thick but smooth.
4. Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
5. Bake to Perfection: Pop those cupcakes in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting—because nobody likes a melted mess, right?
6. Frosting Time (Optional): If you really want to go all out, mix together the Greek yogurt and peanut butter for a simple, dog-friendly frosting. Once the cupcakes are cool, frost away! Add a dog treat or sprinkle on top for some extra flair.
7. Serve & Watch the Joy Unfold: Now for the best part—watch your dog go absolutely nuts for their birthday treat! These cupcakes are safe, healthy, and totally delicious for your pup.

STORING LEFTOVER PUMPKIN PUPCAKES

To store leftover pumpkin pupcakes, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

If you’d like to save them for later, you can freeze the pupcakes (without frosting) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge and frost before serving for a tasty treat your pup will love again!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Check the Peanut Butter: Always, always, always make sure your peanut butter is xylitol-free! Xylitol (sometimes labeled as birch sugar) is super dangerous for dogs, so double-check the label before adding it.
• Storage: If you have leftover cupcakes, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for future treats. The frosting might get a little messy, but the cupcakes will still be a hit!
• Portion Control: While these are healthy, remember that they’re still a treat. Stick to one cupcake per pup (unless your dog’s throwing a birthday rager and inviting friends over!).
• Personalize It: You can add your dog’s favorite flavors like shredded carrots or sprinkle some bacon bits on top of the frosting for extra flair. Go ahead and get creative!

FAQS

CAN I USE REGULAR MUFFIN TINS FOR THESE DOGGY CUPCAKES?

Yes! Regular muffin tins work perfectly for making these doggy cupcakes. You can also use mini muffin tins for smaller dogs or single-serving pupcakes.

SHOULD I LET THE CUPCAKES COOL TO ROOM TEMPERATURE BEFORE SERVING?

Absolutely! Make sure to cool the special treat to room temperature before serving to your furry friends. This prevents your pup from burning their mouth on a hot cupcake.

IS THE DELICIOUS PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING SAFE FOR DOGS?

As long as it’s made with natural peanut butter that is xylitol-free (no artificial sweetener), the peanut butter frosting is perfectly safe for your dog to enjoy!

CAN I USE A PIPING BAG FOR THE FROSTING?

Yes! Using a piping bag makes it easy to create cute swirls of peanut butter frosting on top of the cupcakes. Your dog’s birthday treats will look extra fancy!

ARE THESE HOMEMADE CUPCAKES SUITABLE FOR SMALL DOGS?

Yes! You can make mini pupcakes for small dogs by using a smaller cupcake pan or mini muffin tins. Just adjust the baking time slightly.

CAN I MAKE HOMEMADE TREATS TO GO WITH THE EASY DOG CUPCAKES?

For sure! Pair these cupcakes with homemade dog biscuits to create a full spread of delicious, dog-friendly treats for your pup’s special day.

Other Recipes Using Creamy Peanut Butter You May Enjoy For Yourself!

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
• Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cups
• Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Balls
• Frozen Strawberry Peanut Butter Bark Recipe
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
• Peanut Butter Butterscotch Cookies
• Peanut Butter Cup Ninja Creami Recipe
• Low Calorie Protein Balls
• Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

IF YOU TRIED THESE PUPPY CUPCAKES FOR YOUR DOGS BIRTHDAY PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THESE HOMEMADE DOG CUPCAKES ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails