Grain-Free Mini Dog Cakes
This past weekend I celebrated a birthday in the family – my Bernese Mountain dog, Piper, turned two! Please tell me I’m not the only one who still makes birthday treats for their fur baby. This year, I decided to bake grain-free mini dog cakes. I must say (although I obviously didn’t sample the recipe) they looked and smelled delicious…Piper seemed to really enjoy them! Unlike last year, when she literally inhaled an entire cupcake in one gulp, this time around she seemed to savor her treat.
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
2 cups coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
1/8 cup honey
3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
3 large eggs
3/4 cup water
1 cup shredded apples (from 2 peeled apples)
For the Frosting:
1 cup plain greek yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
For the Topping:
1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut, shredded and toasted
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet (10″ x 14″ x 1”) with parchment paper. Brush the parchment and sides of the baking sheet with a teaspoon of coconut oil or spray with cooking spray. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Add the peanut butter, honey, oil, eggs, and water. Mix until completely combined and then fold in the shredded apples. Transfer the dough onto the lined baking sheet and spread it out into one even layer with a spatula. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and honey to make the frosting. Add coconut to a small skillet. Set over medium-low heat and cook until golden brown (tossing to ensure even toasting). Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter, cut out a series of small cakes. I got about 6 from my baking sheet. Stack the cakes and top with a dollop of “frosting” and a sprinkle of coconut flakes.
Be prepared to make your pup very happy! You can even save the scraps for extra dog treats… they keep pretty well. Place extras in a zip lock bag and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
It took Piper awhile to realize the cake was for her to eat, but once she started eating she didn’t want to stop! Does anyone else still make birthday treats for their pets? They really apart of the family and we love them so much – it would be a shame not include them in birthday celebrations. What are your dog’s favorite foods?
*Grain-free mini dog cakes adapted and altered from this original recipe.