This Pumpkin Dog Cake is a delightful treat that both dogs and people can enjoy! Lightly sweetened and dairy-free, it’s perfect for celebrating your pup’s special day together.
Recipe Features
This cake is designed for both dogs and humans – it’s not overly sweet, but just sweet enough for everyone to enjoy. Adorable, right?
Made with pumpkin, sweetened with maple syrup, and topped with a simple Greek yogurt “frosting,” it’s the ultimate shared treat!
It can be baked in three 4” cake pans or one 6” pan, so it’s easy to share.
Ingredient Notes
- Flour: This recipe calls for all-purpose flour. You can substitute it with gluten-free 1:1 flour if needed.
- Oil: Coconut oil adds sweetness, but any oil will work.
- Milk: Almond milk is used here, but any milk works fine.
- Pumpkin: Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix.
- Maple Syrup: Honey can be used as a substitute. This is the only sugar in the recipe, so it’s essential for making it human-friendly.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is my go-to, but white vinegar works as well.
- Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free option. For extra yum, top half the cake with yogurt for your pup and the other half with buttercream for the humans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Whisk Wet Ingredients
Melt the coconut oil and let it cool to room temperature. In a bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin, maple syrup, and vinegar, then add the cooled coconut oil.
Step 2: Stir Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Combine with the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. It’s fine if the batter is a little lumpy!
Step 3: Bake
Grease your cake pans and pour in the batter. Bake:
- 4” pans: 27-32 minutes
- 6” pan: 40 minutes
Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack.
Step 4: Make the Icing
Whisk together Greek yogurt and maple syrup. Optional: Slice the “dome” off the cake for a flat top, then spread the icing evenly.
Tips and Tricks
- Icing Options:
- Use the simple yogurt icing.
- Cover half the cake with yogurt frosting and the other half with buttercream.
- Add peanut butter to the frosting for extra flavor!
- Cake Pan Tips: Always line your pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For 4” pans, place them on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Taste Test: Yes, it’s tasty for humans! The cake is light and not too sweet. If you want to enhance it, the alternate icing options are delicious.
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake and let it cool to room temperature. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Ice and serve when you’re ready.
Enjoy this sweet treat with your pup on their special day!
