Got a dog who goes bananas for bananas? These Mini Banana Pupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting are the perfect way to spoil your pup without the guilt.
They’re easy to make, packed with dog safe ingredients, and your furry friend will be doing tricks for just one bite. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (xylitol free, check the label!)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for sensitive tummies)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- For the frosting: 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt mixed with 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a mini muffin tin with a little coconut oil.
- In a medium bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the peanut butter, applesauce, and egg. Mix well until everything is combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix or the pupcakes will be tough.
- Spoon the batter into the mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This recipe makes around 12 mini pupcakes.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan.
- While the pupcakes cool, make the frosting: stir the Greek yogurt and peanut butter together until smooth. Once the pupcakes are cool, spread or pipe a small dollop on top.
- Serve immediately or store for later. Your dog will thank you with slobbery kisses.
Calories and Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per pupcake (1 mini) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving guidance for dogs: Give one mini pupcake per 10 pounds of body weight. For a 20 pound dog, that’s two pupcakes max.
For toy breeds under 10 pounds, stick to half a pupcake. These are treats, not meals, so adjust your dog’s regular food accordingly.
Storage Tips
Store your Mini Banana Pupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and moist that way.
If you want to save some for later, pop them in the freezer. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Thaw a pupcake in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Just don’t leave them out on the counter for hours. Your dog might get the wrong idea.
Feeding Suggestions
These pupcakes are best as an occasional treat, not a daily snack. I like to use them for training sessions, birthday parties, or just to say thanks after a good vet visit.
Break a pupcake into smaller pieces for training rewards. That way your dog gets the flavor without too many extra calories.
For a fun twist, crumble one over your dog’s regular kibble as a topper. Just remember to subtract those calories from their daily meal plan.
And always supervise your dog while they eat. Some pups inhale treats faster than you can say “sit.”
Nutritional Benefits
Bananas are a solid source of potassium, which supports heart and muscle function in dogs. They also provide vitamin B6 and vitamin C for immune health.
Peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein, but only if it’s xylitol free. Greek yogurt brings probiotics to the party, which can aid digestion.
Applesauce offers a touch of natural sweetness and fiber. Whole wheat flour gives a little extra energy from complex carbs.
All together, these ingredients make a treat that’s more nutritious than most store bought options. Your dog gets real food, not fillers or artificial junk.
Health Considerations and What to Avoid
Xylitol is a dealbreaker. This artificial sweetener is highly toxic to dogs. Even a tiny amount can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, seizures, or liver failure.
Always check your peanut butter label. Only use brands with no xylitol, no sugar substitutes, and no added salt. Stick to natural peanut butter with just peanuts and maybe a little salt.
Watch the banana ripeness. Overripe bananas are fine, but avoid green bananas. They’re harder to digest and can upset your dog’s stomach.
Also, don’t go overboard on the banana. Too much can cause constipation or diarrhea. Moderation is key.
Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they’re fully cooked. Raw eggs can carry salmonella and contain avidin, which interferes with biotin absorption. Always bake these pupcakes all the way through.
Greek yogurt is fine for most dogs, but some are lactose intolerant. If your dog gets gassy or has loose stools after dairy, skip the frosting or use a lactose free yogurt. Plain yogurt is best. No flavored yogurts with added sugar or fruit.
Whole wheat flour is okay for dogs unless they have a grain sensitivity. If your dog has allergies, swap it for oat flour or chickpea flour. Avoid almond flour or coconut flour in large amounts, as they can cause digestive upset.
FAQ
Can puppies eat this recipe?
Yes, puppies can enjoy these pupcakes in very small amounts. Wait until your puppy is at least 8 weeks old and weaned. Give just a tiny piece at first to check for any food sensitivities. Puppies have delicate stomachs, so start slow.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
You can, but be careful. Almond butter is safe for dogs in small amounts, but it’s higher in fat and calories. Some dogs have trouble digesting nuts. Stick with plain, unsalted almond butter with no xylitol. Peanut butter is still the better choice IMO.
How many pupcakes can I give my dog in a day?
These are treats, not meals. A general rule is no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories from treats. For a 30 pound dog, that’s about two mini pupcakes per day. For a 10 pound dog, stick to half a pupcake. Adjust based on your dog’s size and activity level.
Can I freeze the frosting too?
Yes, you can freeze the yogurt peanut butter frosting separately. Spoon it into an ice cube tray, freeze until solid, then pop out the cubes.
Thaw a cube in the fridge and spread it on a pupcake when ready. FYI, the texture might be a little thinner after thawing, but your dog won’t mind one bit.
