Your kitchen will smell like a cozy fall hug when you whip up these Thanksgiving pupcakes using this Dog-Safe Recipe! They’re soft, pumpkin-y, and perfect for celebrating the holiday with your furry buddy. My pup couldn’t stop wagging while these baked, and I know your dog will feel the same tail-wagging joy. Homemade treats make the season feel extra warm, and these little cupcakes are simple enough for any dog parent to bake.
Table of Contents
What Makes These Thanksgiving Pupcakes Special
These soft and cozy pupcakes are made with natural, pup-friendly ingredients like pumpkin, applesauce, and peanut butter. They bake up fluffy enough to look cute, yet dense enough to feel like a hearty holiday treat. Because this is a completely Dog-Safe Recipe!, you can celebrate stress-free knowing every ingredient is gentle on your dog’s tummy.
Ingredients (Dog-Safe Recipe!)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat flour | 1 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) | 1/4 cup |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1/4 cup |
| Pumpkin purée | 1/3 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Greek yogurt (frosting) | 1/2 cup |
| Natural peanut butter (frosting) | 2 tablespoons |
Always choose xylitol-free peanut butter. For safety information, you can check trusted sources like AKC or PetMD.
How to Make Thanksgiving Pupcakes (Dog-Safe Recipe!)
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda until combined.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a second bowl, stir the olive oil, peanut butter, applesauce, and pumpkin purée. Once smooth, mix in the egg until everything blends well.
3. Combine
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and stir until you have a thick, scoopable batter.
4. Fill the Muffin Tins
Spoon the batter into a lined or greased muffin pan. Fill each cup to the top because the batter is dense and will not rise much. Smooth the tops with a spoon so they bake evenly.
5. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the pupcake springs back when gently pressed.
6. Cool and Frost
Let the pupcakes cool on a wire rack. For frosting, stir the Greek yogurt and peanut butter together until creamy. Pipe or spread the frosting on top.
7. Optional Toppers
Add a tiny homemade dog biscuit to make them extra festive for Thanksgiving.
Portion Guide by Dog Weight
| Dog Weight | Serving Size | Max Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 lbs | 1/4–1/2 pupcake | 1 |
| 20–50 lbs | 1 pupcake | 1 |
| 50–90 lbs | 1–1.5 pupcakes | 1–2 |
| 90+ lbs | 2 small pupcakes | 2 |
Adjust portions based on your dog’s needs and activity level. Check with your vet if you are unsure.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate the pupcakes in an airtight container for up to one week.
Freeze unfrosted pupcakes for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Add frosting right before serving for the best texture.
Nutritional Benefits
- Pumpkin adds gentle fiber for healthy digestion.
- Applesauce makes the batter moist without extra sugar.
- Peanut butter provides natural protein and healthy fats.
- Greek yogurt offers a creamy, tummy-friendly frosting.
- Whole wheat flour supplies steady energy.
Thanksgiving Pupcakes
Make these easy Thanksgiving pupcakes for your dog using this Dog-Safe Recipe! Soft, festive, and full of pup-approved flavors your dog will love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat flour | 1 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) | 1/4 cup |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1/4 cup |
| Pumpkin purée | 1/3 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Greek yogurt (frosting) | 1/2 cup |
| Natural peanut butter (frosting) | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda until combined.
2. Mix Wet IngredientsIn a second bowl, stir the olive oil, peanut butter, applesauce, and pumpkin purée. Once smooth, mix in the egg until everything blends well.
3. CombinePour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and stir until you have a thick, scoopable batter.
4. Fill the Muffin TinsSpoon the batter into a lined or greased muffin pan. Fill each cup to the top because the batter is dense and will not rise much. Smooth the tops with a spoon so they bake evenly.
5. BakeBake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the pupcake springs back when gently pressed.
6. Cool and FrostLet the pupcakes cool on a wire rack. For frosting, stir the Greek yogurt and peanut butter together until creamy. Pipe or spread the frosting on top.
7. Optional Toppers
Add a tiny homemade dog biscuit to make them extra festive for Thanksgiving.
FAQs About This Dog-Safe Recipe!
1. Can I use oat flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes. Oat flour works well and creates a soft texture.
2. Can dogs eat pumpkin all year long?
Yes. Plain pumpkin purée is safe and commonly used for digestion support.
3. Do I have to add frosting?
No. The pupcakes taste great plain, but frosting makes them feel special for holidays.
4. What if my dog is sensitive to dairy?
Use a dog-safe dairy-free yogurt alternative for the frosting.
5. Can I replace applesauce in the batter?
Mashed banana is a great alternative and adds natural sweetness.
Final Takeaway
These Thanksgiving pupcakes bring warm holiday joy to your kitchen using a simple and complete Dog-Safe Recipe! Enjoy baking them and sharing a sweet celebration moment with your furry friend.