Chef Sarah Do you want to learn how to bake a delicious banana cakes for your dog without using wheat flour or peanut butter? Or maybe you would love to try out a new recipe for Apple and Banana Dog Cake? If you answered yes to either question then read on!
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I was busy with the preparations for Dolly’s 8th birthday party. I had to make sure everything went well, like getting the right cake, arranging for presents to be delivered, and making sure there were no last-minute disasters. One of the most important things on the list was making her a special cake that she could enjoy. I decided to go out and get ingredients that were her favourites and give her lots of energy because I knew she would be having lots of fun at her party.
But disaster struck as I was making it. Somehow, I managed to mess up the recipe and the cake ended up being a disaster. It was dry, crumbly, and tasted terrible ( yes, I tried it). Dolly didn’t even want to eat it. I felt so embarrassed and disappointed that I had failed her on her special day.
So I tweaked the recipe and tried again. This time it turned out great! She loved it and licked the cake bowl clean ( bad habit I know, but Chef Dolly loves to test the mixture). I was so glad that I could make her a delicious cake that she enjoys on her special day and now I can share the recipe with you.
II’m also going to show you two different versions of the recipe. One uses bananas and apples with alternatives for wheat flour and I also have made a peanut butter free option too as not all dogs love peanut butter which seems to be in many pupcake recipes.
The first recipe is an easy one, it’s the classic apple and banana cake that I know and love. It’s ideal for using up ripe bananas and that last apple that’s rolling around in the fruit bowl. You can make this as little banana and apple pupcakes, or pop it into a bigger tin and make a birthday celebration cake for your dog to enjoy like I did.
If you’re making a birthday cake then I’ve given you some ideas on how to make frosting from mash potato (my favourite as you can pipe it!), peanut butter or natural yoghurt. Just watch your dog lick away at the yummy topping before tucking in with a big bite of cake.
The second recipe uses conventional wholemeal flour and no peanut butter but includes an egg for some added protein and flavour. Enjoy! And don’t forget to share with me on instagram if you make it! You can tag me @recipetsblog and use #recipetschef for a chance to be featured on my feed!
Ingredients and their benefits for your dog
Applesauce
The benefits of applesauce for dogs is that it contains no added sugar, is low in calories and provides a healthy dose of Vitamin C. It is also high in fiber which helps to regulate the digestive system as well as provide energy. Applesauces can be good for your dog’s teeth because they reduce the risk of tartar buildup and can help keep their breath fresh. Apple sauce provides antioxidants which are important for your dog’s immune system support and cardiovascular health
Almond flour
Almond flour is a protein-rich, fat-free and gluten free substitute for wheat or cornmeal. Almonds are high in calcium and vitamin E, which can help keep your dog’s coat healthy. With its light texture and mild flavor, almond flour can be used to make all sorts of different dishes for your pup that you might not have been able to before like muffins, cakes or cookies!
Apple
Apples are a good choice for dogs with diabetes or other metabolic disorders because it has natural sugars instead of added sugar like corn syrup or cane sugar which can cause blood glucose levels to spike dangerously high. The pectin found naturally in apples helps keep teeth clean and gums healthy, while apple cider vinegar is great for promoting digestion and relieving constipation. Apples are a rich source of anti-oxidants and dietary fiber. They are also low in calories and that makes it the perfect choice for dogs who need to lose weight.
Banana
Bananas are a rich source of vitamins A, B6, C and E. These essential nutrients promote healthy skin and coat. One banana provides about 30% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for dogs. Bananas also contain potassium to help maintain normal heart function as well as proper muscle control.
Bananas are an inexpensive way to help your dog stay healthy on a budget!
Bacon
Bacon is a great choice for a little doggy treat now and then and is surprisingly nutritious. However, it is processed food and high in salt so use sparingly in this recipe as a topping. Bacon bits are readily available and you can keep these in the freezer and just grab a few to cook up when you need them.
Bacon contains protein and fat which are essential nutrients in your dog’s diet. It also provides important vitamins like the B-complex group of vitamins, niacin (vitamin b3) and vitamin D.
Make sure you cook bacon at low temperatures so that it doesn’t burn or turn into carcinogenic compounds as quickly as regular cooked bacon does.
Most dogs love bacon and it will provide them with a delicious flavor that they’ll love!
Egg
Eggs are a nutritious food for dogs to enjoy. They provide protein, fat, vitamins A and D, riboflavin, selenium and choline. Eggs also contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin which are antioxidants that may help to prevent eye damage. Some egg yolks even have omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation in your pet’s joints or skin irritation caused by allergies or flea bites.
Now you know more about all the yummy ingredients in these recipes, let’s get started with the first recipe: Classic Apple and Banana Cake for dogs.
Disclaimer:
This recipe is meant to be a special treat for your dog and should not take the place of their regular food. Treats should not account for more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. To adjust the treat quantity and size, simply change the amounts in the recipe in proportion to suit your size of your dog. Before adding new foods to your dogs’ diet, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Recipets presents:
Apple and Banana Dog Cake – Grain Free
YumEquipment
Ingredients
- 1 whole Apple
- 1 Banana Ripe work best
- 2 cups Almond Flour or Rice Flour
- 2 tbsp Homemade Applesauce (or unsweetened baby food)
- 3 tbsp Peanut Butter (optional)1
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C ( 350 degrees F).
- Wash your apple and cut in half. Remove and dispose of the pips.1 whole Apple
- Put one half in a small saucepan and cover with water bring to the boil and simmer for about 10 mins to soften the apple.
- Strain the apple from the water and allow to cool.
- Use a fork to mash up the soft apple into a puree.2 tbsp Homemade Applesauce
- Peel the banana and dispose of the skin.1 Banana
- Mash the banana with a fork ( or potato masher) and combine with the apple puree.
- Add the peanut butter if you are using it and blend the three ingredients together.3 tbsp Peanut Butter
- Now add the flour and baking powder and mix together all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.2 cups Almond Flour1 tsp Baking Powder
- Spoon into your mould or cake tin and place on the centre shelf of your oven.
- For pupcakes in moulds – bake for about 25 minutes then check if they are done by using your finger or a spoon handle and press on the top of the cakes. If they spring back, they're ready. If not , pop back in the oven and check every 5 minutes.
- For birthday cake in a tin – bake for 40 minutes and check if it is ready by inserting a clean knife or skewer into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not , pop back in the oven and check every 5 minutes.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool before decorating.
- Cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @recipetsblog on Instagram!
Add Your Notes
Nutrition
Topping ideas and how to decorate your dog’s birthday cake
Mashed Potato Icing
Mash potato is one of my favourite toppers for cakes as you can pop it in an icing bag and pipe it on top in many forms! If you want to be super fussy you can even put it under the grill and brown off the mash!
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese with yoghurt is another option if you want to go fancy and create a buttercream effect on your cake and looks brilliant with dog-friendly sprinkles.
Dog-friendly Sprinkles
You can make sprinkles by grating fruit and veg. Use the other half of the apple and grate it with a carrot to create coloured sprinkles.
Peanut and Honey Drizzle
Peanut and honey drizzle is another fave. Put a 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter in a microwavable pot and blast it for about 10 seconds to soften it up ( smooth peanut butter works best). Then stir in a teaspoon of honey and drizzle over your cakes. Yum!
How to make the peanut butter free version of apple an banana cake for dogs
In this second recipe I’ve removed the peanut butter and replaced the flour with normal wholemeal flour. You can also use your all purpose flour if your dog does not have a gluten allergy. For added protein this recipe uses an egg.
Recipets presents:
Apple and Banana Dog Cake – Peanut Butter Free
YumEquipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 whole Apple
- 1 whole Banana Ripe work best
- 2 cups Wholemeal Flour or All Purpose Flour
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C ( 350 degrees F).
- Wash your apple and cut in half. Remove and dispose of the pips.1/2 whole Apple
- Put the half in a small saucepan and cover with water bring to the boil and simmer for about 10 mins to soften the apple.
- Strain the apple from the water and allow to cool.
- Use a fork to mash up the soft apple into a puree.
- Peel the banana and dispose of the skin.1 whole Banana
- Mash the banana with a fork ( or potato masher) and combine with the apple puree.
- Lightly whisk the egg and add to the mixture, stir until incorporated.1 Egg
- Now add the wholemeal flour and baking powder and mix together all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.2 cups Wholemeal Flour1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- Spoon into your mould or cake tin and place on the centre shelf of your oven.
- For pupcakes in moulds – bake for about 25 minutes then check if they are done by using your finger or a spoon handle and press on the top of the cakes. If they spring back, they're ready. If not , pop back in the oven and check every 5 minutes.
- For birthday cake in a tin – bake for 40 minutes and check if it is ready by inserting a clean knife or skewer into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not , pop back in the oven and check every 5 minutes.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool before decorating.
- Cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @recipetsblog on Instagram!
Add Your Notes
Nutrition
