Whether you’re throwing a full-blown pup party or just want a bite-sized way to spoil your furry friend, these Mini Cupcakes for Dogs are the perfect solution. They’re soft, lightly sweetened with banana and applesauce, and topped with a smooth, dog-friendly frosting made from Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Cute, celebratory, and surprisingly easy to make, these little treats are guaranteed to get tails wagging.
These mini pupcakes are ideal for birthdays, gotcha days, or as a fun weekend baking project. They’re portion-friendly for dogs of all sizes, and you can even freeze extras for future special moments. I’ve made these for my own dogs and as gifts for friends’ pups—they’re always a hit.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
These cupcakes are made with real, whole ingredients like banana, peanut butter, and applesauce—flavors dogs love and crave. The soft texture makes them easy to eat for puppies, seniors, or dogs with sensitive teeth. The creamy frosting adds an indulgent, yet healthy finish that makes each bite feel special. They’re the perfect size for a treat without overdoing it, and your pup will definitely notice the extra effort and love baked into every bite.
What You’ll Need
For the Pupcake Batter:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed dog biscuits
- Banana slices
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Dog-friendly treats for decoration
Pro Tips
- Use mini muffin tins for perfectly sized portions that are great for dogs of all breeds.
- Use silicone liners or lightly grease the pan for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mash bananas thoroughly for a smooth batter—this ensures even texture.
- Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Make a double batch and freeze extras for later celebrating or training rewards.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mini muffin tin (12-cup)
- Silicone or paper liners (optional)
- Whisk or spoon
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag or spoon for frosting
Substitutions and Variations
- Wheat-free: Use oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend
- Banana-free: Swap banana for mashed pumpkin or sweet potato
- No peanut butter: Use unsweetened sunflower seed butter or plain Greek yogurt
- Flavor twist: Add shredded carrots or blueberries to the batter
- Savory version: Omit applesauce and banana and add finely chopped cooked chicken or cheddar
Make Ahead Tips
You can bake the cupcakes up to 3 days in advance and store them (unfrosted) in the refrigerator. Frost the day you plan to serve for best presentation. You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 1 month—just thaw overnight in the fridge and frost fresh.
Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with silicone or paper liners.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the peanut butter, applesauce, and egg. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Mix in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using). Stir just until combined. The batter will be thick and scoopable.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Scoop the batter into each mini muffin cup, filling about 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool
Let the pupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and peanut butter until smooth and spreadable. You can pipe it on using a small piping bag or simply spoon it on top.
Step 7: Decorate
Top with crushed dog biscuits, a slice of banana, or a small dog treat for a festive touch.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to celebrate. Store any extras for a future treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve one mini cupcake per dog for birthdays or special occasions
- Cut in half for small dogs or puppies
- Use unfrosted pupcakes as high-value training rewards
- Decorate with festive dog-safe toppings for parties
- Pack into doggy gift bags or party boxes for pup guests
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use oat flour, rice flour, or a certified gluten-free blend
- Dairy-free: Use mashed banana or unsweetened coconut cream instead of Greek yogurt
- Nut-free: Replace peanut butter with mashed pumpkin or sunflower seed butter
- Egg-free: Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Fruit-free: Try a savory version using shredded carrot and cooked chicken instead of banana/applesauce
Leftovers and Storage
Once fully cooled and frosted:
- Refrigerator: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Freezer (Unfrosted): Freeze cupcakes for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and frost fresh before serving
- Freezer (Frosted): Freeze frosted cupcakes on a tray, then transfer to a container. Thaw in fridge before serving
- Do not leave out for long—especially if using dairy-based frosting
Nutrition & Benefits
These mini cupcakes are made from real, recognizable ingredients that are healthy and satisfying. Bananas offer potassium and fiber to support digestion and energy. Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein, perfect for sustained energy and coat health. Applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness without added sugar. Greek yogurt in the frosting contributes probiotics for digestive health and a creamy texture dogs love.
This recipe skips added sugar, preservatives, and fillers—so you can feel good about sharing it with your pup during special moments.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I make these into regular-sized cupcakes?
A: Yes! Bake for 18–22 minutes at 350°F. You’ll get about 4–6 full-sized pupcakes.
Q: Can I skip the frosting?
A: Definitely. The cupcakes are delicious and safe without it—especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Q: Are these safe for puppies?
A: Yes—just break into smaller bites and serve in moderation.
Q: Can humans eat these?
A: Absolutely! They’re made with all dog-safe, human-edible ingredients—just not very sweet by human standards.
Q: What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
A: Use a regular muffin pan and fill cups halfway, adjusting bake time to around 15–18 minutes.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Mini Cupcakes for Dogs are festive, easy to make, and totally pup-approved. With wholesome ingredients and a creamy frosting your dog will love, they’re perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just because. Whether you’re baking for one lucky pup or a whole pack of furry friends, these mini treats are the ideal way to show a little extra love—one bite at a time.