Pumpkin Pupcakes

Pumpkin Pupcakes are soft, tender cupcakes topped with creamy pumpkin yogurt frosting and a sprinkle of crunchy goodies. They’re an adorable homemade dessert made just for your pup and perfect for making any day feel a little more special.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There’s something extra fun about baking your dog their very own cupcake and watching them dig into it. And there are plenty of reasons this recipe is one you’ll want to make whenever your pup deserves a little spoiling.

Easy to Make – The batter comes together in one bowl with a quick stir, and the frosting is just as simple. You don’t need a mixer or any special equipment.

Wholesome Ingredients – They’re made with simple ingredients, with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Customizable – Add or swap ingredients for what you have on hand or what fits with your dog’s preferences or dietary needs.

Great for Celebrations – These adorable pupcakes are perfect for dog birthdays, gotcha days, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a tasty dessert treat.

Ingredients and What They Bring to the Pupcakes

Just a few common, easy-to-find ingredients are all you need. Here’s what each one contributes:

For the Pupcakes

• Oat Flour – Forms the base of the batter and gives the pupcakes structure.
• Baking Soda – Helps the pupcakes rise as they bake.
• Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture, pumpkin flavor, and a soft texture.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together and gives the cupcakes structure.
• Coconut Oil – Adds moisture and richness to the pupcakes.
• Water – Provides the additional moisture needed to bring the batter together.

For the Frosting and Decorating

• Plain Greek Yogurt – Creates the creamy base for the frosting.
• Pumpkin Puree – Adds pumpkin flavor and gives the frosting its pretty orange color.
• Coconut Oil – Helps the frosting firm up when chilled.
• Crunchy Dog Treats – Crumbled over the frosting for a fun finishing touch.

Ingredient Notes, Additions, and Substitutions

There are a few important things to know about the ingredients, along with some easy ways to customize the recipe:

• Spices – Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ground ginger, or a combination of the two for a warm fall flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree – Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix or filling. Pumpkin pie products can contain added sugar and spices such as nutmeg that aren’t appropriate for dogs.
• Pumpkin Substitutes – Substitute the pumpkin puree with cooked and mashed sweet potato or butternut squash.
• Homemade Oat Flour – Make oat flour by blending old-fashioned rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they have a flour-like consistency. One cup of oats makes approximately ¾ cup of oat flour.
• Flour Substitutes – You can substitute oat flour with brown rice flour, all-purpose flour, or a 50-50 combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Because whole wheat flour is denser, it’s not a good substitute to use by itself. Different flours absorb moisture differently, so start with less and add more as needed.

How to Make Pumpkin Cupcakes for Dogs

Making these pupcakes is a simple process with just a few steps. Here’s what to do:

Make the Pupcakes

1. Grease a 6-count muffin pan with coconut oil.
2. Place the oat flour and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Whisk or stir to combine.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, water, and melted coconut oil.
4. Stir until the batter is well combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the 6 muffin cups.
6. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the pupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting and Decorate

1. Place the Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, and melted coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Refrigerate the frosting for at least 1 hour to chill and thicken.
4. Spread the chilled frosting over the completely cooled pupcakes.
5. Place the crunchy dog treats in a zip-top bag and seal it.
6. Crush the treats into small pieces and sprinkle them over the frosting.

Recipe Tips for Success

These pupcakes are easy to make, but a few simple tips will help them turn out beautifully:

• Measure the flour carefully. Spoon the oat flour into the measuring cup and level it rather than packing it down. Too much flour can make the pupcakes dry.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until everything is evenly combined.
• Divide the batter evenly. This helps all six pupcakes bake at the same rate.
• Test for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of a pupcake. They’re ready when it comes out clean.
• Cool completely before frosting. Warm cupcakes can cause the yogurt frosting to soften and slide off.
• Don’t skip chilling the frosting. The coconut oil firms as it chills, helping give the yogurt mixture a thicker consistency.
• Keep them refrigerated after frosting. The yogurt-based topping needs to stay chilled.

Recipe Variation – Mini Pupcakes

Want tiny pupcakes for smaller dogs or bite-sized celebrations? Bake the batter in a greased mini muffin pan instead.

Fill the muffin cups with batter and bake at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. Because mini pupcakes bake quickly, start checking them at 10 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness.

How to Store the Pupcakes and How Long They Last

Store frosted Pumpkin Pupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted pupcakes for the best results. Place them in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then make the frosting and decorate them before serving.

You can freeze frosted pupcakes, but yogurt frosting may separate or change texture after thawing.

Can people eat these cupcakes?

Yes, they sure can! All of the pupcake and frosting ingredients are safe for human consumption. Leave off the crumbled dog treats or replace them with crushed human cookies.

They’re lightly flavored with no added sugar, so don’t expect them to taste like traditional cupcakes. But if you’re watching your sugar intake, give one a try and see if you like it.

More Pupcake Recipes

Because there are plenty of times to make cupcakes for your dog! Try these recipes:

• Apple Pupcakes
• Blueberry Pupcakes
• Carrot Pupcakes
• Meatloaf Pupcakes
• Peanut Butter Pupcakes

Find lots of easy recipes for dog cakes, cupcakes, and desserts right here on Spoiled Hounds!

Serving Amount

Pupcakes are larger and more calorie-dense than a typical dog treat, so you may want to serve just part of one at a time, particularly for smaller dogs.

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure of the appropriate portion size for your dog.

If your dog hasn’t had any of these ingredients before, start with a small piece to make sure they don’t have any allergies, sensitivities, digestive upset, or other adverse reactions.