If you’re looking for a sweet way to celebrate your dog, this applesauce cake is just the thing. It’s soft, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and topped with a creamy frosting that makes it feel like a true dessert. It’s simple, comforting, and full of flavors dogs love.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s nothing quite like baking a homemade dessert for your dog and watching their excitement build as the delicious smells fill the kitchen. The tail wags, the eager eyes, the hopeful little dance near the oven – it’s pure joy. There are so many reasons this recipe will be a favorite.
Easy to Make – This cake keeps things simple. Stir the batter together, bake it, whip up the frosting, and spread it on top. No complicated steps or fancy techniques.
Wholesome Ingredients – Every ingredient is chosen with your dog in mind. No artificial flavors or unnecessary fillers. Just real, nourishing ingredients you can feel good about serving.
Perfect for Celebrating – Birthdays, gotcha days, holidays, or just because your dog deserves something special. This cake makes any occasion feel festive.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Cake
Each ingredient works together to create a soft, flavorful cake that’s sturdy enough to frost and slice. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Oat flour – Forms the base of the cake and is easily digestible for most dogs.
- Old-fashioned oats – Add texture and heartiness to the cake.
- Baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
- Ground cinnamon – Brings warm flavor and makes the cake smell amazing.
- Unsweetened applesauce – Adds moisture and natural sweetness.
- Melted coconut oil – Contributes moisture and healthy fats that support skin and coat health.
- Water – Helps create a smooth batter and keeps the cake tender.
- Low-fat cream cheese – Creates a creamy, smooth frosting base.
- Coconut oil (for frosting) – Helps make the frosting spreadable and slightly firm once set.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
There are plenty of simple additions and swaps you can make to customize this cake.
- You can add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for extra flavor.
- You can substitute applesauce with mashed ripe banana, plain pumpkin puree, or mashed sweet potato.
- You can make oat flour by blending old-fashioned rolled oats in a blender or food processor until it reaches a flour consistency. One cup of oats makes about 3/4 cup of flour.
- You can substitute oat flour with 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.
Note: Flour substitutes may affect the batter. Start with less and add as needed.
How to Make Applesauce Cake for Dogs
This cake comes together quickly and is easy enough for any baking day.
To make the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square cake pan with coconut oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, oats, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir or whisk to blend.
- Add the applesauce, melted coconut oil, and water. Stir until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove it and place it on a platter.
To make the frosting:
- Place the cream cheese and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Use a mixer to whip until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Slice and serve.
Frosting Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun options.
Applesauce Cream Cheese
Whip 6 ounces of cream cheese. Add 2 tablespoons of applesauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and mix them in. Let rest for at least 10 minutes so the cornstarch hydrates and absorbs moisture. If too soft after resting, add another 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to firm it up.
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese
Combine 1/4 cup of peanut butter with 6 ounces of cream cheese and mix until smooth.
Peanut Butter Yogurt
Combine 1/3 cup of peanut butter and 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt until creamy.
How to Store the Cake and How Long It Lasts
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can people eat this cake?
Yes, they sure can! All the ingredients are safe for human consumption. Give it a try and see if you like it.
More Dog Cake Recipes
Want to make some more tasty cakes for your dog? Try these recipes:
Find lots of easy recipes for dog desserts right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Applesauce Cake for Dogs
Ingredients
Cake
- 4 cups oat flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 cup water
Frosting
- 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese room temperature
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil room temperature
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square cake pan with coconut oil.
- Place the oat flour, oats, baking powder, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl and stir or whisk to combine.
- Add the applesauce, melted coconut oil, and water. Stir to combine.
- Pour the batter into the greased cake pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove it from the pan and place it on a platter.
Frosting
- Place the cream cheese and coconut oil in a bowl and use a mixer to whip them. If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to firm it up.
- Spread the frosting on the cake. Slice and serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Consult your vet if you are unsure of the 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, or adverse reactions.
Leave a Reply