Homemade Coconut and Peanut Butter Dog Cake with a Hint of Banana

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

I bet your dog deserves a special treat, but the problem is store-bought options can be full of mystery ingredients.

You’re worried about artificial flavors, strange preservatives, and sugars that aren’t good for them.

Which is why making a homemade cake means you control every single ingredient, ensuring it’s safe, healthy, and delicious for your furry friend.

This recipe is gonna give you that peace of mind and make your dog’s day.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog cake recipe is simple and quick to make.
• It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake.
• The cake is packed with natural flavors and healthy fats, perfect for a special occasion or a delightful snack.
• It’s designed to be easily digestible for most dogs.
• Serving size: One 6-inch round cake (serves 6-8 small portions).

Ingredients List

• Whole Wheat Flour (or Oat Flour for gluten-free): 1 ½ cups, ~$0.75
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, ~$0.05
• Ripe Banana: 1 medium, mashed, ~$0.25
• Natural Peanut Butter (xylitol-free): ½ cup, ~$1.50 (can substitute with almond butter for a different flavor)
• Unsweetened Applesauce: ¼ cup, ~$0.20
• Eggs: 2 large, ~$0.50
• Unsweetened Coconut Milk (canned, full-fat): ¼ cup, ~$0.30 (can substitute with plain yogurt or water if coconut milk isn’t available)
• Shredded Unsweetened Coconut: ¼ cup, ~$0.25 (optional, for garnish or mixing in)

Total estimated cost: ~$3.80

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 6-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour and baking soda.
• In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana well.
• Add the mashed banana, natural peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and unsweetened coconut milk to the wet ingredients bowl.
• Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Feeding Guidelines

• This cake is a treat, not a meal replacement.
• Small dogs (under 20 lbs) should get a small slice, about 1-2 square inches.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) can have a slightly larger piece, around 2-3 square inches.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs) might enjoy a piece about 3-4 square inches.
• Active dogs might handle a bit more, while less active or older dogs should get smaller portions.
• Puppies and very old dogs might need even smaller amounts due to sensitive stomachs.
• Always introduce new foods slowly to see how your dog reacts.
• Watch for any signs of upset stomach.
• And, it’s always smart to check with your vet for feeding advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Bananas provide potassium, vitamins C and B6, and are great for digestive health.
• Natural peanut butter offers healthy fats, protein, and vitamins E and B.
• Applesauce is a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C.
• Eggs give a boost of protein and essential amino acids.
• Coconut milk contains healthy fats, like medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can support skin and coat health.
• Whole wheat flour adds fiber and various nutrients.
• If you use oat flour, it’s a good option for dogs with wheat sensitivities and provides extra fiber.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, you can slice the cake into individual portions and freeze them.
• Frozen portions will last for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or microwave briefly until soft.
• Serve the cake at room temperature or slightly warmed.
• You can serve it plain or crumble a piece over your dog’s regular kibble for an extra special meal.
• A sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut on top makes it extra appealing.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use any peanut butter?

No, you must use natural peanut butter that does not contain xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Always check the ingredient list carefully.

My dog has allergies, what can I substitute?

For wheat allergies, use oat flour instead of whole wheat flour. If your dog is sensitive to peanuts, almond butter (xylitol-free) is a good alternative. For egg allergies, you can try an egg substitute like flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).

How do I know if the banana is ripe enough?

A ripe banana will have brown spots on the peel and will be soft to the touch. This means it’s sweeter and easier to mash, perfect for the cake.

Can I add frosting to this cake?

You can make a dog-safe frosting using plain Greek yogurt, blended with a little extra peanut butter or mashed banana. Avoid human frosting, as it often contains sugar and ingredients harmful to dogs.

What if my dog doesn’t like coconut?

The coconut milk adds moisture and healthy fats, but the flavor is subtle. If your dog truly dislikes coconut, you can substitute with plain water or unsweetened almond milk in the recipe. Skip the shredded coconut garnish.

Wrapping Up

Making this homemade cake is a great way to show your dog some extra love with wholesome ingredients. It’s simple, fun, and your dog will absolutely adore it.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!