~Amanda~
My dog, Molly, is one of the greatest blessings in my life. Our family never had dogs growing up and I was always a little bit skittish around them. I finally got over my anxieties about 6 years ago when I got Molly and she has truly changed my life and my view on dogs forever. She has been my best friend and greatest companion over the years and she is the most loving, fun, energetic (and a bit nutty) dog in the world. Naturally when her birthday rolls around every year, I act like the crazy (but so wonderful) dog-mom that I am and bake her something homemade and delicious to celebrate! And the timing is perfect because her birthday is right before Christmas so I always make extras as holiday treats for Molly and her friends to enjoy while we’re all eating cookies and scrumptious desserts.
Molly’s birthday celebrations in the past have included desserts ranging from cakes made out of carrots and peanut butter to homemade dog treats with parsley and mint. This year, I decided to try something new and found this incredible recipe for Peanut Butter Pupcakes. Molly has an intolerance to grains and I avoid them whenever possible, so I loved that these pupcakes were made with coconut flour rather than regular flour (although you can still use regular flour: ½ cup coconut flour = 1 cup regular flour). The other main ingredients are mashed bananas and peanut butter, and then they are topped with a yummy cream cheese and peanut butter frosting, what more could a dog ask for?!
After spending the evening in the kitchen preparing Molly’s pupcakes (as well as delicious dinner for Conor and I – we have to celebrate too!), it was time for her to indulge! I set everything up so nicely, took the mandatory pictures, and then gave her the go-ahead. She picked up the cupcake and swallowed it whole. She didn’t even chew it, or savor the delicious flavors, or appreciate all the time I put into it. Typical. But at least she was really excited about it and I made sure the leftovers have been served to her pre-crumbled in her bowl, so I can pretend that she’s savoring all my hard work. Whether you have a dog that will enjoy every bite, or just eat the thing whole, these are a great treat for any celebration!
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 3 eggs
- 2 bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 4 ounces peanut butter (smooth)
- 1 tablespoon cocnut oil
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, eggs, bananas, cottage cheese, and honey. Add in the coconut flour and baking soda and mix well.
- Use an ice cream scooper to scoop into 12 greased muffin tins. Fill about 3/4 of the way.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- In a small bowl, cream together the cream cheese, peanut butter, and oil. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes.
- Once the muffins have cooled, top with peanut butter icing (and some crumbled treats) and let your doggies enjoy!
