by Marielle Elise

Created on: October 12, 2009   Last Updated: October 13, 2009

Everyone loves a birthday celebration, and there's no better way to show how much you care than by making a special homemade gift. Why should it be any different for our four-legged friends? Whether your pooch has a sweet tooth or is a carnivore through-and-through, you're sure to be able to bake a cake to suit your best friend's fancy. Be creative; doggy palates don't limit dessert recipes in the way human tastes tend to. Salty and savory can be just as delicious to your best furry buddy as sugary and sweet can! Just be careful to make sure the ingredients you use in your culinary creations are dog-friendly. The recipes below might provide just the inspiration you need to get on your way to a truly divine canine cake! Enjoy!

PB & Banana Party Cake

2/3 cup ripe mashed bananas

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup softened margarine

3 large eggs, beaten

3/4 cup water

2 cups unbleached white or whole wheat flower

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

In mixing bowl, beat together mashed bananas, peanut butter, and margarine until creamy. Add eggs and water. Mix well. Stir in dry ingredients. Beat until smooth. Add nuts. Spoon batter evenly into oiled and floured cake pan. Bake for about 35 minutes. Cool on wire rack 5 minutes, remove from pan, replace on rack and cool.

For an extra treat, frost with Banana Carob frosting:

2 cups ripe banana, mashed
1 Tbs butter
6 Tbs carob powder
2 tsp vanilla
3 Tbs unbleached flour
1 tsp cinnamon

Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and enjoy!

Bacon and Chicken and Yogurt, Oh My!

3 cups flour

1 Tbs baking powder

1/2 cup margarine, softened

6 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup corn oil

2 jars strained chicken baby food

2 cups finely shredded carrots

plain nonfat yogurt

2 or 3 strips of bacon, fried crisp, crumbled

Directions:

Generously grease and flour two 8" round cake pans; set aside. Combine flour and baking powder; set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat softened margarine until smooth. Add eggs and corn oil; mix well. Add strained chicken and shredded carrots and mix until smooth. Add flour mixture and mix thoroughly. Pour batter into the two prepared 8" cake pans. Bake at 325F for 60 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before removing from pans. Cool completely on wire racks.

Place one layer on a serving plate and spread yogurt over top. Place second layer on top, then spread yogurt on top and sides of entire cake. Sprinkle crumbled bacon or bits of jerky strips over top.

Carob/Carrot Delight

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 tsp baking soda

1/3 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup carob chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine butter, oil, and eggs. Add to dry mixture, and beat until smooth. Stir in carrots and carob. Pour batter into a well-greased 8"x 8" square or 8-inch round baking pan. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking time may vary in your oven.

Frost with optional Cinnamon Frosting:

Combine the following ingredients and blend thoroughly:

12 ounces nonfat cream cheese or Neufchatel (softened at room temperature)
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey

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