I know I’m being so cliché when I say this, but time needs to SLOW DOWN!

I mean, how is this little guy 7 years old already?  I feel like it was just yesterday when I held Prince for the very first time and realized he was meant to be with me.

He gave me the opportunity to call myself “mom”.  Even if it was just “dog mom”.  So, it’s no surprise that I would want to spoil him – just like a do with a certain three-year-old.  And there’s no better way to make him feel more special than to give him something sweet to eat on his special day.

I’ll be honest, though.  Most years I’ve just purchased his cake, not made it. And I had every intention of purchasing it again this year, but I have the unfortunate luck of not living near anything.  Including a bakery that serves dog friendly treats.

So for quite a few days I was stumped.  I didn’t know what to do.

It obviously took a while for me to come to the realization that I could just make him one.

And I’m so glad that I did.

This cake is made up of some of Prince’s favorite things: carrots and bananas!  So, it’s no surprise that he loved and completely devoured it.  And I felt way better because I knew exactly what was inside.

Win. Win.

So, if you’re trying to think of ways to make your furry little child feel even more appreciated on their special day – make them a birthday cake.

Because they totally know the difference between homemade and store-bought.

Right?

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Birthday PupCake

for the carrot cake:

• 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/8 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1/2 c. shredded carrots

for the banana frosting:

• 1 small banana, mashed
• 2 tsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp. whole wheat pastry flour

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking soda.  In the bowl to your stand mixer, cream the butter, oil, and eggs together.

Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined.  Fold in the shredded carrots.

Pour the batter into a greased ramekin, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cake is thoroughly baked.

When cake is finished, remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting. When cake is completely cooled, begin frosting.

Stir the mashed banana, butter, and flour until a smooth paste-like texture has formed.  Frost your pupcake with the banana mixture.