There’s something magical about baking treats for our furry companions. The kitchen fills with the sweet, earthy aroma of pumpkin mingling with the nutty scent of peanut butter, and before long, eager paws are padding around, tails wagging in anticipation. These Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup Donuts are more than just a snack, they’re a gesture of love baked right into every bite. Soft, wholesome, and perfectly pup-approved, they’ll make your four-legged friend feel like the star of the show.
Behind the Recipe
Every pet parent knows that look—the wide eyes and hopeful tilt of the head when you’re cooking. This recipe was born out of one of those moments. Wanting to give our dogs something healthy yet indulgent, we combined two canine favorites: pumpkin and peanut butter. The result was a soft donut-shaped treat that feels special but is made with simple, nourishing ingredients.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Pumpkin has long been a staple in dog-friendly recipes, praised for its gentle effect on digestion and naturally sweet taste. Peanut butter, meanwhile, has been a classic go-to for filling toys, hiding meds, or simply rewarding good behavior. When these two ingredients meet, the combination is not only irresistible but also deeply comforting for pups. Fun fact—pumpkin-based dog treats first gained popularity during the fall season but quickly became a year-round favorite.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup Donuts
There are so many reasons this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen, and trust me, your pup is going to agree.
Versatile: Works as a daily treat, training reward, or a celebratory birthday snack.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Quick and Easy: Whips up in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss.
Customizable: Can be adjusted with different flours or add-ins like oats.
Crowd-Pleasing: Dogs of all sizes can enjoy these soft and chewy bites.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake a batch and keep them ready for the week.
Great for Leftovers: Leftovers can be frozen and thawed when needed.
Print
Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup Donuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 pup donuts 1x
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Homemade Pet Treats
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Wholesome, dog-friendly Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup Donuts that are soft, flavorful, and tail-waggingly delicious. Made with simple ingredients, these treats are perfect for rewarding or celebrating your furry friend.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup water (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, peanut butter, egg, and melted coconut oil until smooth. In another bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Slowly combine wet and dry ingredients, adding water if needed for a thick but pourable batter.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Assemble the Dish: Smooth the tops gently to ensure even baking.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 15–18 minutes until firm and golden.
- Finishing Touches: Let the donuts cool completely on a rack before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Offer one to your pup and watch the tail wags begin!
Notes
- Use only unsweetened peanut butter without xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs.
- Ensure pumpkin puree is pure and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Cool donuts fully before storage to prevent condensation.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pup donut
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Baking for pups might be simple, but a few tricks can make these donuts extra special.
- Use unsweetened peanut butter with no xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs.
- Opt for canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Grease your donut pan lightly so the treats pop out cleanly.
- For smaller pups, fill the molds only halfway for mini-donuts.
- If you want a softer texture, add a tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To keep things easy and stress-free, here are the essentials you’ll want ready:
Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk or Spoon: To bring the batter together.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, even for pup treats.
Donut Pan: Creates the adorable shape your pup will love.
Cooling Rack: Lets the donuts set properly before serving.
Ingredients in Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup Donuts
These ingredients come together in harmony to create wholesome, dog-friendly donuts.
- Whole Wheat Flour: 1 cup adds structure and fiber for a hearty bite.
- Pumpkin Puree: 1/2 cup provides natural sweetness and digestive benefits.
- Peanut Butter: 1/4 cup brings richness and a flavor dogs adore.
- Egg: 1 large binds the mixture and adds protein.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon gives a gentle lift to the donuts.
- Coconut Oil: 2 tablespoons (melted) adds moisture and a touch of healthy fat.
- Water: 1/4 cup (if needed) helps thin the batter to the right consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes you may need to swap an ingredient, and that’s perfectly fine.
Whole Wheat Flour: Use oat flour for a gentler, gluten-free option.
Coconut Oil: Olive oil or sunflower oil also work well.
Peanut Butter: Almond butter (unsweetened, unsalted) is a safe alternative.
Ingredient Spotlight
Pumpkin Puree: A natural source of fiber and vitamins A and C, pumpkin is great for digestion and gives these donuts their warm orange hue.
Peanut Butter: Protein-packed and creamy, peanut butter is a canine favorite that adds richness to every bite.
Instructions for Making Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup Donuts
Now comes the fun part—baking a treat your pup will absolutely love. Follow these steps for success:
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, peanut butter, egg, and melted coconut oil until smooth. In another bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Slowly combine wet and dry ingredients, adding water if needed for a thick but pourable batter.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Assemble the Dish: Smooth the tops gently to ensure even baking.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 15–18 minutes until firm and golden.
- Finishing Touches: Let the donuts cool completely on a rack before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Offer one to your pup and watch the tail wags begin!
Texture & Flavor Secrets
These donuts strike a balance between soft and chewy, making them easy on canine teeth. The pumpkin lends a natural sweetness and moisture, while the peanut butter adds a creamy depth that keeps pups coming back for more.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
A few extra tips can make your baking smoother:
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off to fill the donut molds neatly.
- If storing, wait until the donuts are completely cool to prevent condensation.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for future treats.
What to Avoid
To keep these safe and healthy for your pup:
- Do not use peanut butter containing xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs.
- Avoid overbaking, which can make the donuts hard and difficult to chew.
- Skip adding sugar or sweeteners, as they aren’t necessary for dogs.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 pup donuts
Calories per serving: 90
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These donuts can easily be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.
How to Serve Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup Donuts
These treats are delightful on their own, but you can also dress them up with a drizzle of dog-safe yogurt or a sprinkle of crushed oats for special occasions.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Turn leftovers into:
- Crumbled topping over your pup’s kibble.
- Frozen treats by breaking donuts into pieces and mixing with plain yogurt before freezing.
- Training bites by cutting them into smaller pieces.
Additional Tips
Keep your pup’s size in mind when serving. For smaller dogs, cut donuts into halves or quarters. Always introduce new treats slowly to avoid tummy upsets.
Make It a Showstopper
For a celebratory look, frost the donuts with unsweetened Greek yogurt and garnish with a dog biscuit on top. They’ll look so good, even the humans might get jealous.
Variations to Try
- Apple Pup Donuts: Replace pumpkin puree with unsweetened applesauce.
- Banana Pup Donuts: Add a mashed ripe banana for extra sweetness.
- Oat Pup Donuts: Use oat flour and sprinkle rolled oats on top.
- Carrot Pup Donuts: Stir in finely shredded carrots for added crunch.
- Cheesy Pup Donuts: Add a small handful of shredded low-fat cheese.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat?
Yes, but whole wheat adds extra nutrients and fiber for your pup.
2. Can humans eat these donuts?
They are safe, but they’re made for dogs and will taste plain to us.
3. How long do these stay fresh?
About 3 days at room temperature, up to a week in the fridge.
4. Can I freeze them?
Yes, they freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
5. What if I don’t have a donut pan?
You can use a muffin tin instead, just adjust the baking time slightly.
6. Can I add honey for sweetness?
It’s better to skip it, dogs don’t need added sugar.
7. Is canned pumpkin safe for dogs?
Yes, as long as it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just make sure you have enough pans.
9. What’s the best oil to use?
Coconut oil works best, but olive or sunflower oil are fine too.
10. Are these okay for puppies?
Yes, in moderation, but check with your vet if under 12 weeks old.
Conclusion
Baking Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup Donuts is more than just making treats, it’s about creating joyful moments with your furry friend. Each bite is packed with wholesome flavor and love, making it a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. Trust me, the look of delight in your pup’s eyes will make every step worth it.