…a very apPEELing treat for all
Dog-friendly cupcakes? I know my pup, Linus, is happy about this one. He’s been a little troublemaker ever since we moved to Chicago but even so, I couldn’t help but feel bad for him. He once roamed a large household and ran wild in the grass, and now is trapped in a small apartment with little to no outdoor space to explore. He deserved something for his tolerance—something a little more gourmet than the mini MilkBones in his treat jar. Rachel Ray’s site is packed with pet-friendly goodies that are not only satisfying for those four-legged friends, but also for their two-legged owners. These mini cupcakes are easy to make and full of flavor. The bananas add a very sweet and incredibly moist element to the cakes, making for an irresistible treat. Yummmmy! With that, make sure to always check with your vet about which foods are appropriate for you to share with your pups. Enjoy! :)
Recipe by Tracy Saelinger
2-1/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups mashed very ripe banana (2 or 3 bananas)
1/4 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
(1) Preheat the oven to 350° F; line 18 standard-size (or 36 mini) muffin cups with baking liners
(2) In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt
(3) In a separate bowl, mix the banana, yogurt and vanilla extract with a fork until combined (the mixture will be slightly lumpy)
(4) Using an electric mixer, beat the granulated sugar and butter at high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes; Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl between additions
(5) On low speed, beat in half the dry ingredients, then all of the banana mixture; Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined; do not over-mix!
(6) Spoon the batter into the liners, about three-quarters full and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes (or 12-14 minutes for mini cupcakes)
(7) Let cool completely on a wire rack and then dust with confectioners' sugar, using a dog-bone stencil. Enjoy :)