A soft, naturally sweet treat your pup will go bananas for.
There’s something about banana and peanut butter that just works—and dogs know it too. These Peanut Butter Banana Muffins are moist, flavorful, and packed with dog-friendly ingredients that taste great and support good nutrition.
I made these for Snickers when I had some overripe bananas sitting on the counter—and now they’re a favorite treat in our house.
Whether you’re baking for a dog birthday, looking for a fun freezer-friendly snack, or just want to spoil your pup, this recipe is a great go-to.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
- Made with simple, pantry ingredients
- No added sugar, salt, or artificial stuff
- Easy to mix, bake, and store
- Great for dogs of all ages
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins for Dogs
For these delicious dog desserts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Purpose / Benefit |
|---|---|
| 2 ripe bananas, mashed | Natural sweetness and potassium boost |
| ¼ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) | Healthy fats, protein, and dog-approved flavor |
| ½ cup unsweetened applesauce | Adds moisture and light sweetness, replaces added sugars |
| 1 large egg | Binds everything together and adds protein |
| 1 cup whole wheat or oat flour | Structure and fiber (oat is gentler on sensitive tummies) |
| ¼ cup water or unsweetened coconut milk | Helps with consistency and keeps muffins soft |
| ½ tsp baking powder | Gives a gentle rise for fluffy texture |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a mini muffin pan for smaller portions, or a regular muffin tin for larger dogs. Line each cup with paper or silicone liners (to avoid sticking), or lightly grease with dog-safe oil like coconut or olive oil.
2. Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas until they’re smooth and lump-free. The riper they are, the sweeter and softer your muffins will be. Add the ¼ cup peanut butter, ½ cup applesauce, 1 large egg, and ¼ cup water or unsweetened coconut milk. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
Tip: If your peanut butter is thick, microwave it for 10–15 seconds before mixing to make stirring easier.
3. Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Add the 1 cup of flour (either whole wheat or oat) and ½ teaspoon baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until you don’t see any more dry flour. The batter should be thick, scoopable, and not runny.
- If the batter feels too dry or stiff, add an extra tablespoon of water or coconut milk.
- If it feels overly wet, sprinkle in a little more flour until you reach a soft, spoonable texture.
Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can lead to tough or dense muffins.
4. Fill the Muffin Cups
Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. Smooth the tops slightly with the back of a spoon for an even bake. You can top with crushed dog treats or a banana slice here if you’d like to add something special.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the muffins in the center rack of your oven and bake for 18–22 minutes (or 22–25 minutes for standard muffin size), depending on your oven and the size of your muffins.
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready. The tops should look set and lightly golden.
If your muffins look done on the outside but are mushy in the middle, give them a few extra minutes and test again.
6. Cool Before Serving
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5–10 minutes—this allows them to firm up a bit. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
It’s important not to frost, decorate, or serve until fully cooled, as warm muffins can steam inside containers and soften too much when stored.
Customization Tips
If you want to make these muffins even more special, try these fun and functional swaps and add-ons:
- Top with a crunchy dog biscuit before baking for a cute and tasty topping
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of shredded carrot or apple for extra fiber and texture
- Sprinkle in a few crushed freeze-dried blueberries for a pop of flavor
- Swap the flour: Use oat flour for sensitive tummies, or try a mix of chickpea flour for added protein
- Drizzle with a yogurt and peanut butter “glaze” after baking for a celebration treat
- Make pupcakes! Pipe dog-friendly frosting on top for birthdays or special occasions
These muffins are super flexible—perfect for experimenting based on what your dog loves most.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go sideways. Here’s how to keep your muffins coming out just right:
- Too wet? This usually means the bananas were extra large or extra ripe. Add a spoonful of flour at a time until the batter thickens.
- Too dry? Check your flour measurements—scooping directly from the bag can pack too much in. Use the spoon-and-level method.
- Dense or rubbery texture? Don’t overmix once the flour goes in. Stir just until combined.
- Muffins not rising? Double-check your baking powder—it loses strength after 6 months.
- Sticky tops after baking? They may need a few extra minutes. Always test doneness with a toothpick and let them cool fully on a rack.
Storage Tips
These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or in the fridge for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze individually and thaw as needed—great for grab-and-go snacks or training rewards.
Tip: If freezing, wrap each muffin in parchment or store in a single layer to prevent sticking.
Feeding Guidelines
These muffins are treats—not a full meal. Serve in moderation based on your dog’s size and activity level:
- Small dogs: ½ to 1 muffin
- Medium dogs: 1–2 muffins
- Large dogs: Up to 3 muffins per day
Always observe how your dog handles new treats, and keep fresh water nearby.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes—just let them thaw completely and drain off any extra liquid before mashing. They’ll still provide the same sweetness and texture.
Can I make them into a full cake instead?
Definitely! Just pour the batter into a greased 6-inch cake pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is fully set.
Are these safe for puppies?
Yes, as long as your puppy is eating solid foods and doesn’t have allergies to any of the ingredients. Start with a small piece to see how they handle it.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Banana Dog Muffins are soft, easy to make, and full of natural ingredients that your dog will go wild for. With zero added sugars or artificial stuff, they’re a sweet way to spoil your pup with something healthy and homemade.
Snickers approves—especially when there’s a biscuit baked into the top.