March 23rd is National Puppy Day, and we are SO ready to celebrate–because if there’s anything we love over here at Lulus, aside from fashion, it’s puppies. These cuddly floofers bring so much happiness and unconditional love into the world, it’s only right there’s (finally) a day designated to honor them. How are we observing this very important holiday? With cupcakes, of course: adorable, almost-too-cute-to-eat dog cupcakes made by baker and Instagram dessert genius, Samantha Chiu (seriously, check her out here).

homemade dog cupcakes by Samantha Chiu- dog cupcake -

You thought we were kidding about the genius part, didn’t you? Look at those little pupper faces!

homemade dog cupcakes by Samantha Chiu- dog cupcake -

If you don’t have a baby dog of your own to snuggle this National Puppy Day, a dog cupcake might just be the next best thing. We certainly think so–because if there’s anything we love as much as fashion and puppies, it’s sweet treats.

homemade dog cupcakes by Samantha Chiu- dog cupcake -

Now, we know the average sweets enthusiast might not have Samantha’s level of baking expertise, which is why she’s sharing her simple cupcake recipe with us ahead–so feel free to make these confections, minus the canines. If your cake decorating skills are advanced and you want to try creating your own pack of pup-cakes, we’ve included the full dog cupcake instructions below.

homemade dog cupcakes by Samantha Chiu- dog cupcake - homemade dog cupcakes by Samantha Chiu- dog cupcake -

(Images and recipe via Samantha Chiu)

Are you trying your hand at these homemade dog cupcakes for National Puppy Day? Show us the (baked) goods on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus!

  • PREP TIME: 120 MINS
  • SERVES: 12
  • dog cupcakes
  • homemade dog cupcake recipe

Ingredients

Cupcake:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk

Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorations:

  • Pink fondant
  • Black jelly bean or black fondant
  • Brown fondant
  • Chocolate pearls

(You will need a piping bag and large French piping tip)

Directions

Step 1:

Line cupcake pan with liners or grease pan with butter and lightly dust with flour.

Step 2:

Melt butter and add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

Step 3:

In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt, and add flour mixture with milk to the butter mixture.

Step 4:

Fill cupcake cups 1/2 full.

Step 5:

Preheat oven at 350 degrees F and bake for 15-17 minutes or until the toothpick inserted into cupcakes comes out clean.

Step 6:

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7:

For the frosting: Combine butter and sugar and beat with electric mixer until blended. Add the milk, vanilla and beat for 5 minutes or until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 8:

Spread frosting on top of cupcakes with an offset spatula until the entire surface is covered and smooth. Place two chocolate pearls on top of the frosting for the eyes.

Step 9:

For the nose: Pour frosting into piping bag with a large French piping tip and directly pipe frosting to center of cupcake. Add a jelly bean or roll black fondant into a size of an almond and place on top of piped frosting.

Step 10:

For the tongue: Roll out pink fondant to 1/8 inches thick on a surface lightly dusted with corn starch or confectioners’ sugar. Cut an oval shape in the pink fondant and use a toothpick to make an indent in the middle. Stick the tongue underneath the nose.

Step 11:

For the ears: Roll out brown fondant to 1/8 inches thick on a surface lightly dusted with corn starch or confectioners’ sugar. Cut two long oval shapes and place on the sides of the cupcake.

Step 12:

Serve at room temperature. Enjoy!