Sometimes we just have to start before we’re ready.

We can weigh every pro and con. List each cause and effect. And, ask all the “what ifs” our little hearts desire. However, no matter how you slice it, there’s never the “perfect time” to start that project, follow that idea or hunch, or even live out that dream. “Perfect” is simply a myth that discourages you from moving forward and distracts you from your goal.

Honestly, success never comes from being perfectly ready. Success comes from trusting that YOU are enough. It comes from taking the first step to move forward. Will there be a little apprehension? Probably. A little fear? Maybe. Some uncertainty? Absolutely. It’s just all a part of the beautiful journey. As Marie Forleo says…

One of my biggest successes was learning how to climb steps. Sure, I love it now and at times make a game out it. But, that wasn’t always the case. As a young pup, climbing stairs absolutely terrified me. Every step seemed bigger than my little legs could reach. Not to mention that the top step seemed so unreachable while looking from the bottom. I simply refused to even attempt to climb because I was never ready.

Until one night I had to choose between staying downstairs by myself during a thunderstorm or following Mom up the steps to weather the storm together. I definitely chose the latter. It might not have been the “perfect time” to climb, but I trusted myself enough to get up those steps to be with my mom so I wouldn’t weather that storm alone. And that to me was a HUGE success. That’s why…

These Carob Banana Peanut Butter Pupcakes are dedicated to those pups who never worry about the “perfect time” and trust themselves to start before they’re ready.

We also believe that every pupcake has a story. So, while your favorite pup is PUPPY LOVIN’ on these pupcakes, we’d love to hear from you.

Discuss a time when you had to start before you were ready. What did you learn during the process?

Please share your pupcake story in the box below.

And, after you’ve tried this recipe please share it with us @pupcakesugar on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or all three. We’d love to see how they turned out for you.

Ingredients

Carob Banana Pupcakes

• ½ Cup Brown Rice Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 Tablespoons Carob Powder
• ¼ Cup Olive Oil
• ⅓ Cup Mashed Bananas
• 1 Egg

Peanut Butter Frosting

• ¼ Cup Creamy Peanut Butter (unsalted with no added sugars)
• 3 Tablespoons Plain Yogurt

Instructions

Yields: 12 – 14 Mini Pupcakes

For Carob Banana Pupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350° Line 12 – 14 1.75-inch mini-muffin pan with paper bake cups and set aside.
2. In small bowl mix together flour, baking powder, and carob powder. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl add olive oil, bananas, and egg. Beat on medium speed about 2 minutes or until combined.
4. Add dry ingredients into the mixture and blend for approximately 2 minutes until well mixed.
5. Fill each cupcake liner with 1 tablespoon of pupcake mix and bake for 12 minutes. Pupcakes are done when you can stick a toothpick into the cake and it comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.
6. Spread or pipe peanut butter frosting onto the pupcakes.

For Peanut Butter Frosting

1. In large mixing bowl beat peanut butter and yogurt together on medium speed. Mix until creamy. Frosting should have the consistency of whipped cream.
2. Spread or pipe peanut butter frosting onto the pupcakes.

Notes

• This recipe is for a fun treat ONLY. It should not replace your dog’s regular meals. Please consult with your vet on the best plan for your dog’s diet.