Almost every morning, Mom puts my breakfast in my favorite dish and dashes out the door with her black and brown tote bag hanging from her shoulder. I know for a fact that when I see her grab that bag it’ll be dark before she gets home.

So, there I am. Home alone with nothing, but a little food, my favorite blanket, and my toys to keep me busy. Now don’t get me wrong. I love having a little time to myself, but I love it even more when Mom’s around to give me belly rubs.

Life is just more fun when there’s someone there to rub your belly.

When I was really little, this alone time took some getting used to. Every time I saw Mom grab that bag I would panic and try my hardest to make her stay. There were times I darted out the door hoping she would take me with her. When that didn’t work I would whine to make Mom feel guilty or nibble on a few lamp cords in silent protest. But now…

Hearing Mom’s footsteps has become my favorite part of the day.

It’s when I’m the happiest. That moment she opens the door I immediately start jumping up and down. I’ve learned that having something to look forward, like Mom coming home, makes life more exciting.

These Carob Strawberry Cheesecake Pupcakes are perfect right before belly rubs, especially to pups that have been home alone all day.

Try them and let us know what you think. Also, we believe that every pupcake has a story and there’s one perfect for every occasion. So, we’d love to hear your pupcake story…

What do you do when you’re home all day? How do you show your mom or dad that you’re excited to see them?

Please share your pupcake story in the box below.

Ingredients

Carob Strawberry Pupcakes

• ½ Cup Brown Rice Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 Tablespoons Carob Powder
• ¼ Cup Olive Oil
• ⅓ Cup Cream Cheese
• 2 Tablespoons Strawberry Purée
• 1 Egg

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

• ¼ Cup Cream Cheese
• ⅓ Cup Plain Yogurt
• ½ Cup Brown Rice Flour
• 12 – 15 Sliced Strawberries for Garnish (Optional)

Instructions

Yields: 12–15 Mini Pupcakes

For Carob Strawberry Pupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350° Line 12–15 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, yogurt, strawberry purée, 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 strawberry cream cheese frosting onto the pupcakes.
7. Add a strawberry on top for garnish (optional).

For Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In large mixing bowl beat cream cheese, yogurt, flour, and strawberries together on medium speed. Mix until creamy. Frosting should have the consistency of whipped cream.
2. Spread or pipe strawberry cream cheese frosting onto the pupcakes.
3. Add a strawberry on top for garnish (optional).

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.