You know what one of the first things humans say when they first meet me?

“Oh, wow!  Look how high you can jump!”

It’s true.  Mom will absolutely tell you, that I can not only jump double my length, but I’ve also got a ton of energy to match my hops.  Naming me Sugar was definitely no accident.

When humans first started saying that to me, I used to think to myself “That’s odd.  Why shouldn’t I be able to jump this high.”  They used to say it in amazement and with much conviction.  “Don’t all pups jump this high?”

As I got older, I started to realize the answer to that question was “no.”  Some dogs can’t due to physical limitations.  Some dogs, ironically enough, have all the capabilities to jump as high as I do if not higher.  However, they refuse to even try.  These dogs have put limitations on themselves without even knowing they did.

After some deeper self-reflection, I recognized my own strength.  Physically I felt like my little legs were strong enough that I could “leap tall buildings in a single bound.”  However, I learned that….

Inner strength gave me the courage to take that first leap.  Even when fear started to creep in due to me hitting my head on the table a few times.  My inner strength helped me put that fear to the side and keep jumping as high as I possibly could.  However, I did make a conscious effort to step away from the table before I jump.  I may have put fear to the side, but hitting my head on that table has definitely taught me a lesson or two.

Inner strength has nothing to do with what humans (or pups) see on the outside.  But it has everything to do with your heart, drive, and willingness to make things work.  There are many humans (and pups) that struggle with fears, insecurities, and even lack of confidence within themselves.  Sometimes they’ll even try to push those fears onto you.  Whether it’s out of love or jealousy, they may try to encourage you to “not jump so high.”

That’s when our inner strength kicks in.  It keeps us driven and striving to keep jumping.  It’s the belief that we’ll be able to leap and have the faith that we’ll land on our feet, even if we hit our heads on the table.

Our inner strength also sends positive energy to humans (and pups) around us.  It inspires others to want (and believe) that they can jump higher too.  And if they honestly can’t jump higher, then they still get to feel joy, pride and amazement simply watching those of us who can.

These Applesauce Pupcakes With Apple Peanut Butter Frosting are dedicated to tapping into our inner strength to jump higher.

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

We all have our own inner strength.   When did you recognize your own inner strength?

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

Applesauce Pupcakes

• ½ Cup Brown Rice Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• ⅓ Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1 Tablespoon 100% Pure Maple Syrup
• 1 Egg

Apple Peanut Butter Frosting

• ¼ Cup Creamy Peanut Butter (unsalted with no added sugars)
• 2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Applesauce

Instructions

Yields: 12 Mini Pupcakes

For Applesauce Pupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line 12 1.75-inch mini-muffin pan with paper bake cups and set aside.
2. In small bowl mix together, flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl add olive oil, applesauce, maple syrup 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.
6. Bake pupcakes 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.
7. Spread or pipe apple peanut butter frosting onto the pupcakes.

For Apple Peanut Butter Frosting

1. In large mixing bowl beat peanut butter and applesauce together on medium speed. Mix until creamy.
2. Spread or pipe apple 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.