Here’s a safe and dog-friendly recipe for a Caramel Apple Pie made specifically for your furry friends! Dogs should not consume actual caramel, so we’ll use dog-safe ingredients to mimic the flavor and keep it healthy.
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
- 1 egg
Filling:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced; avoid seeds and stems)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, ensure it’s Ceylon cinnamon)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for natural sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon water
Dog-Safe “Caramel” Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, applesauce, coconut oil, and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick and press it into a small pie tin or muffin tin for mini pies.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a small pot, cook the diced apples, cinnamon, honey (if using), and water over medium heat until the apples are soft (about 5-7 minutes). Mash slightly if desired.
- Let the mixture cool completely.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Fill the crust with the apple mixture, spreading evenly.
- Use leftover dough to create a lattice or decorative shapes for the top, if desired.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool completely.
5. Make the Dog-Safe “Caramel” Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, applesauce, and honey until smooth.
6. Decorate and Serve:
- Drizzle the “caramel” sauce over the pie.
- Serve in small portions to your pup!
Tips:
- Always introduce new foods gradually to your dog to avoid any digestive upset.
- Remove seeds and cores from apples as they contain cyanogenic compounds, which are harmful to dogs.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
This recipe is perfect for a special treat or to celebrate an occasion with your dog! 🐾