You can make homemade pumpkin pie for dogs as 12 mini pies with an oat crust and a plain pumpkin filling. A mini muffin pan shapes the pies, and you need 15 minutes of prep before they bake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats, blended into flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup plain unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon, optional
Yield: 12 mini pies · Prep: 15 minutes · Bake: 20 to 25 minutes at 325°F · Cool: 1 hour
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Grease a Mini Muffin Pan
Heat your oven to 325°F. Lightly grease the 12 cups of a mini muffin pan with a dab of coconut oil from your measured 1 tablespoon, saving the rest for the crust. Check that each cup has a thin, even sheen across its base and sides.
2. Make the Oat Crust
Blend 1 cup rolled oats into a fine flour, then transfer it to a bowl. Stir in the remaining melted coconut oil from your measured 1 tablespoon and 1 tablespoon water. Mix until the oats look evenly damp and hold together when you press a little mixture between your fingers.
3. Press the Crusts Into the Pan
Divide the oat mixture evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Press each portion firmly across the bottom and up the sides to form a shallow shell. Smooth any loose crumbs into the crust with your fingers. You should see a small hollow in each cup for the filling.
4. Whisk the Pumpkin Filling
In a bowl, whisk 1 cup plain unsweetened pumpkin puree with 1 large egg and 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt. If you’re using cinnamon, whisk in 1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon. Keep mixing until the egg is fully blended and the filling looks smooth, thick, and even in color.
5. Fill the Crusts
Spoon the pumpkin mixture into the 12 oat shells, dividing it evenly. Spread the filling gently toward the edges with the back of the spoon, keeping it inside each crust. The tops should look level, with the oat rims still visible around the pumpkin filling.
6. Bake Until the Centers Are Set
Place the pan in the 325°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for edges that feel firm and centers that hold their shape when you gently move the pan. The filling should look matte on top, with no wet patch in the middle.
7. Cool and Release
Set the pan on a rack and let the 12 mini pies cool for 1 hour. As they cool, the filling will firm up and the oat crusts will hold their shape. Gently loosen the edges with a small spatula, then lift each pie from its cup.
Pumpkin Pie Ingredients That Are Safe for Dogs
Plain pumpkin puree, rolled oats, egg, and plain Greek yogurt give you the familiar shape and texture of pumpkin pie without relying on a human dessert recipe. The optional Ceylon cinnamon adds a light scent.
Pumpkin Puree vs Pie Filling
Choose a can labeled 100% pumpkin puree or plain unsweetened pumpkin. Its smooth texture mixes easily with the egg and yogurt, helping you fill the small oat shells evenly.
Pumpkin pie filling comes ready-mixed with sweeteners and spices. Check the ingredient label before you measure your 1 cup of pumpkin, since the cans can look alike on the shelf.
Spices to Leave Out
The filling needs no spice to bake well. If you want a cinnamon scent, use only the optional 1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon listed in the ingredients.
Leave pumpkin pie spice and extra baking spices out of the mixture. Your dog’s pies will still smell like pumpkin, and the filling will keep its mild flavor.
Serving and Storing Mini Pumpkin Pies
Serve the mini pies only after they have cooled for 1 hour. You can offer a whole pie or break one into smaller pieces that suit your dog’s size and usual treat portion.
Place cooled pies in an airtight container in your refrigerator. For longer storage, seal and freeze them, then thaw the portion you plan to serve in your refrigerator. Keep the pies separate from human pumpkin pie so the two desserts do not get mixed up.
Tips for the Best Results
Blend the oats until they resemble flour. Coarse pieces make the small crusts harder to press into smooth shells. If you want more detail on human pastry, can dogs eat pie crust explains why it calls for separate consideration.
Press the oat mixture firmly into the corners of each cup before adding the filling. A defined rim helps you lift the cooled pies without crumbling the crust.
Substitutions and Safety
Keep the listed amounts when you make this recipe. If your dog does not tolerate dairy, egg, oats, or coconut oil, ask your veterinarian about a suitable treat recipe; changing those ingredients will affect how these pies set.
Check every packaged ingredient for added sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Nutmeg and some other ingredients used in human desserts also belong on the list of foods that are toxic to dogs.
Introduce a small portion if pumpkin or yogurt is new to your dog, and keep treats within your dog’s usual daily allowance.
