Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper or silicone liners.
Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and unsweetened applesauce to a mixing bowl.
Stir until the wet ingredients are evenly combined.
Add the oat flour and mix until a thick, smooth batter forms.
Add the water gradually if needed to loosen the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about two thirds full.
Bake for approximately 16 to 18 minutes, or until the pupcakes are firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the pupcakes to cool for a few minutes.
Transfer the pupcakes to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Serve plain or add a small amount of dog safe topping if desired.
Recipe Notes
Pumpkin: Use plain pumpkin puree without added sugar, spices, or pie filling ingredients.
Baking Tip: Do not overfill the muffin cups because the pupcakes will rise as they bake.
Texture Tip: These pupcakes are naturally soft. For smaller dogs, break one into smaller pieces before serving.
Storage: Store cooled pupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can freeze them individually for longer storage.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not use sweetened applesauce or pumpkin pie filling. Added sugar, spices, and other ingredients are unnecessary for dog treats.
Serving: Serve these pupcakes as an occasional treat, especially for birthdays or special occasions. Treats should complement, rather than replace, your dog's complete and balanced diet.