Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is your dream dessert. Combining the rich flavors of moist chocolate cake with the creamy decadence of peanut butter, this easy-to-make treat will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether it’s for a birthday, potluck, or just an indulgent night in, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Rich and Moist Texture: The poke method ensures the cake absorbs every bit of flavor and stays perfectly moist.
  2. Peanut Butter Heaven: Creamy peanut butter filling and topping give it an irresistible nutty taste.
  3. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and steps, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  4. Crowd-Pleaser: Chocolate and peanut butter is a classic combo loved by all.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the package)
  • 1 cup peanut butter, melted
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • Chopped Reese’s or peanut butter cups (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
  2. Prepare and bake the chocolate cake in a 9×13-inch pan. Once baked, let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

  1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
  2. Pour the melted peanut butter over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
  3. Next, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the cake and spread evenly. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

  1. In a bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  2. Fold in the peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
  3. Spread the peanut butter whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate

  1. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stovetop. Drizzle over the whipped topping.
  2. Sprinkle chopped Reese’s or peanut butter cups for extra flair.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Slice and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use a High-Quality Cake Mix: It makes a difference in flavor and texture.
  • Adjust Sweetness: For a less sweet version, use natural peanut butter.
  • Customize the Topping: Add a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.

Perfect Pairings

Pair this decadent dessert with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Its indulgent layers of chocolate and peanut butter ensure it’s the star of any dessert table. Try this recipe for your next celebration, and watch it disappear in no time!

Serving and Storage Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

Serving Tips

  1. Best Served Chilled: This cake tastes best when it’s cold, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Chill it for at least 2 hours before serving.
  2. Top with Extra Goodies: Before serving, garnish each slice with additional Reese’s pieces, peanut butter drizzle, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.
  3. Pair It Up: Serve with a hot cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complementary taste experience.
  4. Slice Cleanly: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to cut clean slices. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat servings.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigerator:
    • Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
    • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake remains moist and flavorful over this period.
  2. Freezer:
    • For longer storage, freeze the cake. Cut it into individual slices and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
    • The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
    • To enjoy, thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
  3. Avoid Leaving Out: Due to the whipped cream and condensed milk, the cake should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.

By following these tips, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake will remain fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!

1. Can I use a homemade chocolate cake instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! While a boxed mix is convenient and saves time, a homemade chocolate cake can elevate the flavor even more. Just ensure the cake is moist and bakes in a 9×13-inch pan to follow the poke method properly.


2. What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?

If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use evaporated milk mixed with sugar or heavy cream sweetened with powdered sugar. For a less sweet option, you can omit it entirely and rely on the melted peanut butter for the filling.


3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake is even better when made a day in advance. Preparing it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly, until you’re ready to serve.


4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this cake gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Check all other ingredients (like peanut butter and chocolate chips) to ensure they’re certified gluten-free as well.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1216 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a moist and indulgent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter. The cake is filled with luscious peanut butter filling that soaks into every bite, then topped with a fluffy whipped topping and crushed Reese’s or peanut butter cups for the ultimate treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the cake:

  • 1 box (425 g) of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 cup (250 ml) creamy peanut butter

For the filling:

  • 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) creamy peanut butter, melted

For the topping:

  • 1 container (8 oz / 225 g) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped Reese’s or peanut butter cups

Instructions

  1. Bake the cake:
    • Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions in a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan. Bake as directed and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. Poke the cake:
    • Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  3. Prepare the filling:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and melted peanut butter until smooth.
    • Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
  4. Add the topping:
    • Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface.
  5. Decorate:
    • Sprinkle the top with mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings, followed by the chopped Reese’s or peanut butter cups.
  6. Chill and serve:
    • Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a homemade touch, use a homemade chocolate cake base instead of a boxed mix.
  • Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter over the top for extra decadence.
  • This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.


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