Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake soaked with a luscious peanut butter filling and topped with a creamy frosting. This cake is irresistibly moist, packed with chocolate and peanut butter flavor, and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter
- Incredibly moist and rich texture
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a special treat
- Can be made ahead and stored for later
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Water
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped topping or frosting
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the chocolate cake according to package instructions or use a homemade recipe. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and let cool slightly.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the cake.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy, or use store-bought whipped topping.
- Spread the whipped topping over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips or drizzle melted peanut butter on top for extra flavor.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Variations
- Reese’s Style: Add chopped peanut butter cups on top for extra indulgence.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle salted caramel sauce before serving.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Extra Chocolatey: Mix chocolate pudding into the filling for an even richer cake.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours before refrigeration.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Best served chilled, but you can warm a slice slightly in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade chocolate cake?
Yes, a homemade chocolate cake works great in this recipe.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
Creamy peanut butter is best for a smooth filling, but crunchy can add texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making a day in advance and refrigerating.
Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache would work well.
How do I make the cake extra moist?
Allowing the filling to soak into the cake longer enhances its moisture.
Can I use a different milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk provides the best texture, but evaporated milk with extra sugar can be a substitute.
Can I add chopped nuts?
Yes, chopped peanuts or walnuts can add a nice crunch.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make this cake gluten-free.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming too soggy?
Don’t over-pour the peanut butter mixture, and let it absorb properly before frosting.
Can I use a different cake flavor?
Yes, vanilla or peanut butter cake can be used for a twist on the classic recipe.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With a moist chocolate base, rich peanut butter filling, and creamy topping, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to make, store, and enjoy!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers! A rich, moist chocolate cake is infused with gooey peanut butter sauce and topped with a fluffy peanut butter whipped topping. Finished with crushed Reese’s, chocolate drizzle, and peanut butter cups, this cake is pure indulgence in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Peanut Butter Whipped Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup mini Reese’s or chopped peanut butter cups
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (optional)
- Chocolate and peanut butter drizzle (melted for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the box instructions, adding vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed (usually 25–30 minutes).
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk until smooth.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the warm cake.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Whipped Topping:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Add ½ cup peanut butter and beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Spread the peanut butter whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle chopped Reese’s, crushed peanuts, and drizzle with melted chocolate and peanut butter.
- Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Want extra gooeyness? Swap sweetened condensed milk for caramel sauce.
- Use a homemade chocolate cake if preferred!
- For an extra peanut butter punch, add Reese’s peanut butter chips to the batter before baking.
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