Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe

Dreamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Fans

Decadent desserts have a way of stealing hearts, and this chocolate peanut butter poke cake recipe promises pure indulgence.

Rich chocolate layers mingle with creamy peanut butter in a delightful dance of flavors.

Soft cake punctured with delicious holes becomes a canvas for luscious fillings that seep into every crumb.

Each slice promises a symphony of sweet and nutty notes that will make taste buds dance with joy.

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a classic comfort that everyone adores.

Smooth, moist, and irresistibly delectable, this cake transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that guarantees smiles and second helpings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s In Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

For Cake Base:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides the foundational chocolate flavor and soft texture; choose a high-quality mix for richer taste; opt for name brands with consistent results.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps bind cake ingredients; select a neutral-flavored oil for best results.
For Filling and Binding:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a creamy, sweet layer that soaks into cake holes; look for smooth, rich consistency; helps enhance overall dessert moisture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture; select smooth variety for seamless blending; natural or processed both work well.
For Topping and Garnish:
  • Whipped Topping: Provides light, airy layer with subtle sweetness; choose frozen or refrigerated versions; thaw completely before spreading.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful chocolate crunch; select high-quality chips for better melting and flavor; dark or milk chocolate work perfectly.
  • Reeses Peanut Butter Cups: Delivers intense chocolate-peanut butter punch; chop into small pieces for even distribution; use fresh, room-temperature cups for easier cutting.

Tools To Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

  • Baking Pan (9×13 inch): Essential for creating the perfect cake base and size.
  • Wooden Spoon or Straw: Perfect for poking precise holes in the warm cake.
  • Medium Bowl: Ideal for mixing sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter.
  • Whisk: Great for smoothly blending filling ingredients.
  • Spatula: Helps spread whipped topping evenly across the cake surface.
  • Knife: Useful for chopping Reeses or peanut butter cups and slicing the cake.

Instructions For Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

  • Cake Foundation

Whip up a rich chocolate cake in a rectangular baking dish. Follow the package guidance, creating a smooth batter that bakes into a decadent base. After removing from the oven, let the cake rest and slightly cool.

  • Magical Holes

Use a wooden spoon handle or thick straw to create delightful tunnels across the cake’s surface. Poke generously, ensuring each hole will capture the upcoming luscious filling.

  • Creamy Peanut Butter Infusion

Blend sweetened condensed milk with smooth peanut butter until silky and consistent. Gently cascade this mixture over the warm cake, watching it seep into every crevice and hole. Allow the cake to absorb these flavors completely.

  • Fluffy Cloud Topping

Once the cake reaches room temperature, crown it with a pillowy layer of whipped cream. Spread evenly, creating a soft blanket across the surface.

  • Chocolate Finale

Sprinkle the top with mini chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups. These delectable morsels will add texture and visual appeal to your masterpiece.

  • Chill and Indulge

Refrigerate the cake for one hour, allowing all flavors to harmonize. Slice and serve this decadent dessert that promises pure indulgence with every bite.

Simple Tricks For Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

  • Perfect Poke Cake Secrets
  • Hole-Poking Technique: Create uniform holes by using a chopstick or the back of a wooden spoon handle to ensure even filling distribution throughout the cake.
  • Temperature Magic: Let the cake cool slightly warm when poking holes, as this helps the peanut butter mixture absorb more deeply into the chocolate cake's layers.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare this cake a day in advance to allow flavors to develop and create an even more decadent dessert experience.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap standard cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free whipped topping to make this recipe completely dairy-free while maintaining its rich, indulgent flavor profile.

How To Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

  • Dessert Party Pleaser: Bring this cake to potlucks or gatherings where chocolate and peanut butter lovers will go crazy over its decadent layers.
  • Afternoon Indulgence: Pair a slice with hot coffee or cold milk for the perfect midday treat that satisfies sweet and rich cravings.
  • Game Day Delight: Serve chilled squares during sports watching parties as a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone can easily enjoy with minimal mess.
  • Celebration Centerpiece: Use this cake as a show-stopping dessert for birthdays or family gatherings, guaranteed to impress guests with its gooey texture and stunning presentation.

Best Storage For Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cold temperatures help maintain the cake's creamy texture and prevent topping from melting.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cake one day before serving to enhance flavor integration. Let the filling seep deeply into cake layers, creating richer taste profiles and more intense dessert experience.
  • Smart Portion Planning: Cut cake into individual squares and store separately in sealed containers. This approach prevents moisture loss and keeps each slice fresh, making grab-and-go treats simple for quick dessert moments.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, allowing cake to gradually return to perfect serving consistency without compromising texture or taste.
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Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe

Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Rich chocolate peanut butter poke cake delivers a decadent dessert experience that delights palates. Creamy layers, irresistible textures, and indulgent flavors make this cake a must-try for those seeking sweet satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15 oz / 425 g) chocolate cake mix
  • Eggs (per box instructions)
  • Oil (per box instructions)
  • Water (per box instructions)
  • 1 cup (8.5 fl oz / 250 ml) creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup (4.2 fl oz / 125 ml) melted creamy peanut butter
  • 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 container (8 oz / 225 g) thawed whipped topping
  • ½ cup (1.75 oz / 50 g) mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
  • ½ cup (2.6 oz / 75 g) chopped Reeses or peanut butter cups

Instructions

  1. Cake Preparation: Preheat oven and prepare rectangular baking dish. Mix chocolate cake batter according to package instructions, ensuring smooth consistency. Pour batter into dish and bake until toothpick emerges clean.
  2. Hole Creation: While cake is still warm, craft systematic holes across entire surface using wooden spoon handle or thick straw. Distribute holes evenly to maximize flavor absorption potential.
  3. Peanut Butter Infusion: Whisk sweetened condensed milk and creamy peanut butter into silky liquid. Methodically pour mixture over warm cake, guaranteeing complete penetration through prepared holes.
  4. Cooling Process: Allow cake to rest at room temperature, enabling peanut butter and condensed milk to thoroughly saturate cake’s interior. Ensure complete cooling before proceeding.
  5. Topping Application: Spread whipped topping generously across cake’s surface, creating uniform layer that encompasses previous ingredients. Ensure complete and even coverage.
  6. Decorative Finish: Garnish cake with miniature chocolate chips and chopped Reeses peanut butter cups. Strategically place toppings to create visually appealing presentation.
  7. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate decorated cake for minimum one hour to solidify layers and intensify flavor profile. Slice and serve chilled for optimal taste experience.

Notes

  • Choose Precise Holes: Puncture consistent, evenly spaced holes across the cake surface to maximize flavor absorption and ensure each bite is equally delicious.
  • Warm Cake Technique: Pour peanut butter and condensed milk mixture over slightly warm cake for optimal liquid penetration and deeper flavor infusion.
  • Temperature Control: Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature before adding whipped topping to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
  • Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour to help layers set and develop a more intense, harmonious flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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