If you are anything like me, you know there is something undeniably magical about merging two beloved flavors into one unforgettable dessert. This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe brings together the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate cake with the creamy, nutty allure of peanut butter in the most delightful way. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors: moist cake generously infused with luscious peanut butter filling, all topped off with sweet, crunchy treats. Whether you’re planning a celebration or looking for a new family favorite, this recipe will instantly become a staple on your dessert table and in your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a cake bursting with flavor and irresistible texture. Each element plays a key role—the chocolate cake base is rich and moist, the peanut butter mixture adds creaminess and decadence, and the toppings introduce an addictive crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
- Chocolate cake mix: A classic base that provides a rich and flavorful canvas for the fillings.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing both the chocolate and peanut butter notes.
- Dash of salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor complexity.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that brings smooth, nutty richness throughout the cake.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds luscious sweetness and creamy texture that soaks into every bite.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Thickens the frosting to just the right consistency, making spreading easy without melting into the cake.
- Toppings: Chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies and peanut butter cups introduce delightful crunch and extra peanut butter punch.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, but don’t forget to stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a dash of salt before mixing. These little touches elevate the flavor beyond the ordinary. Pour your batter into a well-greased 13×9-inch baking pan and bake it as directed. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool completely before moving on to the next steps. Patience here will pay off with better texture and taste.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
While the cake cools, whisk together the creamy peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is silky smooth and well combined. This blend is where the magic of this poke cake really starts to shine, infusing every bite with that dreamy peanut butter flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Step 3: Poke and Pour
Once the cake is fully cooled, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes evenly spaced about 2 inches apart all over the surface. This is what gives the “poke cake” its signature moist texture and allows the peanut butter filling to seep into the cake, elevating its flavor and moistness to a whole new level. Gently pour two cups of the peanut butter mixture over the cake, focusing on filling those little holes. Reserve the remaining mixture for frosting.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Cover your cake tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least two to three hours. Chilling gives the peanut butter mixture time to soak thoroughly into the cake and helps the flavors meld into a harmonious blend of richness and sweetness.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting and Add Toppings
After the cake has chilled, use a hand mixer to combine the remaining vanilla extract with the leftover peanut butter mixture. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar until the frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency—one that is thick enough to sit on top without melting in. Spread this indulgent frosting evenly over your chilled cake, then generously sprinkle the chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies and peanut butter cups to finish. The toppings add a textural contrast that makes each bite an exciting experience.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a show-stopping effect, I love garnishing this cake with additional chopped peanut butter cups, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These final touches not only elevate the flavors but also make the presentation glamorously inviting for your guests.
Side Dishes
This indulgent poke cake pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like fresh berries or a simple bowl of sliced bananas. The fruit’s natural acidity and freshness complement the dessert’s richness perfectly, creating a balanced tasting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling extra festive, serve individual servings in pretty glass jars layered with whipped cream and extra crushed toppings. You can also slice the cake into small squares and arrange them on a platter with decorative mint leaves for a visually appealing and easy-to-share dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness. Kept in the refrigerator, it stays delicious for up to 4 days, so you can savor every last bite without worry.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully if you want to keep it longer. Simply wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. When stored properly, it can remain fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for pre-planning celebrations.
Reheating
For the best texture, thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator. You can enjoy this cake chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly warmer treat, just let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the frosting’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite chocolate cake recipe, feel free to substitute it. Just make sure it’s a sturdy cake so it can hold up well to the poking and filling steps.
Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or homemade gluten-free cake base to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
You can! Almond butter or cashew butter work well, but keep in mind the taste will differ slightly. The peanut butter flavor is iconic here, but feel free to experiment.
How long should I chill the cake after pouring the peanut butter filling?
It’s best to refrigerate the cake and peanut butter mixture for at least two to three hours before frosting. This chilling time allows the filling to soak in properly for the best flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this cake a day ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, making it a day ahead lets the flavors meld even better. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated and add the toppings right before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves a dessert that satisfies all your rich, chocolatey, and nutty cravings at once. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough to bring to any gathering. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and sharing the recipe again and again with your friends and family!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake combines moist chocolate cake with a luscious peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk filling. Poked holes in the cake allow the creamy peanut butter mixture to soak deeply, creating a rich, flavorful dessert topped with a fluffy peanut butter frosting and crunchy peanut butter-filled cookies or cups for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
- Dash salt
Filling:
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk
Frosting:
- Remaining peanut butter mixture from filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (remaining from total 2 tsp)
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Toppings:
- Chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies, peanut butter cups, or a combination of both
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare the boxed chocolate cake mix according to the package directions, adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a dash of salt to the batter before mixing thoroughly.
- Bake and Cool Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or as directed on the cake mix package. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Mix Peanut Butter Filling and Poke Cake Holes: While the cake is cooling, whisk together 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter and both cans of sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well blended. Using the handle end of a wooden spoon, poke holes in the cooled cake about 2 inches apart, ensuring the holes go deep into the cake but do not cut the pan bottom.
- Fill Holes and Chill: Slowly pour 2 cups of the peanut butter mixture over the cake, allowing the filling to seep into each hole. Reserve the remaining peanut butter mixture for frosting. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until chilled and set.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Frosting: Once chilled, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the reserved peanut butter mixture with the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until a thick, spreadable frosting develops that won’t melt into the cake.
- Frost and Add Toppings: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the chilled cake surface. Sprinkle chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies, peanut butter cups, or a combination over the top for added crunch and flavor. Serve cold.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a high-quality chocolate cake mix and creamy peanut butter.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before poking and adding the filling to prevent melting and loss of texture.
- Refrigeration helps the peanut butter mixture to set inside cake holes, creating the signature moist poke cake texture.
- Variations can include adding chopped peanuts for extra crunch or drizzling melted chocolate over the topping.
- This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly.
