Prepare to meet your new favorite dessert: the Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake. This recipe is the epitome of indulgence, combining a moist, rich chocolate cake with a dreamy, creamy peanut butter filling, all topped with a fluffy peanut butter frosting. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, from family dinners to special celebrations. If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate and peanut butter combination, this cake will absolutely blow you away. It’s incredibly simple to make but delivers a show-stopping result that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery.
We’ve designed this recipe to be straightforward and foolproof, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve a perfect, decadent cake every single time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable dessert experience.
Why This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another cake recipe; it’s a dessert experience. The magic lies in its incredible moisture and flavor infusion. By poking holes in the warm chocolate cake and pouring a sweet peanut butter mixture over the top, every single bite is guaranteed to be saturated with creamy goodness. Unlike a standard layer cake, this method ensures the flavor isn’t just on top—it’s in the cake. It’s the ultimate upgrade to a classic chocolate cake and a certified crowd-pleaser.
What Exactly is a Poke Cake?
A poke cake is a wonderfully simple concept that yields spectacular results. It starts with a freshly baked cake, typically a single layer in a rectangular pan. While the cake is still warm, you poke holes all over its surface using the handle of a wooden spoon, a skewer, or even a fork. Then, a liquid filling—like sweetened condensed milk, pudding, fruit puree, or, in our case, a delicious peanut butter sauce—is poured over the top, seeping into the holes. This process makes the cake incredibly moist and infuses it with extra flavor from the inside out. It’s then chilled and topped with frosting, whipped cream, or other toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
We’ve broken down the ingredients into three simple components: the cake, the filling, and the heavenly frosting. Using a box mix for the cake is a fantastic time-saver, but feel free to use your favorite from-scratch recipe.
For the Chocolate Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically oil, water, and eggs)
For the Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Whipped Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Optional Garnish: Chopped peanut butter cups or chocolate shavings
Step-by-Step Instructions to Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create the most decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake you’ve ever tasted. The process is easy, fun, and yields a truly impressive dessert.
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake as directed, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. It should still be warm to the touch.
Step 2: Create the Signature Pokes
Using the round handle of a wooden spoon or a thick skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. Space the holes about 1 to 2 inches apart, making sure to press down about three-quarters of the way into the cake. Don’t go all the way to the bottom.
Step 3: Pour the Dreamy Peanut Butter Filling
In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, the sweetened condensed milk, and the 1/2 cup of milk. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, well-combined, and easily pourable. Do not let it boil. Carefully and slowly pour this warm peanut butter filling evenly over the top of the poked cake, using a spatula to gently spread it and guide it into the holes.
Step 4: Whip Up the Fluffy Frosting
While the cake absorbs the filling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium speed and beat until fluffy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Once the cake has cooled completely to room temperature, spread the whipped peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. If you’re using them, sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups or chocolate shavings over the frosting. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together for the ultimate taste experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Poke Cake
- Don’t Overbake the Cake: A moist crumb is the perfect base. Keep a close eye on your cake as it bakes to prevent it from drying out.
- Poke While Warm: Poking the cake while it’s still warm helps it absorb the filling more effectively. However, let it cool completely before frosting to prevent a melted mess.
- Use Creamy Peanut Butter: For the smoothest filling and frosting, stick with creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can separate and create an oily texture.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling process! A well-chilled poke cake holds its shape better when sliced and served, and the flavors will be much richer. If you love this, you might also enjoy our Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake for another crowd-pleasing dessert.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is perfection on its own, it’s also a fantastic canvas for creativity. For a different flavor profile, try our Apple Crumble Cake. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with a bit of heavy cream and drizzle it over the frosting for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Use a Different Cake Base: Try this recipe with a devil’s food cake mix for a deeper chocolate flavor, or even a yellow cake mix for a lighter contrast.
- Switch Up the Toppings: Instead of peanut butter cups, try mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors. For a truly unique pie variation, check out our Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie.
Storing Your Masterpiece
Because of the cream cheese frosting and dairy-based filling, this cake must be stored in the refrigerator. Keep it tightly covered in the pan with a lid or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze individual slices. To do so, place the slices on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this cake freezes well. For best results, freeze individual slices. Place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze for an hour, then wrap each slice securely in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Absolutely! This cake is actually better when made a day in advance. This gives the filling time to fully soak into the cake and the flavors to meld. Simply prepare it as directed, cover, and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
Yes, you can. While a standard chocolate or devil’s food cake mix works best for the classic flavor, you could also try a yellow cake mix or even a brownie mix for a fudgier texture. Prepare the mix according to its package directions.
Leftover poke cake should be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. Due to the dairy in the filling and frosting, it should not be left at room temperature. It will keep for up to 5 days.
The handle of a wooden spoon is the ideal tool because it creates large enough holes for the filling to seep in. If you don’t have one, a thick skewer, a chopstick, or even the tines of a large fork will work.
Share Your Creation & More Recipes to Love!
We are certain this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake will become a staple in your dessert rotation. It’s the perfect blend of rich, comforting flavors and is surprisingly simple to create. If you make this recipe, we would love to see it! Share a photo and tag us on Pinterest. Your feedback and creations inspire our community of home cooks. Happy baking!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake: The Ultimate Indulgent Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes until just warm.
- Using the round handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake, about 1-2 inches apart. Press down about three-quarters of the way into the cake.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, the sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup of milk until smooth and pourable. Do not boil.
- Carefully pour the warm peanut butter filling evenly over the cake, using a spatula to gently guide it into the holes.
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until combined.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups or chocolate shavings, if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure the cake is fully cooled before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting and sliding off.
Tip 3: The cake is even better the next day, so making it a day ahead is a great option!
