Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible union of chocolate and peanut butter in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake. This cake is sheer indulgence: rich chocolate base, creamy peanut butter filling soaking into every bite, and a billowy whipped topping loaded with crunchy bits. It’s the perfect sweet treat for potlucks, birthdays, or any day you want to celebrate. And the best part? It couldn’t be easier to make—just a few pantry staples and a bit of mixing stand between you and one of the most crowd-pleasing desserts out there. Trust me, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake will steal the show at your next gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how such a simple list of ingredients can create something so decadent and fun. Each element brings its own flavor, texture, or visual pop, turning basic pantry finds into a showstopping dessert. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Chocolate cake mix: The perfect reliable base, saving time but never skimping on rich chocolate flavor.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These are the essentials you’ll add to the cake mix (check your box for amounts) to make the cake moist and fluffy.
- Creamy peanut butter: Ultra-smooth and nutty, it creates the signature ribbon of peanut butter throughout the cake.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds unbelievable moistness and sweetness while creating that luscious filling.
- Whipped topping: Fluffy, light, and the easiest way to dress up the top of your cake.
- Mini chocolate chips: For a little bit of texture and extra bursts of chocolate in every forkful.
- Chopped peanuts (optional): Adds a fun crunch and makes the whole cake a real peanut butter lover’s dream.
- Chocolate syrup (optional): Just a quick drizzle will make your cake look so extra and deliver one more deep chocolate note.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake Your Chocolate Cake
Start by preparing your chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. As your kitchen fills with that amazing chocolate aroma, you’ll know you’re off to a good start. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes (it should still be slightly warm for the next step).
Step 2: Poke Those Irresistible Holes
Take the handle of a sturdy wooden spoon and poke holes evenly all over the cake, about one inch apart. These holes are going to soak up the peanut butter filling; don’t be shy! The more holes, the more the flavor infuses every bite, making the poke cake absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Peanut Butter Filling
Scoop 3/4 cup of the peanut butter into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for about 30 seconds, until just melted and pourable. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Now, pour this dreamy filling evenly over the whole cake, making sure it seeps right into all those holes. Pause for a moment to admire how the mixture soaks in—this is the signature move of any great Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake!
Step 4: Cool, Then Top
Let the cake cool completely so the creamy peanut butter filling has time to settle in. Once cool, spread the whipped topping smoothly over the entire cake, creating a fluffy “frosting” that’s super easy (and even easier to eat). This step brings all the layers together into one glorious bite.
Step 5: Garnish Like a Pro
Warm the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter and drizzle it over the whipped topping. Take your mini chocolate chips and sprinkle them evenly, followed by chopped peanuts if you want an extra pop of crunch. Finish with a little chocolate syrup drizzle for pure dessert drama. For best results, pop the cake into the fridge for at least an hour to set all those layers before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake
Garnishes
The best part about garnishing this cake is piling on those final touches that make every slice look absolutely irresistible. A drizzle of warm peanut butter, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, and maybe a handful of chopped peanuts take the whole presentation to delicious new heights. Don’t forget that extra chocolate syrup zigzag for a dessert that dazzles at every occasion.
Side Dishes
While the Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is definitely the star, you can make your dessert table even more festive. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness or add fresh berries for a little tart contrast. Even a tall glass of cold milk or creamy coffee works wonders alongside this decadent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into neat squares and arrange on a stunning platter for a party, or serve individual pieces in pretty dessert cups for a modern touch. For birthdays, top each slice with a swirl of whipped cream and a chocolate-dipped peanut butter cup. If you’re making it for a picnic, scoop the cake into mason jars for portable, layered treats that look just as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake stores beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay moist, tender, and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for snacking straight from the fridge.
Freezing
Want to save a few slices for later? Freeze individual pieces by wrapping them first in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place them in an airtight container. The cake (minus garnishes) freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator!
Reheating
While poke cake is especially delicious when served chilled, you can let a frozen slice come to room temperature for a softer texture. If you’ve skipped the whipped topping and plan to add fresh, you can gently warm the cake in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds before topping and serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe, feel free to use it as the base. The beauty of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is how easily it adapts, whether you’re in a rush or want to go the extra mile with scratch-made batter.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in your preferred gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free. The same technique will work perfectly, and you’ll still get all those luscious layers!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for more texture?
Definitely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of nutty bite that many peanut butter lovers find irresistible. You might even sprinkle extra chopped peanuts on top for even more texture.
How far ahead can I assemble the cake?
You can make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake one day in advance. In fact, giving the cake a few extra hours in the fridge helps the flavors meld and makes slicing even neater. Just add garnishes shortly before serving for the freshest look.
What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
The end of a wooden spoon handle works best, but anything with a similar width will do. Just make sure to poke deeply enough for the filling to soak in, spacing the holes about an inch apart for even distribution.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is the kind of dessert you’ll crave again and again—it’s easy, eye-catching, and a total flavor bomb! Whether you bake it for a special event or simply to treat yourself, you’re guaranteed rave reviews and empty plates. Don’t wait to give this recipe a try; it’s pure chocolate and peanut butter bliss in every single bite!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter with this luscious Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake. A moist chocolate cake is filled with a creamy peanut butter mixture, topped with whipped topping, and finished with a drizzle of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and peanuts. This easy-to-make dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (divided)
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Topping:
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (thawed)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake: Follow the package instructions to make the chocolate cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Heat 3/4 cup of peanut butter in the microwave until slightly melted. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth, then pour over the cake.
- Add Toppings: Spread whipped topping over the cake. Drizzle the remaining peanut butter on top. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and peanuts. Optionally, drizzle with chocolate syrup.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For extra texture, use crunchy peanut butter in the filling.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and kept chilled until ready to serve.
- For a richer topping, replace whipped topping with chocolate or peanut butter buttercream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
