Description
Indulge in the rich and irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake – a moist chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter filling and finished with a luscious chocolate glaze. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or cozy nights, this easy-to-make dessert combines classic flavors with a moist and creamy texture using the poke cake technique.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (preferably gluten-free)
- Water (as required by cake mix instructions)
- Oil (as required by cake mix instructions)
- Eggs (as required by cake mix instructions)
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips or prepared chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Mix the chocolate cake mix with water, oil, and eggs according to the package directions or your homemade recipe. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as instructed until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke the Cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly about an inch apart all over the surface. This allows the peanut butter filling to seep deep into the cake layers, making every bite moist and flavorful.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a bowl, mix creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable to ensure the filling soaks perfectly into the cake holes.
- Pour the Filling: Slowly drizzle the peanut butter mixture over the warm cake, making sure the filling seeps into all the holes. Pour gradually to prevent sogginess and allow proper absorption.
- Add the Chocolate Topping: After the filling has set for a few minutes, melt the chocolate chips or prepare a chocolate ganache and spread it evenly over the top of the cake. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the topping set firmly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature. Optionally garnish with chopped peanuts, peanut butter cups, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch.
Notes
- Use warm cake for poking to ensure the filling penetrates deeply and evenly.
- Choose creamy peanut butter for a smooth, consistent filling texture.
- Do not skip chilling to allow the chocolate topping to set and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Make holes about an inch apart to evenly distribute the filling throughout the cake.
- Optionally sprinkle sea salt on the chocolate glaze for a delicious sweet-salty contrast.
- For nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- To add crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or toffee bits on top before chilling.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter for extra flavor depth.
- Swap chocolate glaze for peanut butter frosting to highlight nutty flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, Poke Cake, Gluten-Free Dessert, Easy Chocolate Cake, Peanut Butter Filling, Chocolate Glaze
