Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe: A Delicious Indulgence

If you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts that combine the best of both chocolate and peanut butter, look no further than the Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake. This indulgent treat brings together the deliciously creamy texture of peanut butter with the irresistible sweetness of chocolate cake, making it a dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just in the mood to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy-to-make cake will surely become a new favorite.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake, from the basic recipe to advanced techniques and storage tips. We’ll also discuss dietary adaptations, substitutions, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in and create a cake that everyone will rave about!

For more information on how to pair chocolate with peanut butter in other desserts, check out this guide on peanut butter desserts and learn more about making cakes from scratch on Baking Basics.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions for Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake

Making this Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake is as easy as it is delicious. Below is the basic recipe, including the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe: Decadent & Easy Dessert

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Diabetic

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Description

Indulge in the perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter with this Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake. This decadent dessert features a moist chocolate cake, poked with holes and filled with a sweet peanut butter filling, then topped with a delicious mix of peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies and peanut butter cups for the ultimate treat. It’s easy to make and is sure to impress at any gathering!

Ingredients

Scale

1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
Dash salt
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Topping:

- Chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies, peanut butter cups, or a combination of both

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box.
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake mix as per the package instructions, adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a dash of salt.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package directions.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
Create the Peanut Butter Filling:
- While the cake is cooling, in a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, confectioners’ sugar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Poke the Cake:
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake, ensuring you create enough holes to allow the filling to soak into the cake.
Fill the Cake:
- Pour the peanut butter filling evenly over the poked cake. Use a spatula to spread it into the holes, making sure it is well distributed.
Top the Cake:
- Generously top the filled cake with chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies, peanut butter cups, or a combination of both.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, or until well-chilled and set.
- Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

For extra peanut butter flavor, you can drizzle more peanut butter on top of the cake before serving.

If you prefer a thicker filling, you can add more peanut butter to the peanut butter filling mixture.

Make sure to let the cake cool enough before poking it to avoid having the filling leak out too quickly.

You can store the leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (or as per the cake mix package instructions)
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12 of the cake)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 42g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
Bake the Cake: Follow the instructions on the box for mixing and baking the cake. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes.
Poke the Cake: Once the cake has slightly cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface. Be sure to make the holes deep enough to allow the filling to sink in but not too deep to compromise the structure of the cake.
Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Heat over low-medium heat until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Fill the Cake: Pour the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring that it fills the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Prepare the Topping: Once the cake has cooled, combine chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies and peanut butter cups. Sprinkle generously over the cake.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate flavor with every bite!

Advanced Techniques for the Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake

While the basic recipe is simple and straightforward, there are a few advanced techniques you can use to elevate your Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake and make it even more delicious.

Use a Homemade Chocolate Cake Base:

Instead of using a store-bought chocolate cake mix, consider making a homemade chocolate cake from scratch. This allows you to control the ingredients and flavor, giving you a richer, more personalized taste. You can find various chocolate cake recipes online to replace the boxed mix, such as using cocoa powder, eggs, flour, and sugar.

Layering the Peanut Butter Mixture:

For an extra burst of peanut butter flavor, you can divide the peanut butter mixture into two layers. Spread the first layer of peanut butter mixture after poking the cake and allow it to cool slightly. Then, spread a second layer on top of the cooled cake before adding your final topping. This technique creates an even richer and more satisfying texture.

Add a Ganache Layer:

For an ultra-decadent twist, top the Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake with a rich chocolate ganache. To make the ganache, melt chocolate chips with a bit of heavy cream and drizzle it over the cake after the peanut butter mixture has set. The ganache will add a smooth, glossy finish to the cake, making it even more irresistible.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips for Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake

If you have leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake, you can store it for later enjoyment. Here are some important storage tips to help maintain its freshness:

Storage:

Refrigeration: After the cake has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The peanut butter filling and cake will remain moist and flavorful, and the topping will stay fresh.
Freezing: If you want to save your cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place slices of the Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Maintenance Tips:

Toppings: If you’re planning to store leftovers, it’s best to wait until just before serving to add the chopped peanut butter cups or sandwich cookies. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their crunch.
Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy your cake warm, you can microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds to soften the peanut butter filling and cake.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions for Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake

The Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake is a versatile dessert, and you can easily make substitutions to suit various dietary preferences and needs. Here are some suggestions:

Gluten-Free:

Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix instead of the regular cake mix. You can also make your own gluten-free chocolate cake from scratch using a gluten-free flour blend.

Dairy-Free:

For a dairy-free version, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut milk or a plant-based condensed milk option. Use dairy-free peanut butter cups and cookies to keep the dessert completely dairy-free.

Sugar-Free:

You can make this dessert sugar-free by using sugar substitutes such as Stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol in place of the confectioners’ sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Check the consistency of the filling and topping to ensure the right texture is achieved.

Vegan:

For a vegan version, use plant-based cake mix, peanut butter, and non-dairy milk for the filling. Ensure that all the topping ingredients, like cookies and candies, are vegan-friendly.

FAQs About the Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake

Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the filling?

Yes! You can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your filling. It will add a nice crunch and still taste fantastic.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake can be made a day ahead. Just follow the recipe as instructed, and store the cake in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.

How do I make sure the filling soaks into the cake?

To ensure the filling soaks properly, make sure the cake is still warm when you pour the peanut butter mixture over it. The warmth helps the filling seep into the holes and sink deep into the cake.

Can I add extra flavors to the cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors like adding a bit of cinnamon, caramel, or even a layer of raspberry jam for a fruity twist. The cake is very versatile!

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. With its rich and creamy peanut butter filling and moist chocolate cake, this dessert is bound to impress any crowd. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just a special treat, it’s an easy-to-make dessert that delivers on flavor and texture.

Try out the basic recipe and then experiment with some of the advanced techniques to make it even more personalized. With the tips for storage and dietary adaptations, this cake can fit into a variety of lifestyles and preferences. Don’t forget to enjoy every bite!