Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a rich and moist dessert combining a silky chocolate cake base with a creamy peanut butter filling. This indulgent cake is made by poking holes in the warm cake, filling them with sweetened condensed milk and a luscious peanut butter spread, then topping with frosting or whipped cream. Perfect for celebrations or satisfying sweet cravings, this versatile recipe is easy to make and customizable to suit any occasion.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when made with gluten-free cake mix)
Chocolate Cake Base
- 1 box moist and rich chocolate cake mix (or homemade equivalent)
- Eggs (according to cake mix instructions)
- Oil (according to cake mix instructions)
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- Powdered sugar or softened frosting (to taste, for mixing with peanut butter)
Moisture Infusion
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- Peanut butter frosting or vanilla frosting (enough to cover the cake)
- OR heavy whipping cream (for whipped cream topping)
- Chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
- Crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)
- Bake the Chocolate Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake batter following the directions on the cake mix box or your homemade recipe. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before proceeding.
- Poke the Cake: Using the back end of a wooden spoon or a large fork, gently poke holes evenly over the surface of the warm cake. These holes will allow the filling to seep in and infuse flavor and moisture.
- Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake so it seeps into the poke holes, ensuring the cake becomes moist and creamy.
- Spread the Peanut Butter Filling: Mix creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar or softened frosting until spreadable. Evenly spread this mixture on top of the sweetened condensed milk layer. The filling will sink into the cake, creating delightful peanut butter pockets.
- Add the Frosting and Chill: Top the cake with peanut butter or vanilla frosting, whipped cream, or a combination. Optionally, sprinkle chocolate chips or crushed peanuts on top for added texture and decoration. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Notes
- Always poke the cake while it’s still warm to ensure the filling absorbs without breaking the cake.
- Space poke holes evenly across the cake to maximize filling distribution and flavor balance.
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth, easily spreadable filling.
- Refrigerate the cake overnight if possible for best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, chocolate shavings, or a chocolate drizzle to enhance presentation and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter poke cake, poke cake, chocolate cake, peanut butter dessert, easy dessert, moist cake