Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

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I’ve made a lot of indulgent desserts over the years, but this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake has instantly jumped to the top of my list. It’s rich, ridiculously moist, and packed with that classic peanut butter and chocolate combo everyone loves. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet looks like you’ve spent hours putting it together.

The magic of this cake starts with a fudgy chocolate base that’s poked while warm, so it soaks up every bit of the luscious peanut butter mixture that follows. Once chilled, it gets topped with a fluffy peanut butter whipped topping and a generous sprinkle of chopped peanut butter cups. Every bite is decadent, creamy, and bursting with texture.

I served this at a recent get-together, and let me tell you—it disappeared in no time. People were practically licking their plates, asking for the recipe before they left. If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers both in flavor and presentation, this is the cake you’ll want to make.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

If you love chocolate and peanut butter together, this cake is your dream come true. It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for any celebration. The cake stays ultra-moist thanks to the pudding and milk mixture it soaks in, and the peanut butter whipped topping adds an irresistible creaminess. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which is perfect for planning stress-free gatherings. Whether it’s for a birthday, potluck, or just because, this cake delivers every single time.

Ingredients

Chocolate cake mix is the base of this dessert, giving us a quick, rich, and fudgy structure that holds up to the fillings without getting soggy.

Creamy peanut butter is a must in this recipe. It melts into the cake holes and adds that signature nutty sweetness everyone expects.

Sweetened condensed milk is the secret to making this cake incredibly moist. It seeps into every hole, creating a luscious texture.

Chocolate pudding mix is used to deepen the chocolate flavor and adds to the cake’s moistness, creating that soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Whole milk is needed to prepare the pudding, keeping it smooth and creamy.

Whipped topping adds a light, fluffy finish that contrasts perfectly with the dense cake underneath.

Chopped peanut butter cups bring texture, extra chocolate, and more peanut butter flavor right on top.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions using a 9×13 inch baking dish. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for just 5 minutes.

Step 2: Poke and Pour

Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and creamy peanut butter until smooth. Pour this mixture slowly over the warm cake, making sure it sinks into every hole.

Step 3: Add the Pudding Layer

In a separate bowl, prepare the chocolate pudding mix using whole milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then spread it evenly over the cake.

Step 4: Chill

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow all the layers to set and the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Top It Off

Once chilled, spread the whipped topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups over the top just before serving.

This process is simple and delivers the kind of dessert people rave about.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can switch things up by using a devil’s food or dark chocolate cake mix for a more intense cocoa flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, swap the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the peanut butter cups in favor of chocolate chips. Want a creamier topping? Blend cream cheese into the whipped topping for a rich and tangy layer. For an extra crunch, add crushed pretzels or chopped roasted peanuts on top.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is indulgent on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm fudge sauce. Pair it with cold milk or coffee to balance out the sweetness. It’s also perfect alongside a creamy dessert cocktail or chocolate liqueur for a grown-up treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the whipped topping and pudding layers, this cake should be kept cold. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the whipped topping and pudding.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s better when made in advance. You can prepare the cake and layers the day before and add the topping just before serving.

How do I poke the holes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake?

Use the end of a wooden spoon or a thick straw. Make sure to poke all the way to the bottom so the filling fully soaks in.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping for Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake?

Absolutely. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Use it the same way as whipped topping.

What’s the best way to transport Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake?

Keep it in the original baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and transport it in a cooler if it’s a warm day.

Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you love decadent layered desserts like this, don’t miss my Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls for a fruity twist or the irresistibly sweet and creamy Easter Chocolate Lasagna. Craving something savory instead? These Homemade Big Mac Wraps are a hit at any gathering.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t let this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake get lost in the shuffle—save it now to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s right there when you need it. You can also email it to a friend who loves dessert as much as you do or share it on your social feeds to inspire your fellow bakers. This is one of those recipes that everyone will be glad you passed along.

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