If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the irresistible combo of peanut butter and chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe. This dessert is the kind where moist, rich chocolate cake meets pockets of creamy peanut butter goodness, all layered with fluffy whipped topping that melts in your mouth. The texture and flavors blend so beautifully you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds) any time you serve this crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to bring to parties or holiday dinners. Let me walk you through every delicious detail of making this jewel of a cake.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated here—just a handful of pantry basics and a few dream-ingredient stars that work together to create incredible taste and texture. Each component plays its role in not just flavor but the moist, pillowy feel that makes this cake irresistible.

1 box chocolate cake mix: The foundation of our dessert, delivering rich chocolate flavor with ease and consistency.
Ingredients listed on the cake mix package: Often eggs, oil, and water; they bring the cake to life with perfect crumb and moisture.
1 cup creamy peanut butter, melted: This infuses ultra-creamy peanut butter flavor throughout the cake layers.
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Adds a luxuriously smooth texture and sweetness that soaks into the poke holes beautifully.
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed: Fluffy, cool, and light – this balances the richness with creamy softness.
1/2 cup peanut butter, melted: For drizzling, this adds an extra peanut punch right on top.
1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter drizzle just so, making each bite heavenly.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional for garnish): Adds a pretty, textural contrast and extra chocolate pop.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Chocolate Cake

Start by following the instructions on your chocolate cake mix box, mixing up the batter as directed. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step builds the rich, chocolatey base that’s essential to our poke cake’s irresistible appeal.

Step 2: Poke the Cake Holes

Once the cake is baked and still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or the back end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface. These little pockets are what make poke cakes fun and unique—they let the sweetened condensed milk seep in, creating moist, flavorful spots throughout.

Step 3: Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk and Melted Peanut Butter

In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the melted creamy peanut butter. Pour this mixture evenly over the warm cake, letting it sink deep into the holes. This step is where that perfect peanut butter and chocolate harmony begins to form and brings that signature moist texture to the cake.

Step 4: Chill the Cake

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows all those flavors to meld together and helps the cake set perfectly, so each slice retains that luscious, creamy consistency when served.

Step 5: Add the Whipped Topping and Peanut Butter Drizzle

Once chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cake for a light, airy finish. Then, mix the melted peanut butter with powdered sugar and drizzle this over the top for a beautiful and tasty peanut butter accent. This finishing touch makes every forkful dreamy and decadent.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings on top for that extra pop of texture and eye-catching detail. Now you’re ready to slice and serve a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to devour.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, you can never go wrong with something simple yet elevating. Mini chocolate chips scattered over the whipped topping add texture and a burst of melty chocolate with every bite. Alternatively, sprinkle some chopped peanuts for a crunchy contrast that also echoes the peanut butter flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake is a showstopper on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light raspberry sorbet for a pop of fruity brightness. If you want a beverage match, a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee complements the richness perfectly and enhances your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn your Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe into a centerpiece. Try layering it in a glass trifle dish with layers of crushed peanuts or cookie crumbs between the cake slices for added texture and flair. Or serve in individual mason jars topped with a swirl of peanut butter and chocolate chips for a charming take that’s perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delightful cake, wrap leftover portions tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. This cake stays moist and fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect to prepare ahead or enjoy slowly.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the cake into portions and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents the slices from sticking together. Frozen cake can last for up to 2 months and is great for keeping on hand for a quick sweet treat.

Reheating

Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator for best results. You can enjoy the cake cold or warm it slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to soften the whipped topping just a bit without melting it completely. This tempers the cake back to that fresh-out-of-the-fridge texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can work but tends to be less smooth and may affect the texture of the drizzle and filling. For the best creamy consistency in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe, creamy peanut butter is recommended.

Do I have to use a boxed cake mix?

Not at all! Homemade chocolate cake works wonderfully if you prefer. Just make sure it’s moist and sturdy enough to handle poking without crumbling, so the filling stays nicely soaked into the cake.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe depends on the cake mix you choose. You can absolutely use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters, making the rest of the recipe just as decadent.

Can I substitute whipped topping for homemade whipped cream?

Definitely! Freshly whipped cream adds a lovely lightness, though whipped topping is easier and holds up well in the fridge. If you go homemade, whip just before serving to keep it fluffy and fresh.

How long should I chill the cake before adding the whipped topping?

Chill for at least 2 hours or until the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter mixture is fully absorbed and the cake is set. This step is key to that perfect moist texture that defines the Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe is a testament to how a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps can turn into a dessert that feels homemade yet worthy of celebrations. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, this cake is all about joy in every bite. I hope you give it a try and find yourself as enchanted by the combination of chocolate and peanut butter as I am. Happy baking and even happier eating!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe

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4.2 from 35 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake combines rich, moist chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk. The cake is poked to allow the peanut butter and milk mixture to seep in, creating a decadent and flavorful dessert topped with whipped topping and chocolate chips for an irresistible finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the package)

Peanut Butter Filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter, melted
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Topping:

1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
1/2 cup peanut butter, melted
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box to prepare the cake batter. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake according to package directions until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Poke: Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar utensil to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This allows the filling to soak in deeply.
Mix Peanut Butter Filling: In a bowl, combine melted peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well mixed.
Add Filling to Cake: Pour the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk mixture evenly over the poked cake, letting it seep into the holes and throughout the cake.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and fully absorb.
Prepare Peanut Butter Drizzle: Mix the melted peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth to create a drizzle consistency.
Add Toppings: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Drizzle the peanut butter mixture over the whipped topping and sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings on top if desired.
Serve: Cut into 12 servings and enjoy your rich and creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cake is slightly cooled before poking to avoid crumbling.
You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter to reduce sugar content.
Use a fine-tipped utensil handle for smaller holes if you want the filling to distribute more evenly.
Keep the cake refrigerated until serving to maintain the whipped topping’s texture.
Optional: Garnish with chopped peanuts or drizzle of chocolate syrup for added texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American