Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke

Why Make This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter. It’s an exciting treat that not only looks appealing but also tantalizes your taste buds. With its moistened chocolate cake infused with a luscious peanut butter filling, topped with whipped cream and delightful garnishes, it’s a dessert that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a well-deserved indulgence after a long day, this poke cake offers a unique experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, putting you just a few steps away from a sensational dessert.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke

Making this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke is straightforward and fun! Start by preparing a classic Devil’s Food chocolate cake. Once baked, poke holes all over the surface to allow the delightful peanut butter filling to seep in. A quick mix of melted peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk creates a smooth filling that elevates the chocolate cake to new heights. After chilling, top the cake with a creamy whipped cream layer, drizzled with more peanut butter for that gorgeous finishing touch. Add some chopped Reese’s Cups and Reese’s Pieces for a playful garnish that makes this dessert irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 432 g box Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients as listed on package (eggs, oil, water as specified)
• 360 ml creamy peanut butter, melted
• 1 x 397 g can sweetened condensed milk
• 96 g box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 415 ml whole milk, room temperature
• 170 g cream cheese, softened
• 60 g powdered sugar, plus more to taste
• 360 ml heavy whipping cream
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 60 ml creamy peanut butter, melted (for garnish)
• 4–5 Reese’s Cups, chopped (for garnish)
• Reese’s Pieces, as desired (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions.
2. Pour the batter into a 23×33 cm baking dish and bake as directed. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
3. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes approximately 2 cm apart across the surface of the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool further while you prepare the filling.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the creamy peanut butter in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.
5. Stir the sweetened condensed milk into the melted peanut butter until fully combined.
6. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and room temperature milk until just smooth but not thickened. Quickly whisk in the melted peanut butter mixture until fully blended.
7. Transfer half of this peanut butter filling into a piping bag or zipper lock bag with a corner snipped off. Generously pipe the filling into each hole in the cake.
8. Spread the remaining peanut butter filling evenly over the surface of the cake. Refrigerate for 2 hours until the filling is set.
9. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract for about 1 minute. Add the powdered sugar and one third of the heavy cream; beat on low speed until just combined. Gradually add the remaining cream, increase the speed to medium-high, and whip until stiff peaks form.
10. Spread the cream cheese whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake, ensuring a smooth surface.
11. Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the frosted cake, swirling it with a skewer to create a marbled effect. Garnish with the chopped Reese’s Cups and sprinkle with any Reese’s Pieces as desired.
12. Store the Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke covered in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/12 of the cake):

• Calories: 402
• Total fat: 26 g
• Saturated fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg
• Sodium: 287 mg
• Total carbohydrates: 38 g
• Dietary fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 29 g
• Protein: 7 g

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke

Serve your Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke chilled for the best texture and taste. Cut it into generous squares and place them on dessert plates. It’s a great dessert for birthday parties or family get-togethers. For an extra touch, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a delightful contrast. This dessert is as visually appealing as it is delicious, so be prepared for everyone to gather around!

How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke

To keep your Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke fresh, store it covered in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 4–5 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke

• Use room temperature milk for the pudding mix to ensure a smooth consistency.
• The poking holes should not be too deep; just poke until you hit the cake bottom, allowing the filling to seep in without making the cake too soggy.
• If you prefer a lighter topping, you can substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
• For an even richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cake mix instead of Devil’s Food.

Delicious Variations

• Nutty Swirl: Mix in crushed nuts (like peanuts or walnuts) into the filling for added crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers Delight: Add mini chocolate chips to the whipped cream topping for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Banana Heaven: Incorporate sliced bananas into the filling for a delicious addition.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free alternatives for cream cheese and heavy whipping cream to make it suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! While Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix works beautifully, you can substitute it with a vanilla or red velvet cake mix for a different flavor.

2. Is it possible to make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke a day ahead of time. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator.

3. Can I freeze the leftover cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to one month. Ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

4. What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?
You can substitute it with whipped topping if you’re in a pinch or use a mixture of milk and cornstarch to mimic the cream.

5. How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped topping, and use dark chocolate cake mix for a more balanced flavor.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke is a delightful dessert that combines two beloved flavors in one show-stopping treat. Its creamy texture, rich flavors, and fun toppings make it a favorite for any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this poke cake is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try it out, and feel free to share your creations or any tweaks you made to the recipe! Happy baking!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke

A decadent dessert combining rich chocolate flavors and creamy peanut butter, topped with whipped cream and garnished with Reese's for an irresistible treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 402

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cake

• 1 box 432 g box Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients as listed on package (eggs, oil, water as specified)

For the peanut butter filling

• 360 ml creamy peanut butter, melted
• 1 can 397 g can sweetened condensed milk
• 96 g box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 415 ml whole milk, room temperature

For the cream cheese topping

• 170 g cream cheese, softened
• 60 g powdered sugar, plus more to taste
• 360 ml heavy whipping cream
• 5 ml vanilla extract

For garnishing

• 60 ml creamy peanut butter, melted (for garnish)
• 4–5 pieces Reese’s Cups, chopped (for garnish)
• as desired pieces Reese’s Pieces, as desired (for garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions.
2. Pour the batter into a 23×33 cm baking dish and bake as directed. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
3. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes approximately 2 cm apart across the surface of the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool further while you prepare the filling.

Peanut Butter Filling

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the creamy peanut butter in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.
2. Stir the sweetened condensed milk into the melted peanut butter until fully combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and room temperature milk until just smooth but not thickened. Quickly whisk in the melted peanut butter mixture until fully blended.
4. Transfer half of this peanut butter filling into a piping bag or zipper lock bag with a corner snipped off. Generously pipe the filling into each hole in the cake.
5. Spread the remaining peanut butter filling evenly over the surface of the cake. Refrigerate for 2 hours until the filling is set.

Cream Cheese Topping

1. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract for about 1 minute.
2. Add the powdered sugar and one third of the heavy cream; beat on low speed until just combined. Gradually add the remaining cream, increase the speed to medium-high, and whip until stiff peaks form.
3. Spread the cream cheese whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake, ensuring a smooth surface.

Final Touches

1. Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the frosted cake, swirling it with a skewer to create a marbled effect.
2. Garnish with the chopped Reese’s Cups and sprinkle with any Reese’s Pieces as desired.
3. Store the Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke covered in the refrigerator.

Notes

Serve your Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke chilled for the best texture and taste. Cut it into generous squares and enjoy with vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce for added delight. This dessert keeps fresh for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.