Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

$To make a great chocolate peanut butter poke cake, you need a few key items: - 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus the eggs, oil, and water listed on the box) - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1 cup milk - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 cup heavy cream (or whipped topping) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Chocolate syrup, for drizzling - Crushed peanuts, for garnish These ingredients create a rich, moist cake that is perfect for any occasion. The chocolate cake mix serves as a great base. The creamy peanut butter adds a nutty richness. The sweet topping of whipped cream and chocolate syrup makes every bite a treat. You can enhance your cake with a few fun extras: - Chopped chocolate or mini chocolate chips - Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries - A sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty kick These garnishes add flavor and visual appeal. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste! If you have dietary restrictions, here are some easy swaps: - Use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version. - Swap creamy peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter for nut allergies. - Use dairy-free whipped topping and milk for a vegan cake. These substitutions ensure everyone can enjoy this tasty cake without worry. Just be sure to check labels for any hidden allergens. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven. Follow the chocolate cake mix box instructions. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish. Mix the cake batter with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into the baking dish. Bake it for about 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick. It should come out clean when done. Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. After cooling, take a wooden spoon or toothpick. Poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure the holes are deep enough for the filling. This step is key to getting that yummy flavor inside the cake. In a bowl, mix the milk, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Pour this peanut butter mixture over the cake. Ensure it seeps into all the holes. Let the cake cool completely for about 30 minutes. This helps the cake absorb all that tasty filling. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form. Spread this whipped cream evenly over the cake. Drizzle chocolate syrup on top. Then, sprinkle crushed peanuts for some crunch. Finally, chill the cake in the fridge for 1-2 hours. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. To make your cake light and fluffy, do not overmix the batter. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients combine. This helps keep air in the batter. Use room temperature eggs for best results. They blend well and help create a soft cake. When mixing the peanut butter, milk, and powdered sugar, use a whisk. Whisking helps blend everything nicely. If you find lumps, keep whisking until it is creamy. A smooth mixture soaks into the cake better and adds flavor. Poke the holes in the cake soon after it cools. Use the end of a wooden spoon or a toothpick. Make sure the holes are deep enough to hold the filling. Allow the cake to sit for 30 minutes after pouring in the peanut butter mix. This way, the cake absorbs the filling without getting too soggy. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, milk, and peanut butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking. Poke Holes Strategically: Poke holes in a uniform pattern across the cake to ensure the peanut butter mixture seeps evenly throughout. Use a wooden spoon handle for larger holes for maximum filling! Chill Before Serving: Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours after assembling. This enhances flavor melding and makes slicing easier. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your toppings! Consider adding crushed Oreos, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch. {{image_2}} You can switch peanut butter for other nut butters. Almond butter adds a nutty taste. Cashew butter is creamy and sweet. Sunflower seed butter is a great choice for nut-free diets. Each nut butter gives a unique flavor to the cake. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite. While chocolate is classic, you can try other cake mixes. Vanilla cake mix creates a lighter base. Red velvet adds a fun visual twist. Spice cake brings warmth with cinnamon and nutmeg. Each cake flavor pairs well with the peanut butter filling. Choose what you love most to make it yours. Get creative with your toppings for extra fun. Instead of just whipped cream, try chocolate mousse. You can add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, add a fresh touch. Crushed cookies give a nice crunch. Mix and match to create your perfect dessert experience! Store any leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and moist. If you do not have a container, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure the cake is cooled completely before storing. This will help it stay soft and tasty. In the fridge, your poke cake lasts about 3 to 5 days. The flavors actually blend and get better over time. Just check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has changed color, it’s best to toss it out. You can freeze this cake, too! To do this, slice it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you want. The cake stays fresh in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Enjoy your sweet treat anytime! A poke cake is a fun dessert. It has holes poked in it after baking. These holes hold a tasty filling, like pudding or, in this case, peanut butter. The filling seeps into the cake, making it moist and full of flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for parties. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. I recommend making it one day before you plan to serve it. This gives the flavors time to blend. Just store it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap. The cake tastes even better after chilling. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. The baking time is usually between 30 to 35 minutes. If it looks set and springs back when touched, it’s done. Serve this cake chilled for the best taste. You can add extra chocolate syrup on each slice. A dollop of whipped cream on top makes it look fancy. Crushed peanuts add a nice crunch. For a fun twist, serve it with vanilla ice cream on the side. This blog post covered everything you need for a perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake. We explored key ingredients, simple step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to master the cake's texture. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers safely. Remember, poke cakes are fun and easy to make. They are great for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy baking this delightful treat!$

Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

A deliciously moist chocolate cake filled with a creamy peanut butter mixture and topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box: eggs, oil, water)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup milk
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream (or whipped topping)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
to taste none chocolate syrup, for drizzling
to taste none crushed peanuts, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, mixing in the required eggs, oil, and water.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the time suggested on the box, typically around 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once the cake has baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
While the cake is cooling, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Using the end of a wooden spoon or a toothpick, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake, making sure to create deep holes to hold the filling.
Pour the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Allow the cake to absorb the filling as it cools completely, about 30 minutes.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream (or whipped topping) with the vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake evenly.
Drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream layer and sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added crunch.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve slices on dessert plates, drizzle additional chocolate syrup around the edges, and garnish with a few crushed peanuts and a dollop of whipped cream on top for an elegant touch.

Keyword cake, chocolate, peanut butter