Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour; 250g (1¼ cups) granulated sugar; 60g (½ cup) cocoa powder; 1½ tsp baking powder; 1½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 240ml (1 cup) whole milk; 120ml (½ cup) vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 240ml (1 cup) boiling water; 240g (1 cup) creamy peanut butter; 300ml (1¼ cups) sweetened condensed milk; 120ml (½ cup) whole milk; 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream; 60g (¼ cup) powdered sugar; 120g (½ cup) peanut butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups; Chocolate drizzle (melted chocolate or chocolate syrup)

Introduction

If you’re a chocolate and peanut butter lover, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is your dream dessert! It’s a moist, rich chocolate cake infused with creamy peanut butter filling and topped with a luscious peanut butter whipped topping and Reese’s candy pieces. Easy to make and perfect for parties or special occasions, it’s sure to impress.

This is a close-up of a three-layered dessert slice placed on a white plate over a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is dark and crumbly, resembling a dense chocolate crust. The middle layer is thick and smooth, light tan in color, looking like a peanut butter or caramel mousse. The top layer is a glossy dark chocolate ganache, spread evenly but with a slight texture. On the very top, there are five swirls of light tan frosting evenly spaced, each topped with broken pieces of dark chocolate scattered around. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour

250g (1¼ cups) granulated sugar

60g (½ cup) cocoa powder

1½ tsp baking powder

1½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

2 large eggs

240ml (1 cup) whole milk

120ml (½ cup) vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

240ml (1 cup) boiling water

240g (1 cup) creamy peanut butter

300ml (1¼ cups) sweetened condensed milk

120ml (½ cup) whole milk (for filling)

240ml (1 cup) heavy cream

60g (¼ cup) powdered sugar

120g (½ cup) peanut butter (for topping)

1 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)

Chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups (for garnish)

Chocolate drizzle (melted chocolate or chocolate syrup, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, then beat until combined. Slowly stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth. Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the creamy peanut butter for 30 seconds until slightly melted. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and 120ml (½ cup) whole milk until smooth.

Step 3: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the warm cake. Pour the peanut butter filling evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: To make the topping, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until soft peaks form. Spread this whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.

Step 5: Garnish with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate syrup over the top. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use a boxed chocolate cake mix for a quicker version without sacrificing flavor.

Chill the cake overnight; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Try swapping peanut butter with Nutella, almond butter, or Biscoff spread for a unique twist.

Add a drizzle of hot fudge sauce to make the cake extra fudgy and decadent.

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some texture in the filling and topping, though creamy peanut butter will create a smoother consistency.

Can I prepare this cake in advance?

Absolutely! This cake improves after sitting overnight in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings or special events.