Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe
Introduction
Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a rich, creamy dessert that combines the best of two beloved flavors. This easy-to-make cake is moist and full of peanut butter goodness, perfect for any occasion or a sweet treat at home.

Ingredients
- 1 box (425 g) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup (250 ml) creamy peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (125 ml) creamy peanut butter, melted
- 1 container (8 oz / 225 g) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup (50 g) mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional)
- ½ cup (75 g) chopped Reese’s or peanut butter cups (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven according to the package directions for the cake mix. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Prepare the cake mix following the instructions on the box, then stir in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake as directed, usually 30–35 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake about 1 inch apart once it has cooled slightly.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and the ½ cup of melted peanut butter until smooth. Pour this filling evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the filling set properly.
- Step 6: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Step 7: Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s or peanut butter cups if desired.
- Step 8: Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use allergy-friendly toppings.
- Use dark chocolate shavings instead of chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Let the cake chill overnight for even better flavor absorption.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter taste.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the whipped topping’s texture. To serve, you can eat it cold straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for a softer texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Yes, you can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe. Just be sure the cake is sturdy enough to hold the filling and allow poking holes.
Can I freeze the poke cake?
You can freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and add fresh whipped topping on top if needed.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter in a delightfully moist dessert. The poke cake method allows a luscious peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk filling to soak into the cake, topped with fluffy whipped topping and optional chocolate and peanut butter candy pieces for added texture and flavor. Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers seeking an easy-to-make indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box (425 g) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup (250 ml) creamy peanut butter
Filling
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (125 ml) creamy peanut butter, melted
Topping
- 1 container (8 oz / 225 g) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup (50 g) mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional)
- ½ cup (75 g) chopped Reese’s or peanut butter cups (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the package directions for the cake mix. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the cake mix as instructed on the box, but stir in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter to infuse rich flavor. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
- Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes evenly all over the cake about 1 inch apart. This allows the filling to soak in deeply.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and ½ cup melted peanut butter until smooth. Pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring the holes get filled and the filling seeps into the cake layers.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the filling set and intensify the flavor.
- Top the Cake: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake for a light and creamy finish.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s or peanut butter cups on top for crunch and added peanut butter goodness, if desired.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve chilled, perfect for a refreshing dessert.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
- Ensure peanut butter is fully creamy and smooth for best texture.
- If you prefer a stronger peanut butter taste, add an extra ¼ cup to the filling mixture.
- Refrigerating the cake overnight enhances the flavors and texture.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake, Chocolate Cake, Peanut Butter Dessert, Poke Cake, Easy Cake Recipe, No Frosting Cake

