Description

This decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake combines rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk for an indulgent dessert. The unique poke cake method allows the creamy filling to seep into the cake, resulting in a moist, flavorful treat topped with whipped cream and optional chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups for added texture and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

1 box (425 g) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
1 cup (250 ml) creamy peanut butter

Filling

1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
0.5 cup (125 ml) creamy peanut butter, melted

Topping

1 container (8 oz / 225 g) whipped topping, thawed
0.5 cup (50 g) mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional)
0.5 cup (75 g) chopped Reese’s or peanut butter cups (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Cake Batter: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix box instructions. Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box, then stir in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until the batter is smooth.
Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or as directed on the box, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Poke Holes in Cake: Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes evenly spaced about 1 inch apart all over the cake surface.
Make and Pour Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and the melted 0.5 cup peanut butter until smooth and pourable. Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes, allowing the cake to absorb the filling completely.
Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the filling set slightly.
Apply Whipped Topping: After chilling, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cake with a spatula to create a smooth, creamy layer.
Add Final Touches and Serve: Sprinkle the top with mini chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups if using, then slice into squares and serve the cake chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Ensure the cake has cooled before poking holes to prevent breaking or tearing.
For a nuttier flavor, use natural peanut butter, but creamy peanut butter works best for texture.
Refrigerating for longer than 1 hour enhances the melding of flavors.
The optional toppings add texture and extra peanut butter-chocolate flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
This cake is best served chilled and consumed within 3 days for maximum freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate peanut butter cake, poke cake, sweetened condensed milk dessert, no bake topping, peanut butter dessert, chocolate cake recipe