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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

    Published: Oct 1, 2023 · Modified: May 13, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    This chocolate peanut butter poke cake is a peanut butter and chocolate lover's dream. Tender, moist cake is filled with chocolate pudding, topped with peanut butter frosting, and then decorated with little peanut butter cups!

    I don't know about the rest of you, but I can eat my weight in anything involving peanut butter and chocolate. I hate to say this, but I've been known to finish an entire "tear and share" pack of Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups on my own!

    I put that love of all things chocolate and peanut butter to good use with this delicious, ultra-decadent chocolate peanut butter poke cake.

    Closeup shot of chocolate peanut butter poke cake topped with mini peanut butter cups on plate

    This was inspired by my easy caramel chocolate cupcakes and patriotic poke cupcakes on this site and pairs well with this Oreo Frappuccino.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • Simple and delicious dessert.
    • The ideal dessert to bring to potlucks, family gatherings, or any event that calls for a sweet treat.
    • Easily customizable to create the exact dessert you're craving.

    Ingredients

    You only need a few simple baking ingredients to make this recipe. You probably have most of them in your kitchen right this second, but anything you don't have is one trip to the grocery store away.

    Overhead shot of individual chocolate peanut butter poke cake ingredients on table

    Cake

    • Chocolate cake mix and the ingredients listed on the box (use milk instead of water). Use chocolate or your favorite flavor.
    • Chocolate pudding - Use chocolate your favorite flavor instead.
    • Whole Milk - For a creamy result.
    • Creamy Peanut Butter - You can use crunchy peanut butter instead, if desired.

    Peanut Butter Frosting

    • Unsalted Butter - For a perfectly creamy final product.
    • Creamy Peanut Butter - Necessary to make smooth frosting otherwise use crunchy.
    • Powdered Sugar - Necessary to make the best frosting.
    • Vanilla Extract - Perfect to enhance flavor.

    Garnish/Topping

    • Chopped Peanut Butter Cups or Mini Peanut Butter Cups - For the top.
    • Chocolate Chips - Your favorite flavored chips will work.
    • Chocolate Drizzle - Caramel or peanut butter sauce will work as well.

    Be sure to check the recipe card at the end of the post for exact amounts.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this chocolate peanut butter poke cake.

    • Add Crunch - Add a sprinkling of your favorite crushed cookies, candies, chocolate, peanut butter or caramel chips, chopped nuts like peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts to give your cake crunch.
    • Different Toppings - Add whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate, caramel or peanut butter sauce over the top when serving.
    • Enhance the flavor - Add some chocolate syrup to the filling layer.
    • Different Fillings - Try different flavors of pudding for a nice change.
    • Add a Layer - You may use premade Cool Whip as another layer.

    Instructions

    Every part of this recipe is incredibly easy to make. The highlights are here, but you'll find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Cake:

    1: Mix the batter according to the package directions, using milk instead of water. Then, bake the cake according to the package until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

    Overhead shot of unmixed chocolate cake ingredients in bowl
    Overhead shot of chocolate cake batter in bowl
    Overhead shot of chocolate cake batter in baking dish
    Overhead shot of baked cake in baking dish

    2: Let the cake cool until just warm and poke holes all over it. Set aside.

    3: Combine the milk, pudding mix, and melted peanut butter.

    Overhead shot of chocolate cake poked full of holes
    Overhead shot of peanut butter in bowl
    Overhead shot of melted peanut butter in bowl
    Overhead shot of bowlful of milk and pudding mix
    Overhead shot of chocolate pudding in bowl
    Overhead shot of melted peanut butter in bowl of chocolate pudding

    4: Pour the pudding over the cake and chill until set.

    Overehad shot of chocolate peanut butter pudding in bowl
    Overhead shot of chocolate cake topped with chocolate peanut butter pudding

    Frosting:

    1: Cream peanut butter and butter, then add powdered sugar and vanilla.

    Overhead shot of peanut butter and butter in bowl
    Overehead shot of creamed peanut butter and butter with powdered sugar on top
    Overehad shot of vanilla extract on top of peanut butter butter mixture.
    Overhead shot of chocolate peanut butter frosting

    2: Spread the frosting over the cake.

    Overhead shot of chocolate cake topped with chocolate peanut butter pudding.
    Overhead shot of frosted chocolate peanut butter poke cake

    Garnish/Topping:

    Top the cake with mini peanut butter cups, then chill the cake until ready to serve. Enjoy!

    Overhead shot of chocolate peanut butter poke cake topped with chopped mini peanut butter cups
    Closeup shot of chocolate peanut butter poke cake on plate

    Hint: Make sure your cake has completely cooled down before adding the top layers to prevent melting.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy raspberry jello poke cake recipe, Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake or Reese's Brownies.

    Closeup shot of slice of chocolate peanut butter poke cake on plate

    Storage

    Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days in an air-tight container or in the original dish with plastic wrap over the top.

    Freezer: Slice the cake and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, freeze for up to 3 months.

    Thaw: Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.

    Make Ahead: This cake is actually better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.

    What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

    Presentation is key. Place each slice of cake on a dessert plate. You can add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a finishing touch, as well as a drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter sauce/topping, and garnish your cake with a few Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or other chocolate peanut butter candies.

    Tips

    Here are some tips to help you create the perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake.

    • Ensure that your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before starting to make it easier for them to blend together and create a smoother cake batter.
    • When poking holes in the cake, use the end of a wooden spoon or a similar-sized tool to create even-sized holes. Space them about 2 inches apart to ensure the peanut butter filling is evenly distributed.
    • Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a tough, dense cake. Gently mix the ingredients together just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
    • Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
    • Cool the cake completely before adding the top layers to prevent melting.
    • The cake may require an additional 5 minutes to bake if you're using a ceramic baking dish.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about this chocolate peanut butter poke cake? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this cake.

    How do I "poke" the cake?

    Once the cake has fully cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar-sized object to poke holes all over the cake. This technique allows the filling to seep inside and create a moist and flavorful cake.

    What's the difference between poke cake brownies and a regular poke cake?

    The primary difference between poke cake brownies and a regular poke cake is the base. Poke cake brownies use a brownie mix as the base instead of a traditional cake mix, resulting in a denser, fudgier texture. Poke holes are still created in the brownie base, and it is filled with a filling of your choice before being topped with frosting or whipped cream.

    Why is my poke cake soggy?

    As tempting as it may seem, try to avoid using too much filling as it can make the cake soggy. To avoid a soggy poke cake, ensure the filling you use isn't too thin or watery. Make sure you poke evenly spaced holes, so the filling can distribute throughout the cake without pooling in certain areas. Finally, refrigerate the cake for a few hours or overnight, which helps the cake absorb the filling without becoming too soggy.

    Why did my poke cake fall apart?

    If you poke your holes too close together or too deeply, the cake will lose its structure and fall part when you slice it. Ideally, your hole should be about an inch apart and go no deeper than halfway through the cake.

    Video

    YouTube video

    More Poke Cake Recipes

    Do you like poke cakes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

    • A slice of oreo poke cake on a white plate.
      Oreo Poke Cake
    • Chocolate Mint Poke Cake
      Chocolate Mint Poke Cake
    • A fork full of Poke Cake held in air.
      How to Make a Poke Cake
    • Chocolate caramel poke cake with frosting and caramel sauce on a white plate.
      Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

    Karin and Ken
    This chocolate peanut butter poke cake combines tender chocolate cake with chocolate pudding, peanut butter frosting, and peanut butter candy.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 443 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • 9 x 13 inch cake pan must have a 2 inch high edge to prevent cake from overflowing
    • wooden spoon
    • microwave safe bowl
    • Large mixing bowl
    • Hand mixer
    • Rubber spatula
    • Sharp knife

    Ingredients
      

    Cake

    • 2 boxes (13.25 oz) chocolate cake mix plus box ingredients, use milk instead of water, see note below

    Chocolate Pudding

    • 1 box (3.9 oz) chocolate pudding
    • 2 ½ cups whole milk
    • ½ cup creamy peanut butter

    Peanut Butter Frosting

    • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter room temperature
    • 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
    • 2.5 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Garnish/Topping - About ½ cup of one

    • Chopped peanut butter cups
    • Mini peanut butter cups
    • Chocolate chips
    • Chocolate drizzle
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    Cake

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 CAKE pan with a 2 inch edge. Bake the cake mixes according to the box directions but use milk where it calls for water. Your cake should be done in about 50 minutes or when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Note: In a ceramic dish it may require an additional time)
    • Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes, to be slightly warm at most, poke many holes throughout with the end of a wooden spoon and set aside.

    Chocolate Pudding

    • In a microwave-safe bowl, or a small saucepan melt peanut butter and set aside.
    • In a large bowl add instant pudding mix and 2 ½ cups of whole milk. Mix well for about 2 minutes and then add in melted peanut butter and stir to combine.
    • Pour over cake and refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set and harden. Note: you can do all these steps the day before.

    Frosting

    • Make your frosting by creaming butter and peanut butter in a large bowl for 4 minutes.
    • Slowly add in powdered sugar on low, scraping the sides as needed.
    • Add in vanilla and mix well for about 1 minute.
    • Remove the cake from the fridge and spread frosting over the cake.
    • Sprinkle chopped or mini peanut butter cups on top of frosting.
    • Serve at room temperature with milk or coffee.

    Video

    Notes

    • You can also use a cake extender instead with one box of mix. In a mason jar add 1 ½ c flour, 1 c sugar, 2 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda and 2 tablespoon cocoa powder (for chocolate cake mixes). Give it a shake to blend and add 11 level tablespoon of the mix to the 1 box of 13.25 oz dry cake mix and stir until blnded well. Make cake according to package directions and bake in cake pan for 40 minutes or toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
    • Ensure that your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before starting to make it easier for them to blend together and create a smoother cake batter.
    • When poking holes in the cake, use the end of a wooden spoon or a similar-sized tool to create even-sized holes. Space them about 2 inches apart to ensure the peanut butter filling is evenly distributed.
    • Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a tough, dense cake. Gently mix the ingredients together just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
    • Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
    • Cool the cake completely before adding the top layers to prevent melting.
    • The cake may require an additional 5 minutes to bake if you're using a ceramic baking dish.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 443kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 14gFat: 52gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 504mgPotassium: 445mgFiber: 3gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 793IUCalcium: 145mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword Chocolate peanut butter poke cake
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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