Peanut Butter Poke Cake: The Secret to an Easy, Irresistible Dessert

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peanut butter poke cake is more than just a dessert; it is a warm, nostalgic embrace in cake form. For me, the very mention of a peanut butter poke cake brings back cherished memories of family gatherings and Sunday afternoon treats. There is something incredibly comforting about the combination of moist chocolate cake, rich peanut butter filling, and a decadent chocolate topping that just makes you want to curl up with a slice and a good book. This recipe is designed to bring that same cozy feeling into your home, effortlessly creating a dessert that tastes like pure joy and looks absolutely irresistible.
peanut butter poke cake - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

Why You Will Love This peanut butter poke cake Recipe

Peanut Butter Poke Cake: The Secret to an Easy, Irresistible Dessert

Peanut Butter Poke Cake: The Secret to an Easy, Irresistible Dessert

This peanut butter poke cake recipe features a moist chocolate cake poked with holes and filled with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter mixture, then topped with a rich chocolate ganache and mini peanut butter cups. It is an easy yet impressive peanut butter poke dessert that is perfect for any occasion, offering comfort and irresistible flavor in every slice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 450
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 28g

Ingredients

  • 1 (15.25 ounce) box chocolate fudge cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped mini peanut butter cups

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions, combining cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Remove cake from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. While still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a round chopstick to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
  5. Prepare the peanut butter filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
  6. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Continue beating until the filling is smooth and creamy.
  7. Pour or spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the warm, poked cake, ensuring it seeps generously into all the holes. Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the filling to set.
  8. To make the chocolate ganache topping: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
  9. Remove cream from heat and pour it over the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
  10. Pour the warm ganache over the chilled cake, spreading it gently to cover the top. Garnish immediately with the chopped mini peanut butter cups.
  11. Return the cake to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a lump-free filling. For a quicker version, use store bought chocolate frosting instead of making ganache. Good quality chocolate chips will yield a smoother, richer ganache.

You are going to adore this peanut butter poke cake recipe for so many reasons. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Imagine sinking your fork into a moist chocolate cake, each bite filled with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter filling that perfectly complements the rich chocolate. This peanut butter poke dessert is not just delicious; it is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu celebrations. It is a true crowd pleaser, guaranteed to bring smiles all around. I remember the first time I made a similar peanut butter poke dessert for a neighborhood potluck; it vanished in minutes! That is how you know you have a winner.

peanut butter poke cake - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This peanut butter poke cake Recipe

Gathering your ingredients for this delightful peanut butter poke cake is the first step to pure dessert bliss. We are keeping things straightforward yet utterly delicious.

For the Cake:
  • 1 (15.25 ounce) box chocolate fudge cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
For Garnish:
  • 1/2 cup chopped mini peanut butter cups

How to Make This peanut butter poke cake Recipe

Making this peanut butter poke cake is a wonderfully rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps for a dessert that will truly impress.

  1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. 2. Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, combining the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  3. 3. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. 4. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a round chopstick to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
  5. 5. While the cake cools slightly, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
  6. 6. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Continue beating until the filling is smooth and creamy.
  7. 7. Pour or spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the warm, poked cake, ensuring it seeps generously into all the holes. Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the filling to set.
  8. 8. To make the chocolate ganache topping, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
  9. 9. Remove the cream from the heat and pour it over the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
  10. 10. Pour the warm ganache over the chilled cake, spreading it gently to cover the top. Garnish immediately with the chopped mini peanut butter cups.
  11. 11. Return the peanut butter poke cake to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set before serving.

How to Serve This peanut butter poke cake Recipe

Serving your exquisite peanut butter poke cake is where all your hard work truly pays off. This rich peanut butter poke dessert is best served chilled, allowing the layers of flavor and texture to really shine. Cut generous slices and serve them on their own for a satisfying treat. For an extra touch of decadence, consider a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a few extra mini peanut butter cups can also elevate its presentation. It is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a delightful weekend indulgence.

How to Store This peanut butter poke cake Recipe

Proper storage ensures your peanut butter poke cake remains delicious for days. Because of the cream cheese filling, this cake must be refrigerated. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Freezing is also an option; wrap individual slices or the entire cake (once fully set) in several layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make This peanut butter poke cake Recipe

Achieving the perfect peanut butter poke cake is easy with a few helpful tips. For an even more intense chocolate flavor, consider using strong brewed coffee instead of water in your cake mix. When poking holes, ensure they go deep enough for the peanut butter filling to really seep in, but not all the way through the bottom of the cake. Do not rush the chilling process; allowing ample time for the filling and ganache to set is crucial for a clean slice and firm texture. If you are not a fan of ganache, a simple peanut butter frosting or a whipped chocolate frosting makes an excellent alternative topping for this peanut butter poke dessert. For those who love a bit of crunch, feel free to add finely chopped roasted peanuts to the topping alongside the mini peanut butter cups.

Helpful Notes for This peanut butter poke cake Recipe

Here are a few extra pointers for your peanut butter poke cake journey. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature; this prevents lumps in your peanut butter filling and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency. For the chocolate chips in the ganache, good quality chocolate will always yield a superior flavor and a silkier texture. If you find your ganache is too thick, add a tiny bit more warm cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired pouring consistency. Conversely, if it is too thin, let it cool for a few more minutes to thicken slightly. For an even quicker version, you can skip the ganache and simply spread a layer of pre made chocolate frosting over the chilled cake before adding the peanut butter cup garnish.

Variation of This peanut butter poke cake Recipe

This versatile peanut butter poke cake lends itself beautifully to creative variations. For a different twist on this peanut butter poke dessert, try using a yellow cake mix instead of chocolate for a classic peanut butter and vanilla combination. You could also swirl in a layer of marshmallow fluff with your peanut butter filling for a “fluffer nutter” inspired cake. During the holidays, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warmer spice profile. You can also experiment with different chocolate toppings, such as a white chocolate ganache, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a less rich finish. For another fantastic peanut butter treat, be sure to check out our easy no bake peanut butter bars.

FAQs About This peanut butter poke cake Recipe

What is a peanut butter poke cake?

A peanut butter poke cake is a dessert featuring a cake (often chocolate) with holes poked into it. These holes are then filled with a liquid or creamy mixture, in this case, a rich peanut butter filling, allowing it to soak into the cake for added moisture and flavor. It’s usually topped with a frosting, often chocolate.

Can peanut butter poke cake be made in advance?

Yes, peanut butter poke cake is excellent for making ahead! It allows the flavors to meld and the filling to fully absorb into the cake, often making it even more delicious the next day. Cover it tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

What’s the best way to store leftover peanut butter poke cake?

To store leftover peanut butter poke cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and moisture. For longer storage, individual slices can be frozen.

Conclusion

This peanut butter poke cake is truly a dessert that brings comfort and joy with every single bite. Its irresistible combination of moist chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and rich ganache makes it a perennial favorite. We hope you try this recipe and create some wonderful memories of your own in the kitchen. Do not forget to come back and share your experience in the comments below! We love hearing from you.

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