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This fun and easy peanut butter poke cake features a moist cake base filled with a rich peanut butter filling, topped with whipped cream. Perfect for any peanut butter lovers!

slice of peanut butter poke cake on white plate with green napkin

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Craving a dessert that’s easy to make, unbelievably delicious, and delivers a powerful punch of peanut butter flavor? Look no further than Peanut Butter Poke Cake!

This poke cake is a fun twist on classic cake recipes, with a light and fluffy cake base that gets “poked” with holes to create little pockets for a creamy peanut butter sauce to seep into.

Topped with whipped cream and everyone’s favorite peanut butter candies, this poke cake is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

Want to expand your dessert horizons? Explore the tangy Lime Poke Cake, the unique Southern Pig Pickin Cake, 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, or Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies.

Why I love this recipe

When it comes to desserts, you know I love all the best poke cakes! This Peanut Butter Poke Cake holds a special place in my heart, and for good reason. Here’s why I can’t get enough of it:

rich and indulgent flavor profile that satisfies even the most intense sweet cravings.
the perfect balance of moist cake, creamy pudding, and velvety frosting.
it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
the versatility of the recipe allows for endless variations and customization options.

Ingredients

chocolate cake mix, plus the ingredients on the back of the box to make the cake
instant vanilla pudding
milk
peanut butter
chocolate frosting
whipped topping
mini Reese’s cups

Step by step

Prepare the cake mix in a large mixing bowl according to the back of the box. Pour in a 9×13 baking dish and bake according to the box. Let the cake cool completely for 15-20 minutes, using the round end of a wooden spoon poke holes all around the cake, about 1/2 inch apart from each other.
In a small bowl add the pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes or until it is dissolved all the way.
Add in 1/2 cup of peanut butter and whisk again until completely mixed together. Pour the pudding mixture all over top of the cake making sure it falls and gets in the holes.
In a microwave safe bowl add the chocolate frosting and microwave for 10-20 seconds or until the frosting is melted. Pour it all over top of the cake and spread it lightly around the entire cake with the back side of a spoon or spatula. Place the cake in the fridge for 30-40 minutes.
In a large bowl add the 1 cup of peanut butter and the whipped topping, stir until everything is completely mixed together. Spread over the top of the cake, don’t worry, the chocolate frosting will end up mixing with the whipped peanut butter and start to swirl as you mix it, it’ll look weird at first but it turns out pretty.
Sprinkle the Reese’s cups all over the top of the cake (whole or chopped your choice) and then place in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. Slice and enjoy!

spreading peanut butter on peanut butter poke cake

Tips for Best Results

Allow the cake to cool completely before poking the holes and adding the pudding mixture. This will prevent the cake from crumbling or becoming too soggy.
Don’t skip the step of refrigerating the cake after adding the chocolate frosting and whipped peanut butter topping. Chilling helps the layers set and enhances the overall texture and flavor.
Feel free to get creative with the toppings and decorations. Whether you prefer extra peanut butter cups, chocolate drizzle, or a sprinkle of sea salt, make it your own and enjoy every indulgent bite.

Variations

Want to switch things up and add your own twist to this classic recipe? Here are a few variations to consider:

swap out the chocolate cake mix for a chocolate fudge or devil’s food cake mix for an even richer chocolate flavor.
use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture and nuttiness.
experiment with different types of chocolate candies or toppings, such as chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate shavings, or chocolate sprinkles.

Serving suggestions

While this poke cake is a showstopper on its own, you can take your dessert game to the next level by pairing it with a few complementary treats. Serve slices of this decadent cake alongside:

a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic indulgence
drizzles of warm chocolate sauce for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness
freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors of the cake

Storage

If you somehow manage to have leftovers of this irresistible dessert, storing them properly will ensure they stay fresh and delicious.

Simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!