Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

If you’re a dessert lover who can’t resist the rich, dreamy pairing of chocolate and peanut butter, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a moist, tender dark chocolate cake soaked in a silky peanut butter glaze, then topped with fluffy peanut butter whipped cream—it’s the ultimate indulgence in every bite.

This cake takes the concept of a traditional poke cake and elevates it with premium ingredients like dark cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, and smooth peanut butter. The result is a dessert that’s both luscious and comforting, with irresistible layers of flavor and texture. It’s sweet, slightly salty, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth good.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just when you’re craving something special, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It also holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Whether you’re a casual home baker or a chocolate-peanut butter fanatic, this recipe delivers decadent results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Moist Cake – Deep, dark chocolate cake with a soft, velvety crumb.
2. Incredible Peanut Butter Glaze – Sweet, nutty, and soaks right into the cake.
3. Fluffy Peanut Butter Cream Topping – Light, airy, and perfectly balanced.
4. Easy to Make Ahead – Great for entertaining or prepping in advance.
5. Layered Flavor and Texture – Every bite offers chocolatey richness, creamy glaze, and whipped topping.

Ingredients

For the Dark Chocolate Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Premium dark cocoa powder (like Cacao Barry Extra Brute)
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Hot water
• Vegetable oil
• Pure vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Glaze:

• Smooth peanut butter
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Whole milk

For the Peanut Butter Whipped Cream:

• Smooth peanut butter
• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar (sifted)
• Vanilla extract

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the glaze for extra texture.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel on top for even more decadence.
• Peanut Crunch Topping: Top with chopped roasted peanuts for a satisfying crunch.
• Chocolate Ganache Layer: Spread a thin layer of ganache between the glaze and whipped cream.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, hot water, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Glaze

While the cake bakes, combine peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Poke and Soak

When the cake is done, let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.

Step 4: Chill

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the glaze to set.

Step 5: Make the Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

Beat the peanut butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla and whip until fluffy and soft peaks form.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

Spread the peanut butter whipped cream over the chilled cake. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers covered in the fridge.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise.
• Don’t skip the poking—this step ensures every bite is full of peanut butter flavor.
• For extra peanut flavor, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the cake batter.
• Chill the cake well before adding the whipped cream to keep it fluffy.
• Use a serrated knife to slice cleanly through the layers.

How to Serve

• Chilled: Best served cold from the fridge for maximum creaminess.
• With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Drizzled: Add chocolate syrup or melted peanut butter on top before serving.
• Decorated: Sprinkle with mini peanut butter cups or chocolate shavings.
• For Parties: Cut into small squares and serve on a platter for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover and refrigerate the cake for up to 4–5 days. The flavors intensify over time!

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted cake after poking and glazing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw, frost, and serve.

Reheating

This cake is best served cold, but you can microwave slices for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey bite.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter may be too oily—stick to a no-stir variety like Skippy for best results.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and glaze the cake a day in advance, then frost the day of serving.

3. Is this recipe overly sweet?

It’s sweet, but the dark chocolate and peanut butter balance it beautifully.

4. Can I make cupcakes instead?

Yes, use the same batter and reduce bake time to 18–22 minutes.

5. Can I skip the glaze?

It’s not recommended—it adds incredible moisture and flavor.

6. Can I use boxed cake mix?

Sure! Use a dark chocolate cake mix as a shortcut, but homemade yields better texture.

7. What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

8. How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

9. Is the whipped cream stable?

Yes, but store it in the fridge and serve within a few days.

10. Can I add more peanut butter flavor?

Yes, swirl some into the glaze or batter, or add chopped peanut butter candies on top.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With a rich cake base, creamy glaze, and cloud-like peanut butter whipped topping, it hits every craving in one perfect slice. Whether you’re serving it for a celebration or just treating yourself, this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

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