Save
Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke is a decadent dessert that combines moist chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter filling. Topped with a smooth cream cheese whipped topping and accented by chopped Reese’s Cups, this treat is perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulging in as a special occasion dessert.
I first made this for a birthday party, and everyone was obsessed with how the peanut butter oozed through every bite. It quickly became a requested dessert for holidays and celebrations.
Ingredients
- Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix: provides a moist and deeply chocolatey foundation choose your favorite brand for quality
- Creamy peanut butter: melts smoothly into the filling and drizzling use natural or commercial depending on your sweetness preference
- Sweetened condensed milk: adds thickness and a caramel like sweetness to the filling
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: thickens the filling and adds a subtle vanilla flavor check freshness for best results
- Whole milk at room temperature: necessary for proper pudding mix incorporation and smooth texture
- Cream cheese softened: creates a tangy and rich whipped topping soften thoroughly to avoid lumps
- Powdered sugar: sweetens the whipped topping without graininess
- Heavy whipping cream: whipped to stiff peaks for the light texture of the topping
- Vanilla extract: enhances the flavor of the cream cheese topping
- Reese’s Cups chopped: adds chocolate peanut butter crunch on top and ties the theme together
- Reese’s Pieces: colorful garnish that adds a fun touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Prepare the chocolate cake batter following the instructions on the box, usually involving eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a 23 by 33 centimeter baking dish and bake according to package directions. Once baked, remove the cake and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Poke Holes in the Cake:
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, carefully poke holes about 2 centimeters apart all over the surface of the warm cake. These holes allow the filling to seep in and create the signature poke effect. Let the cake cool further while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- Microwave the creamy peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl in 15 second intervals, stirring between each, until it is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and room temperature milk until just smooth but not thickened. Quickly whisk the peanut butter mixture into the pudding mixture until fully blended.
- Fill the Cake:
- Transfer half of the peanut butter filling into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off. Generously fill each hole with the peanut butter filling using the bag. Spread the remaining filling evenly over the surface of the cake. Refrigerate the cake for about 2 hours so the filling can set.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Whipped Topping:
- Beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract together for 1 minute until creamy. Add powdered sugar and one third of the heavy whipping cream. Beat on low speed until combined. Gradually add the remaining cream and increase the speed to medium high. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Top and Garnish:
- Spread the cream cheese whipped topping evenly across the chilled cake, smoothing the surface. Melt the remaining peanut butter and drizzle it over the whipped topping in a swirling or marbled pattern using a skewer or toothpick. Garnish with chopped Reese’s Cups and scatter Reese’s Pieces on top for a festive finish. Store the cake covered in the refrigerator.
Save
This cake holds a special place in my heart because it was the first recipe I made for my partner’s family gathering. The peanut butter filling softened the cake so beautifully and everyone was amazed at how simple but impressive it looked with the garnishes.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The peanut butter filling and cream cheese topping maintain their texture well but avoid freezing as it can alter the cake’s moistness and the texture of the whipped topping.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a less sweet version, use natural peanut butter and reduce the powdered sugar. For a dairy free option substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with your favorite non dairy alternatives and use a vegan cake mix. If Reese’s Cups are not available, chopped peanut butter cups or chocolate chips work well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices chilled with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. This dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a light fruit salad to add brightness to this rich treat.
Pro Tips
- Make sure the cake is slightly warm but not hot when poking holes to avoid breaking the cake apart.
- Use room temperature ingredients especially milk and cream cheese for a smooth, lump free filling and frosting.
- Don’t skip chilling the cake after filling to allow all the flavors to meld and the filling to set perfectly.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the cake soaks up the filling properly?
Poke holes evenly about 2 cm apart while the chocolate cake is still warm. This allows the peanut butter filling to seep deeply, creating moist bites.
- → Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth filling and drizzle. Natural peanut butter may alter texture and require stirring before melting.
- → What’s the best way to achieve a fluffy whipped topping?
Use softened cream cheese and heavy cream cold from the fridge. Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and gradually add whipped cream, increasing speed until stiff peaks form.
- → How should leftovers be stored for freshness?
Cover the dessert and refrigerate for up to three days to maintain moisture and texture.
- → Can this dessert be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal to prepare and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and filling to set.
- → What garnishes complement the peanut butter flavor?
Chopped chocolate candy cups and candy pieces add texture and enhance the nutty, chocolaty profile.