Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the rich depth of dark chocolate cake with the creamy indulgence of peanut butter. This cake is a showstopper that’s perfect for celebrations or whenever you need a luscious treat. The magic happens when the warm chocolate cake is “poked” and filled with a silky peanut butter glaze that seeps into every bite, creating moist pockets of peanut butter goodness throughout. It’s then topped with a fluffy peanut butter whipped cream that adds a light, airy contrast to the dense cake below.

The combination of smooth peanut butter and rich cocoa creates a harmonious flavor pairing that peanut butter and chocolate lovers adore. This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, especially when garnished with chocolate peanut butter cups and crunchy peanuts. Despite its impressive flavor and texture, this recipe is straightforward to follow and uses familiar ingredients, making it accessible to home bakers. Whether for a birthday, a party, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this poke cake delivers on every level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Rich Cake: Dark chocolate cake infused with peanut butter glaze keeps it ultra moist.

Flavorful Layers: The peanut butter glaze seeps through the cake for deep, creamy pockets.
Light and Fluffy Topping: Peanut butter whipped cream adds a smooth, airy finish.
Impressive Yet Simple: Stunning dessert with straightforward steps.

Perfect Peanut Butter-Chocolate Combo: Classic flavors everyone loves.

Ingredients

For Dark Chocolate Cake

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar

Cocoa powder (preferably premium quality)
Baking soda
Baking powder

Salt
Eggs
Buttermilk

Hot water
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract

For Peanut Butter Glaze

Smooth peanut butter
Sweetened condensed milk
Whole milk

For Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

Smooth peanut butter
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar

Vanilla extract

Garnish

Chocolate peanut butter cups
Peanuts

Variations

Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Chocolate Variation: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips as garnish instead of peanut butter cups.
Sugar-Free: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free alternative and adjust sugar in whipped cream.

Whipped Cream Swap: Use whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or peanut brittle into the glaze for texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.

Step 4

Carefully stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and well blended.

Step 5

Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6

Allow the cake to cool slightly, then poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer.

Step 7

Make the peanut butter glaze by whisking together peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk until smooth.

Step 8

Pour the glaze evenly over the cake, letting it sink into the holes.

Step 9

Chill the cake while you prepare the peanut butter whipped cream.

Step 10

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 11

Gently fold in peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 12

Spread the peanut butter whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.

Step 13

Garnish with chocolate peanut butter cups and peanuts as desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smooth batter.
Poke the holes evenly so the glaze distributes well.
Use premium cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.

Chill the cake before adding whipped cream to help it set properly.
Fold whipped cream gently to keep it airy and light.

How to Serve

Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Cut into squares and use a spatula to lift portions cleanly.
Pair with a glass of cold milk or coffee.
Garnish additional chopped peanuts on the side for extra crunch.

Perfect for birthdays, parties, or indulgent weekend treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled; reheating is not recommended as it affects texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (without whipped cream topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding whipped cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of premium?

Yes, but premium cocoa powder provides deeper, richer flavor.

2. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and coconut cream whipped topping.

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

A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

4. Can I substitute peanut butter?

Sunflower seed or almond butter works but will alter flavor.

5. What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Use milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

6. Can I skip the poke step?

Poking allows the glaze to seep in, so skipping will change texture.

7. How long can I keep the cake?

Refrigerated, it stays fresh for about 3 days.

8. Can I prepare the peanut butter whipped cream in advance?

Make it just before serving for best texture.

9. How to prevent whipped cream from deflating?

Chill the bowl and beaters, and fold peanut butter gently.

10. Can I add other toppings?

Yes, fresh berries or chocolate shavings complement the flavors well.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a decadent and crowd-pleasing dessert that expertly combines the richness of chocolate with the creamy indulgence of peanut butter. Its moist, flavor-infused cake, silky peanut butter glaze, and light whipped cream topping create layers of taste and texture that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Simple to prepare yet impressive on the table, this poke cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you want a truly special dessert.