Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is an indulgent dessert that perfectly blends rich, dark chocolate with creamy peanut butter in every bite. This cake starts with a moist and tender chocolate base made from premium cocoa powder and buttermilk, creating deep chocolate flavor and a soft crumb. The magic happens when the cake is “poked” with holes after baking and filled with a luscious peanut butter glaze, allowing the sweet, creamy peanut butter mixture to soak deep into the cake layers. Topped with a fluffy peanut butter whipped cream and garnished with chocolate peanut butter cups and peanuts, this cake is a dream for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike.

The combination of textures and flavors—from fudgy cake to silky glaze and airy whipped cream—makes this cake a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It’s both decadent and approachable, using simple pantry ingredients elevated by thoughtful techniques like the poke method and homemade peanut butter whipped cream. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a luxurious treat, this poke cake offers a perfect balance of chocolate intensity and peanut butter sweetness that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, rich chocolate cake made with premium cocoa powder for intense flavor

Peanut butter glaze that soaks into the cake, keeping it moist and flavorful
Light and fluffy peanut butter whipped cream topping for a perfect contrast
Easy poke cake technique that adds flavor and moisture throughout

Beautiful and delicious presentation with chocolate peanut butter cups and peanuts

Ingredients

Dark Chocolate Cake

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar

Premium cocoa powder
Baking soda
Baking powder

Salt
Eggs (room temperature)
Buttermilk (room temperature)

Hot water
Vegetable oil
Pure vanilla extract

Peanut Butter Glaze

Smooth peanut butter
Sweetened condensed milk
Whole milk

Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

Smooth peanut butter
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar (sifted)

Vanilla extract

Garnish

Chocolate peanut butter cups
Peanuts

Variations

Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter in the glaze or whipped cream for added texture.
Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
Chocolate Ganache Topping: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache instead of or along with the peanut butter whipped cream.

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
Mini Cakes: Bake in cupcake tins for individual servings.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven and grease a baking pan. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, hot water, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Glaze

Combine smooth peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and warm.

Step 4: Poke and Fill the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake. Pour the warm peanut butter glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.

Step 5: Prepare Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, whipping until stiff peaks form.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Spread peanut butter whipped cream evenly over the cake. Garnish with chopped chocolate peanut butter cups and peanuts.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk to help the batter combine smoothly.

Be gentle when poking the cake to avoid breaking it apart.
Warm the peanut butter glaze but do not boil it to maintain creamy texture.
Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for better volume.

Store leftover cake covered in the fridge to keep whipped cream fresh.

How to Serve

Serve chilled slices of this cake for a decadent dessert experience. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or milk for a comforting treat. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you want an indulgent chocolate and peanut butter fix.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

The cake can be frozen without whipped cream for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then add fresh whipped cream before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating to preserve the whipped cream texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter works but may alter the consistency of the glaze and whipped cream.

2. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

You can substitute cocoa powder with Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder chocolate flavor.

3. How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Soaking the cake with the peanut butter glaze ensures moistness.

4. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk alternatives and non-dairy cream substitutes.

5. How long does the whipped cream stay fresh?

Peanut butter whipped cream stays fresh for up to 2 days refrigerated.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double ingredients and bake in a larger pan or multiple pans.

7. What size pan should I use?

A 9×13 inch baking pan is ideal for this cake.

8. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, for texture, but the glaze may be less smooth.

9. How do I store leftovers with whipped cream?

Keep covered tightly in the refrigerator to prevent drying.

10. Can I skip the glaze?

The glaze adds moisture and flavor, but you can omit it if preferred.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a luscious, multi-textured dessert that masterfully combines intense chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Its moist cake soaked in peanut butter glaze topped with fluffy peanut butter whipped cream and crunchy garnishes makes it a showstopper for any occasion. Simple to make yet impressive to serve, this cake is perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers seeking a homemade indulgence.