Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake

The delicious chocolate and peanut butter duo join forces to create this irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake. It’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, birthdays, and more!

This incredibly rich Peanut Butter Poke Cake is made with a boxed cake mix. It’s baked and then it is saturated with a creamy pudding and peanut butter mixture. This mixture seeps through the poked holes on top of the cake. The cake is then slathered with chocolate frosting and a fluffy whipped cream and peanut butter topping. Finally, it’s garnished with mini Reese’s cups for the ultimate big finish!

This show-stopper cake is easy to make, but you must factor in time. I like to make it the night before, at least, I start it then. Cake cooling time and refrigerator time are needed for everything to be set before it’s served.

Ingredients Needed

For The Cake:
Chocolate Cake Mix—15 oz box. The cake ingredients are on the back of the box. Use your favorite brand.

For The Filling:
Instant Vanilla Pudding – 3.4 oz box
Cold Milk – 2 cups

For The Frosting:
Peanut Butter – 1 and 1/2 cups, divided. I use smooth peanut butter.
Chocolate Frosting – 16 oz, use your favorite brand
Frozen Whipped Topping – 8 oz., thawed

For The Garnish
Mini Reese’s Cups – about 25, whole or chopped, your choice

How To Make Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake

Note: This is a summary of the steps. For the complete instructions, see the recipe card below.

STEP 1: Prepare the cake as instructed on the boxed cake mix package. Bake it in a 13 x 9-inch pan. Let the cake cool before proceeding to the next step.

STEP 2: Use the round end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all around the cake. You can also use a wide straw. The holes should be about 1/2 inch apart.

STEP 3: Make the pudding mix by adding the dry mix to a small bowl with the cold milk. Whisk until dissolved completely. Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter and whisk again until completely mixed. Pour the pudding mixture all over the cake’s top, ensuring it gets in the holes.

STEP 4: Add the chocolate frosting to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for 10-20 seconds, heating it until melted. Pour it over the top of the cake and spread it lightly around the entire cake. Place the cake in the fridge for 30-40 minutes.

STEP 5: Mix 1 cup of peanut butter and the thawed whipped topping in a large bowl. Spread the mixture over the top of the cake. It will mix with the chocolate frosting just a bit, creating a pretty swirl.

STEP 6: Sprinkle the Reese’s cups all over the top of the cake and refrigerate for 3-4 hours before serving.

What Is A Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a cake that has been baked, cooled, and then pierced with holes on the top. A liquid mixture, usually a creamy pudding, jello, or other substance, is poured over the holes. This helps saturate the cake and makes it moist and flavorful. Need more poke cake inspiration? Try my scrumptious Banana Pudding Poke Cake or my colorful St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake. And don’t forget my Flag Poke Cake Recipe, which is perfect for Independence Day.

Best Way To Poke Holes In A Cake

Bake the cake and let it cool. Then, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the top of the cake. Alternatively, a thick, wide straw can be used. Poke only about 3/4 of the way through the cake. Leave a thin layer untouched at the bottom. This is important so that the base doesn’t become soggy.

Can I Make Cupcakes With This Recipe?

Sure! Follow the recipe, mix the cake into lined muffin tins, and bake. Let the cupcakes cool completely before poking holes in them and pouring the jello mixture over them. Note: I suggest making one large hole in the center of the cupcake. Make sure not to poke to the bottom. Only go about 3/4 of the way down. Refrigerate the cupcakes overnight. Frost them the next day according to the instructions. Finally, garnish with the mini Reese’s cups.

Storage

Keep leftovers tightly covered and refrigerated. The cake will keep for 3-4 days.

More Chocolate And Peanut Butter Recipes

Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
No-Bake Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna
Peanut Butter Brownie Pizza
Best Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Eggs