Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. This decadent cake features a moist, rich chocolate base that’s poked and drenched in a luscious peanut butter ganache, creating irresistible pockets of nutty goodness in every bite. It’s then topped with a light, fluffy peanut butter whipped topping and finished with crunchy peanuts and mini chocolate chips for the perfect combination of textures. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just need a showstopping dessert, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

What sets this poke cake apart is its homemade chocolate cake made from scratch with rich cocoa powder and a hint of espresso to deepen the flavor. The peanut butter ganache soaks into the holes, infusing the cake with creaminess and bold peanut flavor. It’s easy to make and even easier to love, striking a perfect balance between sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. This cake will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep Chocolate Flavor

Made with cocoa and espresso powder for a rich, intense chocolate base.

Peanut Butter Ganache

Infuses the cake with silky smooth peanut butter flavor in every bite.

Homemade and Impressive

A fully homemade dessert that looks bakery-worthy.

Perfect Texture Combo

Moist cake, creamy topping, and crunchy peanuts deliver a satisfying experience.

Ideal for Celebrations

A crowd-pleasing dessert for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Ingredients

Cake

• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
• Baking soda
• Table salt
• Espresso powder (optional)
• Cold water
• Vegetable oil
• Cider or white vinegar
• Pure vanilla extract

Peanut Butter Ganache

• Smooth peanut butter
• Finely chopped milk chocolate
• Heavy cream

Topping

• Heavy cream
• Pure vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Smooth peanut butter
• Roasted chopped peanuts
• Mini chocolate chips (optional)

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate in the ganache.
• Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and skip the chopped peanuts.
• Frosting Alternative: Use a cream cheese or chocolate frosting instead of peanut butter whipped topping.
• Add Caramel Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent finish.
• Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat the oven and grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and optional espresso powder.

Step 2

Add cold water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and pour into the prepared pan.

Step 3

Bake according to instructions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly.

Step 4

While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface.

Step 5

To make the ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over peanut butter and chopped milk chocolate. Stir until smooth and fully melted.

Step 6

Pour the peanut butter ganache evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let it cool completely.

Step 7

For the topping, whip cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, and smooth peanut butter until light and fluffy.

Step 8

Spread the peanut butter whipped topping over the cooled cake. Garnish with chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use room temperature ingredients for the topping to ensure smooth whipping.
• Don’t skip poking the holes—this allows the ganache to infuse the cake properly.
• Chill the cake before serving for the best texture and flavor contrast.
• Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate taste.
• Garnish just before serving to maintain crunch from the peanuts and chocolate chips.

How to Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature. This cake is rich and satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with a glass of milk or cup of coffee. For special occasions, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify as it sits.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (before adding whipped topping) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before finishing with the topping.

Reheating

Not recommended for reheating, as the topping is best served chilled. Let the cake sit at room temperature briefly if too cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes, for convenience you can substitute the homemade cake with your favorite boxed chocolate cake mix.

2. Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, substitute peanut butter with a nut-free alternative and omit chopped peanuts.

3. Why is vinegar used in the cake?

Vinegar reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise, especially in egg-free batters.

4. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Smooth peanut butter is best for ganache and topping texture, but crunchy can be used for extra texture.

5. Can I prepare this cake in advance?

Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld.

6. Do I have to poke holes in the cake?

Yes, poking holes ensures the ganache is absorbed throughout the cake.

7. What kind of milk chocolate should I use?

Use good-quality milk chocolate for a smooth ganache, either chips or finely chopped bars.

8. How do I store the whipped topping?

Keep the cake refrigerated to maintain the whipped topping’s texture.

9. Can I skip the chocolate chips on top?

Yes, they are optional but add nice texture and extra chocolate flavor.

10. Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and confirm all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone craving the classic chocolate and peanut butter combo. With layers of moist cake, silky ganache, and fluffy topping, every bite is rich, creamy, and satisfying. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just treating yourself, this homemade cake delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for celebrations and everyday indulgences alike.

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