There’s something magical about a poke cake. The very idea of a moist chocolate cake filled with creamy peanut butter goodness just makes my heart skip a beat. Flash back to childhood, and I can vividly recall my mother baking cakes, filling them with surprises that made every bite an adventure. As a child, I delightedly dug into desserts and relished the thrill of discovering unexpected tastes. Now as an adult, I seek to recreate that joy in my own kitchen, and nothing hits the spot quite like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake. With each delightful forkful, it’s a nostalgic reminder of sweetness, warmth, and the simple joys of baking from scratch—even if with a bit of help from a trusty cake mix!

Recipe Timing

Prep Duration: 15 minutes
Active Cooking: 30 minutes
Total Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)
Portion Size: 12 servings
Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

Calories per portion: Approximately 350
Protein: 6 grams
Carbs: 47 grams
Fats: 16 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Sugars: 29 grams
Sodium: 230 mg

Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake combines the rich taste of chocolate with the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter, taking your dessert experience to a whole new level. It’s an indulgence that feels comforting and celebratory at the same time—a perfect fit for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Plus, it brings the joy of poke cakes to your table, with a soft, gooey interior that draws you in with every slice. If you love peanut butter and chocolate (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), this cake is bound to become a cherished favorite.

The Complete Cooking Journey

Let’s dive into this sensational cake journey that begins with a simple box of chocolate cake mix and ends in a heavenly explosion of flavors. You’re just a few steps away from creating a delicious masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

1 box chocolate cake mix
4 large eggs
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup peanut butter
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whipped topping
1/2 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
Chocolate syrup for drizzling

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your cake releases effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until completely smooth and well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake according to the package directions until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before proceeding.

Step 4: Poke the Holes

Using the end of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Create the Peanut Butter Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Pour this heavenly mixture over the warm cake, letting it seep into those delightful holes.

Step 6: Cool Down

Allow the cake to cool completely. Once it’s fully cooled, spread the whipped topping over the top, creating a fluffy blanket of creaminess.

Step 7: Add the Crunch

Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups generously over the whipped topping, ensuring every slice has a taste of those chocolatey bites.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Drizzle the top with chocolate syrup and refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours before slicing into it. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair each slice of this decadent poke cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience. A cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk complements the rich flavors perfectly, making it a cozy treat any time of day.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Trust me, it never lasts that long in our house!

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the whipped topping for a sweet-salty contrast.
Make it a day ahead! This cake tastes even better the next day after all those flavors have melded together in the fridge.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a different kind of cake mix such as peanut butter or vanilla for a twist on this classic recipe.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Nut-Free Option: Substitute the peanut butter with sun butter for an equally delicious nut-free alternative.
Healthier Version: Use a sugar-free cake mix and natural peanut butter to reduce the sugar content without compromising flavor.

Reader Questions & Solutions

Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer from-scratch baking, just ensure to create a similarly moist chocolate cake for best results.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake but without the whipped topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and add the topping just before serving.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can substitute with heavy cream mixed with a bit of sugar as an alternative.
Can I add other candies to this cake?
Certainly! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Crushed Oreos, mini marshmallows, or even sliced bananas could be delicious additions.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The toothpick test is key! Once it comes out clean, your cake is ready to cool. If it has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes and test again.

Wrapping Up

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of all things indulgent and delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a quiet evening, this cake promises to bring joy to every bite. So don your apron, grab your favorite mixing bowl, and let’s create some sweet memories together! You deserve it!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake

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Author: camellia
Total Time: 165 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious chocolate cake filled with creamy peanut butter goodness, topped with whipped topping and chopped peanut butter cups.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box chocolate cake mix
4 large eggs
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup peanut butter
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whipped topping
1/2 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
Chocolate syrup for drizzling

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Instructions

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until completely smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake according to the package directions until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake.
In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Allow the cake to cool completely. Spread the whipped topping over the top.
Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups over the whipped topping.
Drizzle with chocolate syrup and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider sprinkling sea salt on top of the whipped topping. This cake also tastes better the next day!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 29g
Sodium: 230mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg