Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake (Easy Cake Mix Recipe)

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients listed on box (eggs, water, oil)
  • Want an easy shortcut to make this chocolate flavor even richer? Swap the water for brewed coffee! Read why it works here: Coffee in Chocolate Cake: Why It Makes It Taste Richer

Peanut Butter Filling

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (or cheesecake pudding is also amazing)
• 2 cups cold milk
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

• 1 container chocolate frosting (milk or dark — your choice!)
• 1–3 tbsp milk (to thin frosting for drizzling/spreading)

Optional “Make it Insane” Toppings.. 😉

• Mini peanut butter cups (chopped)
• Reese’s Pieces
• Crushed Oreos
• Chocolate chips
• Drizzle of melted peanut butter

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to the temperature listed on the cake mix box
• Make the chocolate cake batter using the box directions
• Let the cake cool for about 15–20 minutes (warm is good, hot is not)
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon and a dash of aggression to poke holes all over the cake (Poke deep enough so the filling can soak down into the cake)
  
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk
• Whisk for about 2 minutes until thickened
• Add the peanut butter (and vanilla if using)
• Whisk until smooth and creamy
  
• Pour the peanut butter filling over the cake
• Use a spatula to spread it evenly
• Gently press it so the filling sinks into the holes
  
• Refrigerate at least 1–2 hours (overnight is best)
• Microwave the frosting for 10–15 seconds to loosen it
• Stir in 1–3 tbsp milk until it’s drizzleable/spreadable
• Drizzle or spread frosting over the chilled cake and toss on your favorite toppings
• Refrigerate for several hours, but overnight is best for the best flavor and texture.(Here is the awesome reason why layered desserts are better the next day!)

Tips & Variations

• Want stronger peanut butter flavor? Add an extra 2–3 tbsp peanut butter to the filling
• Want it extra fluffy? Fold in 1–2 cups Cool Whip after the pudding thickens
• Want full candy-bar energy? Top with chopped mini Reese’s cups and Reese’s Pieces
• Make-ahead tip: This cake is better the next day because the filling fully soaks into the cake

If you’re craving easy make-ahead pudding desserts, check out this fast and easy Banana Cream Poke Cake, this shockingly decadent Gooey Quadruple Chocolate Oreo Cake, these Chocolate Strawberry Trifle Cups and of course…the famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe layers of vanilla wafers, barely ripe bananas, and cloud-like whipped pudding that chills into something creamy, nostalgic, and totally addictive!

If poke cakes are your vibe, don’t miss this full recipe list: Best Poke Cake Recipes (Super Easy Cake Mix Desserts)

If you love easy desserts, don’t miss this collection of epic cake mix desserts: Cake Mix Desserts (Easy Recipes That Taste Homemade).