Indulge in the decadent delight of Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake, a tantalizing treat that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. This moist and rich cake features layers of chocolate cake infused with hot fudge, creamy peanut butter pudding, and a luscious topping of Cool Whip, all crowned with chopped mini Reeses for the perfect finishing touch.
If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate and peanut butter combination, this cake is a must-try for any occasion. Easy to make yet absolutely delicious, this dessert is sure to steal the spotlight on any dessert table. Whether you stick to the original recipe or get creative with toppings like Reeses pieces, peanut butter chips, or chopped peanuts, this Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients
I always ensure I have the perfect mix of ingredients before starting any recipe. Here’s what you’ll need for this irresistible Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake.
For the Cake
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix (and ingredients listed on the package) OR homemade chocolate cake ingredients
- One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (divided)
- One 8-ounce tub whipped topping
- Peanut butter cups
- Additional peanut butter and fudge topping for garnish
For the Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter (I recommend Skippy)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (I recommend Skippy)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (measured then sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate peanut butter cups
- Peanuts
Ensure you have all these ingredients ready to create this delightful cake that blends chocolate and peanut butter flavors in the most delicious way possible.
Equipment Needed
For this Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake recipe, you’ll need the following equipment to make the baking process smooth and enjoyable:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon for poking holes
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Microwave-safe bowl (for warming frosting)
- Spatula for spreading frosting
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Having these essential tools ready will help you prepare and bake the delicious Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake with ease.
Preparation Steps
- Bake the Chocolate Cake:
- Prepare a chocolate cake following the box cake mix instructions.
- Let the cake cool before poking holes in it with the back end of a wooden spoon.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Pudding Layer:
- Make vanilla pudding according to the package instructions and mix it with creamy peanut butter until smooth.
- Spread this delightful mixture generously over the cooled cake.
- Add the Chocolate Frosting Layer:
- Melt chocolate frosting in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate frosting over the cake, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover with Peanut Butter Topping:
- Blend whipped topping with creamy peanut butter until well combined.
- Frost the cake generously with this delicious peanut butter topping.
- Sprinkle with Chopped Peanut Butter Cups:
- Finish by generously sprinkling chopped mini peanut butter cups over the top of the cake.
Baking the Cake
To start creating this indulgent Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake, follow these straightforward steps for baking the cake:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Follow the package instructions to prepare and bake the cake in a 13 x 9-inch cake pan.
- Allow the cake to cool for 15-20 minutes after baking.
- Poking Holes:
- Using the round end of a wooden spoon, poke holes in the cake at intervals of 1-2 inches. These holes will later be filled with the delicious fillings.
- Making the Peanut Butter Pudding:
- In a medium bowl, combine the pudding mix with milk and whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mix is fully dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the pudding mixture and continue whisking until smooth.
- Adding the Pudding Mixture:
- Pour the prepared pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes created in the cake as much as possible. This step infuses the cake with moisture and flavor.
- Drizzling Chocolate Frosting:
- In a microwavesafe bowl, heat the chocolate frosting for 15-20 seconds until it can be poured easily.
- Drizzle the warm chocolate frosting over the cake and spread it evenly using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula.
- Final Touches:
- Let the cake cool completely to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter with any additional toppings or garnishes of your choice.
By following these steps, you will create a mouthwatering Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake that is sure to delight all chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Adding the Peanut Butter Filling
To enhance the indulgent flavors of the Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake, the next step is to add the luscious peanut butter filling. This layer will bring a creamy and nutty contrast to the rich chocolate cake and elevate the overall dessert experience.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of smooth peanut butter (such as Skippy), 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz), 1/2 cup of whole milk, and 3/4 cup of smooth peanut butter (such as Skippy).
- Mix the ingredients until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy and spreadable.
- Spread the Filling Over the Cake:
- Once the chocolate cake has cooled, carefully spread the prepared peanut butter filling evenly on top of the cake layer. Ensure full coverage to infuse every bite with peanut butter goodness.
- Chill for Setting:
- Place the cake in the refrigerator to allow the peanut butter filling to set. This will also help the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
- Proceed with Topping:
- After the peanut butter filling has set, continue with topping the cake as per the recipe instructions. Be ready to add the final touches that will make this Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake a show-stopping dessert.
By following these steps to add the peanut butter filling, you are one step closer to savoring a delectable dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of peanut butter with the richness of chocolate. Get ready to indulge in a decadent treat that will surely impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for a delightful flavor combination.
Finishing Touches
Applying the Toppings
To elevate the already decadent Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake, I recommend applying a lavish amount of toppings. Once the cake has cooled and the peanut butter filling has set, it’s time to enhance its visual appeal and flavor profile with a variety of delicious toppings.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: Start by generously sprinkling chopped chocolate peanut butter cups over the entire surface of the cake. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate will add a delightful texture and taste to each serving.
Peanuts: For an extra crunch and a touch of saltiness, consider adding some chopped peanuts on top of the cake. These will provide a contrasting texture to the smoothness of the cake and complement the sweet flavors perfectly.
Serving and Presentation
After the Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake has been assembled and chilled to perfection, it’s time to serve and present this heavenly dessert. Here are the final steps to ensure a visually appealing and delicious experience:
Step 1: Slicing and Plating
Carefully slice the chilled cake into generous squares using a sharp knife. The layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter pudding, and sweet toppings should be beautifully visible in each slice.
Step 2: Garnishing
Enhance the presentation of each slice by adding a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also sprinkle some chopped peanuts or mini chocolate peanut butter cups for an extra touch of indulgence.
Step 3: Serving Suggestions
Serve the Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. Pair each slice with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich sweetness of the cake.
Step 4: Final Touches
Before serving, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over each slice for a decorative finish. The combination of warm chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and fluffy cake is sure to delight your taste buds.
Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite of this irresistible Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake. Perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings, this dessert is bound to impress your guests with its rich, chocolaty, and nutty goodness.
Storage Tips
After indulging in this decadent Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake, you’ll likely want to save some for later. Here are some handy storage tips to keep your cake fresh and delicious:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container.
- Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure that your Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake stays moist and flavorful for several days, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat whenever the craving strikes.
Conclusion
Creating a Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake is a delightful experience that combines the richness of chocolate with the nutty goodness of peanut butter. This indulgent dessert is a must-try for anyone who loves the classic flavor combination. With layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter pudding, and a creamy topping, this cake promises a burst of flavors in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, this cake is sure to impress with its decadent taste and texture. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can easily whip up a delicious treat that will leave your guests craving for more. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself to a slice of this heavenly Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake.
