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Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

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A decadent layered dessert featuring rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, glossy chocolate ganache, and a crunchy Whoppers topping. This poke cake transforms a boxed cake mix into a show-stopping treat perfect for parties or holidays.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 12-16 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (any brand)
  • Eggs, oil, and water (as called for on cake mix box)
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for baking into cake)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (no-stir, shelf-stable)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for filling)
  • 1 1/2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips (for ganache)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
  • 11 1/2 cups Whoppers (malted milk chocolate balls, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. Halfway through baking, sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips over batter to melt in.
  2. Once baked, cool cake for 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon, spaced about 1 inch apart.
  3. In a bowl, whisk peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream until smooth and pourable.
  4. Pour peanut butter filling evenly over warm cake, spreading gently to help it seep into holes. Chill cake in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  5. Make ganache: place 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips in a bowl. Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until hot (not boiling), pour over chips, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  6. Spread ganache over chilled cake evenly with a spatula.
  7. Sprinkle Whoppers over ganache, pressing gently into surface.
  8. Chill cake for 1–2 hours before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use a no-stir creamy peanut butter for best results; natural varieties may separate.
  • Dark chocolate chips can be used to balance sweetness.
  • Garnish variations: peanut butter cups, Oreos, or pretzels for added crunch.
  • Can be made a day ahead—flavors improve overnight.
  • Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition