Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke (Printable)

Moist chocolate cake filled with peanut butter pudding, whipped cream, and a chocolate-peanut butter drizzle topping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Components

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→ Peanut Butter Filling

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→ Whipped Cream Topping

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→ Chocolate Peanut Butter Drizzle

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→ Optional Garnishes

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# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Prepare chocolate cake batter according to package instructions. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
03 - Let cake cool for 10 minutes. Using wooden spoon handle, poke holes evenly across surface at 1-inch intervals.
04 - Whisk instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in medium bowl for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in peanut butter until completely smooth.
05 - Pour peanut butter pudding mixture evenly over warm cake, using spatula to spread and fill all holes. Refrigerate covered for 1 hour.
06 - Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in large bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream evenly over chilled cake.
07 - Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and heavy cream for 30 seconds. Stir until completely smooth, microwaving additional 10 seconds if needed.
08 - Drizzle chocolate mixture over whipped cream layer. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and halved peanut butter cups if using.
09 - Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and drizzle to set.

# Expert Tips:

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  • The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates that perfect sweet and salty balance everyone craves
  • Make ahead convenience means you can actually enjoy your own party instead of stressing about dessert timing
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  • Resist the urge to poke holes while the cake is piping hot or the structure will collapse and your filling will pool unevenly
  • The refrigeration time is non negotiable because the filling needs to set completely before adding the whipped cream layer
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  • Warm your knife in hot water between cuts for perfectly clean slices
  • Make this the day before for the most cohesive flavor development

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