Reese’s Peanut Butter Poke Cake Recipe

Treat yourself to the ultimate chocolate-and-peanut butter experience with this Reese’s Peanut Butter Poke Cake. This decadent dessert combines moist chocolate cake with luscious peanut butter filling, a cloud of whipped topping, and plenty of Reese’s candies.

It’s a guaranteed hit for birthdays, potlucks, or any gathering where you want dessert to steal the show. With easy assembly and endless topping options, this poke cake delivers rich flavor and fun presentation in every bite.

Ingredients Checklist

Before starting, assemble everything you need for the cake, fillings, and toppings:

For the Cake:

• 1 box devil’s food or chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as listed on the box)

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 jar (12 oz) hot fudge or chocolate sauce, warmed

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix

• 2 cups cold milk

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

For the Topping:

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

• ½ cup Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter chips, or chopped peanuts (optional)

• Warm chocolate sauce or extra peanut butter for drizzling (optional)

Essential Equipment:

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Wooden spoon (for poking holes)

• Mixing bowls and electric mixer

• Microwave-safe bowl

• Rubber spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.

• Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions and bake until a toothpick comes out clean (usually 28–32 minutes).

• Let cake cool for 10–15 minutes, but do not remove from pan.

2. Poke the Cake:

• With the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the warm cake, spacing about 1 inch apart. Go nearly to the bottom for best filling distribution.

3. Add Peanut Butter & Fudge:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, heat ¾ cup peanut butter until just pourable (about 20 seconds).

• Stir sweetened condensed milk into the peanut butter until smooth.

• Pour mixture evenly over the cake, aiming to fill the holes.

• Gently spread the warm hot fudge or chocolate sauce over the peanut butter layer for a decadent chocolate ribbon.

4. Make the Peanut Butter Pudding Layer:

• In a bowl, whisk pudding mix and 2 cups cold milk for 2 minutes.

• Whisk in ½ cup creamy peanut butter until fully blended and smooth.

• Immediately spread pudding mixture over the cake, pressing gently to fill the holes.

• Chill cake for at least 30–60 minutes so layers can set.

5. Add Whipped Topping:

• In a bowl, stir together whipped topping and ¼ cup creamy peanut butter until smooth (for an extra peanut butter boost).

• Spread evenly over chilled cake.

6. Finish and Decorate:

• Scatter chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter chips, or chopped peanuts over the top.

• For extra flair, drizzle with warm chocolate sauce or melted peanut butter.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Poke While Warm: Poke holes while the cake is still warm for easy filling absorption.

• Fill Holes Well: Use a small spoon or offset spatula to gently work fillings into holes for maximum flavor.

• Cool Between Layers: Chilling after the pudding layer helps the cake set and prevents a soggy texture.

• Customize Toppings: Swap toppings for what you love—try chocolate shavings, caramel, or pretzels for crunch.

• Make It Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cake mix, plant-based milk, and dairy-free whipped topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

• For parties, cut into generous squares and add a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.

• For special occasions, pipe extra peanut butter or chocolate ganache on top for a bakery finish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store Covered: Keep cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Make Ahead: Prepare the cake and add all layers except the toppings. Top just before serving for the freshest look.

• Freeze: The cake (without toppings) can be frozen up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge, add toppings, and serve.

Final Thoughts

Reese’s Peanut Butter Poke Cake is the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter dessert—simple enough for busy bakers, impressive enough for any event. With its creamy filling, moist cake, and candy-studded topping, this cake is pure comfort in every bite. Follow the step-by-step guide for bakery-quality results every time, and enjoy the endless ways to personalize your poke cake creation.