Description
A simple, budget-friendly poke cake made with yellow cake mix, peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and Reese’s peanut butter cups. It is a crowd-pleasing dessert that takes less than 30 minutes of active work.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- Ingredients from box (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (128g) smooth peanut butter
- 1 bag (10-12 oz) Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pinch of flaky salt (optional)
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare cake batter according to box directions. Pour into pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes until warm but not hot.
- Poke holes all over the cake using a wooden spoon handle or fork, spacing them about an inch apart.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the warm cake, using a spatula to help it enter the holes.
- Let the cake sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the filling to soak in.
- Chop Reese’s peanut butter cups and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with heavy cream.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth (about 1-2 minutes total).
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cake and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or flaky salt if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to set before cutting.
Notes
The cake must be warm when poking holes and pouring filling for best absorption. Do not substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk. Melt chocolate gently to avoid seizing. Chill thoroughly before cutting for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Reese's, poke cake, peanut butter, chocolate, family dessert, budget-friendly, easy cake, weeknight dinner