Introduction

This Peanut Butter and Jelly Poke Cake is a nostalgic twist on the classic sandwich, transformed into a moist, flavorful dessert. Combining rich peanut butter and sweet strawberry jam in a tender yellow cake makes for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

The image shows a thick square slice of cake on a white plate with small golden dots. The cake has two visible layers of light golden sponge with a red jam swirl inside each layer. On top, there is a creamy beige frosting spread evenly, decorated with red sauce drizzles and small chopped nuts scattered over it. The texture of the cake sponge looks soft and crumbly, and the jam appears glossy and slightly sticky. In the background, a large rectangular cake of the same kind sits on a white baking tray on a white marbled surface with a jar of red jam nearby, and a fork is placed on the plate next to the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1 ¼ cups milk
½ cup salted butter (melted)
1 ¾ cups peanut butter (divided, creamy or chunky will work)
1 ¼ cup strawberry jam (divided)
8 ounces container whipped topping
¼ cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and 1 cup of peanut butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Step 2: Add the eggs, milk, and melted butter to the crumbly mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened, then beat on high speed for 2 minutes.
Step 3: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the warm cake.
Step 7: Microwave the jam for about 30 seconds until it’s thin and pourable. Carefully pour the jam evenly over the cake, filling the holes.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely for about an hour.
Step 9: Meanwhile, beat the remaining ¾ cup of peanut butter with an electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes.
Step 10: Gently fold in the whipped topping in three additions, blending after each until well combined.
Step 11: Spread the peanut butter whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake.
Step 12: Place ¼ cup of jam and ¼ cup of peanut butter into two separate bowls and microwave each for about 10 seconds until thin.
Step 13: Drizzle the warmed peanut butter and jam over the whipped topping for extra flavor and decoration.
Step 14: Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Chunky peanut butter adds extra texture, but creamy works well too.
Try using raspberry or grape jam for a different fruity twist.
Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave if you prefer a softer texture.

How to Serve

A square piece of cake sits in the middle of a white plate with small raised dots around the edge. The cake has two layers of light brown sponge with a layer of red jam in the middle and some jam coming out from the side. The top layer is light cream with a drizzle of caramel and red sauce, sprinkled with crushed peanuts. A fork with a bite-sized piece of cake rests on the plate's edge. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with a white dish of the same cake, a jar of red jam, a jar of caramel sauce, and a white and red striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?

Yes, homemade yellow cake works well. Just ensure you have approximately the same amount of batter and follow the same baking time and temperature.

What type of peanut butter is best for this recipe?

Both creamy and chunky peanut butter work well. Creamy gives a smoother texture while chunky adds a bit of crunch. Use salted peanut butter for balanced flavor.