Description

This Peanut Butter and Jelly Poke Cake transforms a nostalgic favorite into a moist and decadent dessert. A fluffy peanut butter cake is filled with sweet jelly and topped with creamy peanut butter frosting, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, or any sweet craving.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Filling:

¾ cup strawberry or grape jelly (or preferred jam)

For the Frosting:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk (adjust for consistency)

Optional Garnishes:

Crushed peanuts
Extra jelly drizzle
Mini peanut butter cups

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour mixture.
Pour batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool for 10 minutes before poking holes all over with the end of a wooden spoon or straw.

Step 2: Add the Jelly Filling

In a small saucepan, warm jelly over low heat until pourable.
Carefully pour jelly into the holes, allowing it to seep into the cake.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat peanut butter and butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
Stir in vanilla extract and gradually add milk to reach desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Spread peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Optional: Drizzle extra jelly on top and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
Slice and serve!

Notes

Use different jelly flavors like raspberry, blackberry, or apricot.
Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the frosting.
Make cupcakes instead of a full cake by adjusting baking time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
cooling time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Peanut Butter Cake, Poke Cake, PB&J Dessert, Nostalgic Treat, Easy Party Cake