The Sweetest Peanut Butter and Jelly Poke Cake Recipe Ever

Memories of childhood lunches dance through my mind whenever peanut butter and jelly surprise me with nostalgic flavors.

Classic combinations never lose their magical appeal in dessert form.

Sweet memories merge with playful cake textures in this delightful recipe.

Soft layers promise comfort and joy with every delectable bite.

Creamy peanut butter mingles with fruity jelly, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary when mixed with love and creativity.

You’ll want to savor each mouthwatering slice and share this delightful treat with everyone around you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter And Jelly Poke Cake

• What makes this poke cake different from a regular cake?

This poke cake is special because it’s filled with jelly that seeps into the holes, creating a surprise burst of fruity flavor in every bite. The unique technique ensures that each slice is moist and packed with delicious jelly goodness.

• Can I use any type of jelly for this recipe?

While you can use different jelly flavors, grape or strawberry jelly works best for the classic PB&J taste. Choose a smooth jelly that will easily pour into the cake holes for the best results.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids will love helping to poke holes in the cake and watching the jelly fill them. It’s a fun baking activity that creates delicious memories and teaches basic baking skills.

• How do I know if I've poked enough holes in the cake?

Aim to create holes about 1 inch apart across the entire cake surface. This ensures that every slice gets an even distribution of jelly and maximizes the PB&J flavor throughout the cake.

Why Peanut Butter And Jelly Poke Cake Is A Nostalgic Surprise

• Whip Up Nostalgic Comfort: This peanut butter and jelly poke cake transforms childhood sandwich memories into a delightful dessert that brings instant smiles and warm feelings.
• Conquer Quick Baking: Using boxed cake mix and simple ingredients means even novice bakers can create an impressive treat without complicated techniques or lengthy preparation time.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping jelly flavors, adding optional peanut toppings, and adjusting frosting consistency to match personal taste preferences and creativity.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for casual gatherings, kids' parties, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone loves a classic flavor combination that appeals to all ages.

Everything You Need For Peanut Butter And Jelly Poke Cake

• White Cake Mix: A classic base for a soft and fluffy foundation of the dessert.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps create moisture and tender texture in the cake.
• Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the cake mix.

• Grape Jelly, Strawberry Jelly: Sweet and fruity spread that adds moisture and vibrant flavor to the cake. Look for seedless varieties for smooth texture.
• Smooth Peanut Butter: Creamy and rich spread that brings classic PB&J flavor. Choose creamy for easier mixing.

• Powdered Sugar, Butter, Peanut Butter: Combine to create a smooth, creamy, and sweet frosting. Softened butter blends easily for a fluffy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Milk: Helps adjust the frosting consistency and creates a silky smooth finish.

• Chopped Peanuts: Provides a crunchy texture and additional nutty flavor to the cake.

How To Bake Peanut Butter And Jelly Poke Cake

• Bake the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare your boxed cake mix according to the package instructions and pour the batter into a rectangular baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes.

• Create Delicious Holes

Once slightly cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Make sure the holes are deep but avoid tearing the cake.

• Infuse with Jelly Goodness

Warm your favorite jelly in the microwave for about 30 seconds until pourable. Slowly spoon the jelly into each hole, letting it soak down into the cake for fruity bursts in every bite.

• Whip Up Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

Let the butter soften to room temperature. Beat the peanut butter and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by vanilla extract and a splash of milk until the frosting reaches a spreadable, creamy texture.

• Decorate with Flair

Spread the frosting evenly over the cake. Drizzle some extra jelly on top and swirl it gently into the frosting with a knife. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts for a crunchy finish, if desired.

• Serve and Celebrate

Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. This nostalgic treat is sure to bring smiles. Bonus tips: strawberry or grape jelly gives that classic PB&J flavor, and refrigerating helps firm up the frosting. Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Tips For A Moist Peanut Butter And Jelly Poke Cake

• Customize Cake Mix: Select your favorite boxed cake mix or experiment with white, yellow, or chocolate flavors to match your taste preferences.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Ensure the cake is not overbaked by checking doneness with a toothpick and removing from oven when it comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
• Soften Jelly Technique: Warm jelly briefly in microwave to create perfect pouring consistency, helping it penetrate cake holes more effectively without making the cake soggy.
• Smooth Frosting Hack: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a clean, even frosting layer that looks professionally decorated.
• Dietary Modification: Swap ingredients for gluten-free cake mix, dairy-free butter alternatives, or sugar-free jelly to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining delicious flavor.

How To Store Peanut Butter And Jelly Poke Cake Safely

• Refrigerate the peanut butter and jelly poke cake in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Store the cake for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
• When ready to enjoy, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften the frosting and enhance its delicious taste.
• Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its unique peanut butter and jelly flavor profile.
• Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination and extend the cake's shelf life.

Tasty Pairings For Peanut Butter And Jelly Poke Cake

• Brew Classic Milk Companion: Serve a cold glass of whole milk alongside this cake. Its creamy smoothness perfectly balances the rich peanut butter frosting and sweet jelly swirls, creating a nostalgic flavor combination reminiscent of childhood lunch breaks.
• Craft Nutty Coffee Contrast: Pair with a strong espresso or dark roast coffee. The robust coffee's bitter notes will cut through the cake's sweetness, while complementing the deep peanut butter undertones and providing a sophisticated adult twist.
• Select Chocolate Harmony: Enjoy with a side of dark chocolate pieces or chocolate ganache. The intense chocolate flavor will enhance the peanut butter's nuttiness and provide a decadent counterpoint to the cake's fruity jelly notes.
• Mix Fruity Smoothie Refresher: Blend a strawberry or raspberry smoothie as a side drink. The fresh fruit flavors will echo the jelly in the cake while offering a light, refreshing contrast to the dense, rich dessert.

Ways To Switch Up Peanut Butter And Jelly Poke Cake

• Chocolate Fusion Cake: Swap the white cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a rich, decadent version. Replace traditional jelly with raspberry preserves to enhance the chocolate-berry combination.
• Nutty Caramel Version: Use caramel sauce instead of jelly and sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Mix caramel directly into the peanut butter frosting for extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Banana Bread Remix: Incorporate mashed ripe bananas into the cake batter for a fruity undertone. Use banana-flavored jelly and garnish with sliced fresh bananas on top of the frosting.
• Gluten-Free Celebration: Replace standard cake mix with a gluten-free alternative. Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for those with peanut allergies, and select a gluten-free jelly to complete the recipe.

Peanut Butter And Jelly Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Nostalgic American classic “Peanut Butter and Jelly Poke Cake” brings childhood memories to life with creamy layers of comfort. Sweet and tangy flavors combine in this delightful dessert you’ll crave from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow or white cake mix (plus ingredients needed per package)
• 1 cup grape or strawberry jelly
• 1 cup (250 grams) creamy peanut butter

Frosting Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 grams) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk (more as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• ¼ cup grape or strawberry jelly (warmed slightly for drizzling)
• ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake foundation by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and baking the cake mix according to package directions in a rectangular baking dish.
2. Allow the freshly baked cake to cool for approximately 10 minutes, creating a stable surface for further preparation.
3. Transform the cake’s surface by systematically creating small channels using a wooden spoon handle or straw, ensuring uniform spacing of roughly one inch between each perforation.
4. Gently warm the jelly in a microwave-safe container for 30 seconds to enhance its fluidity, then carefully pour the liquid jelly into the strategically placed holes, enabling complete absorption throughout the cake’s interior.
5. Craft the creamy peanut butter frosting by vigorously blending softened peanut butter and butter until achieving a smooth consistency.
6. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk into the mixture, whipping until the frosting reaches a light, spreadable texture, adjusting liquid quantities as needed.
7. Confirm the cake has completely cooled before applying an even layer of the peanut butter frosting across the entire surface.
8. Create visual interest by reheating the remaining jelly and delicately drizzling it over the frosted cake, then using a knife to generate elegant marbled patterns.
9. Enhance the cake’s texture and flavor by optionally sprinkling chopped peanuts across the top for an additional crunch.
10. Slice the cake into neat squares, presenting a delightful dessert that celebrates the classic peanut butter and jelly combination.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality cake mix for a more flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding jelly and frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
• Experiment with different jelly flavors like strawberry, grape, or raspberry to create unique variations of this classic combination.
• Soften butter and peanut butter at room temperature for smoother, easier mixing and a more consistent frosting texture.
• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cake mix and check that all other ingredients are celiac-friendly.
• Chill the cake for 30 minutes after frosting to help the layers set and make cutting cleaner, more precise slices.
• Opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugar for a less sweet, more authentic peanut flavor in the frosting.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg