Introduction
Transform everyday peanut butter and jelly into a show-stopping dessert in under 30 minutes! This Peanut Butter & Jelly Poke Cake is the perfect answer for busy weeknights – minimal effort, maximum flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly easy, yet undeniably delicious treat!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a delightful twist on a childhood favorite. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet jelly, and fluffy cake creates a flavor explosion that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly sophisticated. Plus, the “poke” method is incredibly simple, making this recipe perfect for even the most novice bakers.
Key Ingredients
- 🎂 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 🥛 1 cup water
- 🥚 3 large eggs
- 🧈 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 🥜 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 🍓 1 cup grape jelly
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🥄 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
4️⃣ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, gently heat the grape jelly until melted and smooth.
5️⃣ Using a wooden spoon or the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the warm cake.
6️⃣ Pour the melted jelly evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
7️⃣ In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
8️⃣ Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the jelly-soaked cake.
9️⃣ Drizzle or spread the peanut butter over the whipped cream.
🔟 Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- For an even fluffier cake, use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer.
- Don’t overbake the cake; it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake.
- If your jelly is too thick, microwave it in 15-second intervals until it is easily pourable.
- Room temperature ingredients will combine better for a smoother batter.
Heat Control
Baking the cake at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and a moist, fluffy texture. Overbaking will result in a dry cake, while underbaking will leave it gummy. Use a toothpick or wooden skewer test to confirm doneness.
Crunch Factor
This recipe provides a delightful textural contrast. The soft, moist cake is offset by the creamy peanut butter and the slightly tangy jelly. The whipped cream adds a light and airy element, completing the experience.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use a piping bag to create decorative swirls of whipped cream.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade peanut butter.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings for extra crunch.
- Use different types of jelly for a variation in flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Cut the cake into squares or bars and wrap them individually in cellophane or parchment paper tied with ribbon. A simple tag with a handwritten message completes the presentation.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Strawberry Peanut Butter: Substitute strawberry jelly for grape jelly.
🌟 Chocolate Peanut Butter: Use a chocolate cake mix and add chocolate chips to the batter.
🌟 Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake: Add mini peanut butter cups to the whipped cream topping.
🌟 Salted Caramel Peanut Butter: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness earlier.
- Jelly is too thick: Heat it gently until it’s pourable.
- Whipped cream won’t whip: Ensure your bowl and beaters are ice cold.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, feel free to experiment with other flavors, such as chocolate or spice cake.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake and prepare the toppings ahead of time. Assemble and chill just before serving.
- How long does it need to chill? At least 30 minutes is recommended for the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set.
- Can I freeze this cake? It is not recommended to freeze this cake due to the whipped cream.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter & Jelly Poke Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s quick, easy, and tastes absolutely amazing. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know how it turns out! Happy baking!
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Jelly Poke Cake (Ready in 15!)
A quick and easy poke cake made with peanut butter, jelly, and a cake mix for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup jelly (your favorite flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350u00b0C and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions and pour it into the prepared pan.
- Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- Spread the peanut butter evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Top with jelly, spreading it evenly across the top of the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Tips
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter to easily spread over the cake.
- Experiment with different jelly flavors to find your favorite combination.