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–+ servings
A rich chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, topped with chocolate ganache and peanut butter cups, showing the whole pan and a slice.

Box Mix Glow-Up: Fancy Finishes

Transform a simple box cake mix into a stunning dessert with these easy techniques. Learn how to add a delicious peanut butter soak and a creamy frosting for a truly impressive finish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for batter
  • 1 dash salt
For the Peanut Butter Soak
  • 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk
For the Frosting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
  • confectioners' sugar enough to reach spreading consistency
Toppings
  • chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies optional
  • peanut butter cups optional

Equipment

  • 13x9-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the salt to the batter before mixing. Pour the batter into a greased 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake and cool the cake completely as directed on the package.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter and the sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Using the blunt end of a wooden spoon handle, poke holes in the cooled cake, about 2 inches apart. Slowly pour 2 cups of the peanut butter mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills each hole.
  3. Cover the cake and the remaining peanut butter mixture. Refrigerate both for 2 to 3 hours, or until the cake is cold.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with the reserved peanut butter mixture. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  5. Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake. Decorate with your desired toppings, such as chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies or peanut butter cups.
  6. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 7gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 312mgFiber: 1gSugar: 40g

Notes

This recipe uses a standard chocolate cake mix as a base. Feel free to experiment with other cake flavors and complementary toppings.

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