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–+ servings
A rich chocolate cake loaf topped with peanut butter frosting and chopped peanut butter cups, showing a slice cut out for a Box Mix Glow-Up.

Box Mix Glow-Up: Fancy Finishes

Elevate your favorite chocolate box mix with this recipe for a decadent peanut butter cake featuring a creamy peanut butter soak and a rich frosting. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress.
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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
  • 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
  • remaining peanut butter mixture
  • confectioners' sugar enough to reach a spreading consistency
Toppings
  • chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies
  • peanut butter cups

Equipment

  • 13x9-in. 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 peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk until blended. Use the end of a wooden spoon handle to poke holes in the cooled cake, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slowly pour 2 cups of the peanut butter mixture over the cake, ensuring each hole is filled.
  3. Cover the cake and the remaining peanut butter mixture, and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or until the cake is cold.
  4. For the frosting, combine the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with the reserved peanut butter mixture. Gradually beat in enough confectioners' sugar until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Spread this frosting evenly over the chilled cake.
  5. Add your desired toppings, such as chopped peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies or peanut butter cups. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Nutrition

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

Notes

This recipe uses a standard-sized cake mix. For the frosting, add confectioners' sugar gradually until you achieve your preferred spreading consistency. You can use a combination of toppings for extra flavor and texture.

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