Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll

A Rich, Decadent Dessert for True Chocolate and Peanut Butter Lovers

Introduction

Few dessert combinations are as universally adored as chocolate and peanut butter. Their balance of deep cocoa richness and creamy, nutty sweetness has made them a classic pairing across countless confections. From candy bars to cookies, cakes, and frozen treats, this duo consistently delivers comfort, indulgence, and satisfaction. One dessert that beautifully showcases this timeless flavor marriage is the Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll.

This dessert is a sophisticated yet approachable take on a chocolate Swiss roll cake, filled with a smooth peanut butter cream and generously studded with chopped peanut butter cups. Soft, airy chocolate sponge cake wraps around a creamy filling, creating elegant spirals that look impressive while remaining surprisingly achievable for home bakers. Finished with an optional chocolate ganache topping, this dessert feels luxurious enough for special occasions yet comforting enough for casual gatherings.

What makes the Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll particularly appealing is its contrast of textures. The sponge cake is light and tender, designed to roll without cracking. The peanut butter filling is rich and creamy, while the chopped peanut butter cups add little bursts of texture and extra chocolate-peanut flavor in every bite. The optional ganache topping enhances the overall experience with a glossy finish and deep chocolate intensity.

Despite its elegant appearance, this dessert relies on familiar pantry ingredients and straightforward techniques. With a bit of attention to detail and proper preparation, even bakers new to rolled cakes can achieve excellent results. This article will walk you through every step in depth, offering guidance, explanations, and helpful tips to ensure success.

Whether you are preparing a dessert for a holiday celebration, a dinner party, or simply to satisfy a serious sweet tooth, the Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll is a show-stopping choice that never fails to impress.

Understanding the Components of the Dessert

Before diving into the preparation, it is helpful to understand how the different components of this recipe work together.

The Chocolate Sponge Cake

Unlike dense butter cakes, sponge cakes rely heavily on whipped eggs for structure and lift. This creates a flexible, airy cake that can be rolled while warm without cracking. Cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor without weighing the cake down.

The Peanut Butter Filling

The filling is a blend of creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. This combination produces a smooth, spreadable consistency that complements the cake without overpowering it. Folding in chopped peanut butter cups adds texture and intensifies the flavor.

The Optional Chocolate Ganache

While optional, the ganache adds an extra layer of indulgence. Made from heated cream and semi-sweet chocolate chips, it provides a glossy finish and a deeper chocolate note that balances the sweetness of the filling.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients exactly as provided, organized by component for clarity.

Chocolate Sponge Cake

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk

Peanut Butter Filling

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins

• 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups

Optional Chocolate Ganache Topping

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment Needed

• Jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Clean kitchen towel
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Offset spatula or spoon
• Small saucepan (for ganache)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Towel

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.

Lay a clean kitchen towel flat on your work surface and dust it generously with powdered sugar. This step is essential, as it prevents the cake from sticking to the towel when rolled and helps maintain a smooth surface.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and cocoa, which contributes to a uniform texture in the finished cake.

Set the bowl aside while preparing the egg mixture.

Step 3: Whipping the Eggs and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and nearly triples in volume.

This step is critical. The air incorporated into the eggs provides the structure and flexibility needed for rolling the cake without cracking.

Step 4: Adding the Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed and gently mix in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage to preserve the airiness of the batter.

Step 5: Folding in the Dry Ingredients

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the egg mixture. Fold carefully, using slow, deliberate motions, until no streaks remain.

Maintaining the batter’s volume is essential for achieving a light sponge cake.

Step 6: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.

Avoid overbaking, as a dry cake is more likely to crack when rolled.

Step 7: Rolling the Cake

Immediately invert the hot cake onto the prepared powdered sugar towel. Carefully peel away the parchment paper.

Starting from the short end, roll the cake tightly with the towel inside. Rolling while the cake is warm helps it “learn” its shape and prevents cracking later. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely.

Step 8: Preparing the Peanut Butter Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture becomes light and spreadable.

Gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.

Step 9: Filling and Re-Rolling the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.

Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.

Step 10: Making the Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just steaming. Pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.

Stir until smooth and glossy. Drizzle or spread the ganache over the cake and allow it to set before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or slightly cool for clean slices
• Pair with coffee or milk for balance
• Garnish simply to showcase the spiral design

Storage

• Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Keep covered to prevent drying out
• Allow to sit at room temperature briefly before serving

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my cake crack while rolling?

Cracking usually occurs if the cake is overbaked or allowed to cool before rolling. Always roll the cake while warm.

Can I skip the ganache topping?

Yes. The cake is delicious on its own, and the ganache is optional.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes. This cake holds up well in the refrigerator and can be made a day in advance.

Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, as long as the rolling step is done carefully and promptly.

Conclusion

The Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll is a dessert that delivers both elegance and indulgence. With its light chocolate sponge, creamy peanut butter filling, and bursts of chopped peanut butter cups, it captures the essence of a beloved flavor pairing in a visually stunning form.

This recipe proves that impressive desserts do not need to be complicated. With thoughtful preparation and attention to detail, home bakers can achieve bakery-quality results. Whether served at a celebration or enjoyed as a special treat, this chocolate roll is guaranteed to delight chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike.

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