Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll – Easy Recipe

If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is about to become your new favorite dessert. With a soft chocolate sponge cake rolled around a creamy peanut butter filling and topped with silky chocolate ganache, this show-stopping treat tastes just like a giant peanut butter cup in cake form. Despite its impressive appearance, a Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is surprisingly simple to make and perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you crave an indulgent homemade dessert.

This chocolate peanut butter cake roll delivers rich flavor, a light and fluffy texture, and a beautiful swirl that looks stunning on any dessert table. Whether you are a seasoned baker or trying a rolled cake for the first time, this guide will walk you through every step to ensure your Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll turns out perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll

This Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll combines the best elements of a chocolate Swiss roll and a creamy peanut butter frosting. The sponge cake is light yet moist, making it easy to roll without cracking. The peanut butter filling is smooth, sweet, and slightly salty, creating a balanced flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate ganache.

One of the biggest advantages of this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is how versatile it is. It works as a holiday dessert, a party centerpiece, or even a make-ahead treat stored in the fridge. The contrast between fluffy chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter makes every bite taste like a gourmet bakery dessert.

If you enjoy chocolate peanut butter desserts, peanut butter cup cakes, or classic jelly roll cakes, this recipe brings all those flavors together in one elegant roll.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll

Below are the ingredients you’ll need to create the perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll. Each component plays an important role in flavor and texture.

For the Chocolate Cake

• Eggs: Provide structure and help create a light, airy sponge texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps stabilize the whipped eggs.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the sponge.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor to the cake layer.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle lift for a soft roll.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

For the Peanut Butter Filling

• Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers nutty richness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and stability.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor of the peanut butter layer.
• Heavy cream: Creates a smooth, spreadable consistency.

For the Chocolate Ganache

• Semisweet chocolate chips: Provide a glossy, rich chocolate topping.
• Heavy cream: Melts the chocolate into a silky ganache that drapes beautifully over the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you need to customize your Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll, here are some easy swaps:

• Natural peanut butter can be used, but make sure it is well stirred for a smooth filling.
• Dark chocolate chips can replace semisweet for a deeper, less sweet ganache.
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can substitute regular flour for a gluten-free cake roll.
• Almond butter can be used instead of peanut butter for a twist on the classic peanut butter cup flavor.

These substitutions allow you to tailor your chocolate peanut butter cake roll to dietary needs or personal taste.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a flawless Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll with a smooth swirl and creamy center.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, making sure the edges are fully covered to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for about 5 minutes. The mixture should become thick, pale, and slightly fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light sponge texture in your Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be gentle and avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s airy structure.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly into all corners. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched in the center.
6. While the cake bakes, lay a clean kitchen towel on your counter and dust it generously with powdered sugar. This prevents sticking when rolling.
7. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully invert it onto the prepared towel and peel off the parchment paper.
8. Starting from the short end, gently roll the cake up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape. This step helps prevent cracking when assembling the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll.
9. To prepare the filling, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. The mixture should be spreadable but not runny.
10. 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.
11. Re-roll the cake without the towel, keeping it tight but gentle. Place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
12. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until just beginning to boil. Pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
13. Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll, letting it drip naturally down the sides.
14. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set before slicing. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and reveal the beautiful swirl inside.

Tips for a Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll

To ensure your Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll turns out bakery-quality every time, keep these tips in mind.

Always roll the cake while it is still warm. Waiting too long can cause cracks. The towel method helps shape the sponge and prevents sticking.

Do not overbake the cake. A dry sponge will crack more easily. Check for doneness at the 10-minute mark.

Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the peanut butter filling. A warm cake can cause the filling to melt and slide.

For clean slices, chill the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll thoroughly and wipe your knife between cuts.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making the chocolate peanut butter cake roll even more delicious.

Pairing Ideas and Creative Variations

This Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll pairs beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy peanut butter and chocolate ganache create a dessert that feels rich yet balanced.

For added texture, sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups or crushed roasted peanuts on top of the ganache before it sets. This enhances the peanut butter cup flavor and adds crunch.

You can also drizzle extra melted peanut butter over the ganache for a decorative finish. For a holiday version, add festive sprinkles or a dusting of cocoa powder.

If you prefer a lighter version, use whipped cream folded into the peanut butter filling for a mousse-like texture. For a more intense chocolate experience, swap semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate in the ganache.

This Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll can be made a day in advance, making it ideal for entertaining. Simply keep it chilled and slice just before serving for the best presentation.

Nutritional and Serving Information

Each slice of Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is rich and satisfying, making it perfect for sharing. The combination of eggs, peanut butter, and chocolate creates a dessert that feels indulgent yet balanced in texture and flavor.

With approximately 12 servings per roll, this dessert is ideal for gatherings. The prep time is about 20 minutes, baking takes around 12 minutes, and total time including chilling is just over an hour.

Whether you are baking for a celebration or simply craving a chocolate peanut butter dessert, this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll delivers impressive flavor, creamy filling, and a beautiful swirl that looks as good as it tastes.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the timeless pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. With its soft cocoa sponge, creamy peanut butter filling, and glossy chocolate ganache, every slice delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The beautiful swirl makes it look bakery-worthy, yet the step-by-step process keeps it simple and approachable for home bakers.

Whether you are preparing this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll for a birthday, holiday gathering, or weekend treat, it is guaranteed to impress. The combination of fluffy cake, smooth peanut butter frosting, and decadent ganache creates a dessert that feels special without requiring complicated techniques. Once you master this chocolate peanut butter cake roll, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your dessert rotation.

FAQs About Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll

More Relevant Recipes

• No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars: These rich and creamy peanut butter bars layered with smooth chocolate topping capture the same irresistible chocolate-peanut butter flavor as Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll. With a no-bake method and a fudgy texture, they’re perfect for anyone who loves classic peanut butter cup–inspired desserts in an easy bar form.
• Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Packed with chocolate chips and peanut butter candies, these chewy cookie bars deliver the same sweet, nutty richness found in Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll. The soft-baked texture and bold peanut butter flavor make them a fun, crowd-pleasing treat for parties and holidays.
• Snicker Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: These soft peanut butter cookies topped with chocolate and candy pieces offer a similar indulgent flavor profile to Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll. Combining creamy peanut butter and decadent chocolate, they’re a bakery-style dessert that satisfies any chocolate-peanut butter craving.

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