The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is about to become your new obsession. It’s everything you love about peanut butter cups — the smooth, nutty peanut butter and decadent chocolate — but transformed into a soft, tender cake that’s rolled up with a creamy peanut butter filling and topped with a drizzle of chocolate ganache. This dessert isn’t just pretty to look at, it’s downright irresistible.
What makes the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll so special is how it perfectly balances flavors and textures. The light, airy chocolate sponge pairs beautifully with the rich, whipped peanut butter cream inside. Every slice reveals those beautiful spirals of filling and cake, making it a total showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or casual weekend baking projects. Whether you’re a longtime peanut butter and chocolate lover or just looking for a new dessert to try, this one’s worth every bite.
Ingredients Needed For Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll
Before you dive into making this irresistible dessert, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need on hand. The Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll isn’t complicated to make, but it does call for a few baking staples and some indulgent add-ins to capture that classic peanut butter cup flavor. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you’ll need to create this rich, chocolatey, and peanut buttery treat.
Chocolate Cake Ingredients
To start, you’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt for the dry ingredients. For the wet ingredients, grab some eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and whole milk. These come together to create a light, tender chocolate sponge cake that’s perfect for rolling.
Peanut Butter Filling Ingredients
The star of this cake roll is the luscious peanut butter filling. You’ll need creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, and a little heavy cream to get the texture smooth and spreadable. This whipped filling adds that rich, nutty flavor that makes the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll so unforgettable.
Chocolate Ganache Topping
To finish it off, you’ll melt together semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream for a silky ganache. This rich topping is drizzled over the rolled cake, adding a glossy, indulgent layer of chocolate that ties the whole dessert together. Optional chopped peanut butter cups can be sprinkled on top for extra flair and flavor.
Step-by-Step How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll
If you’ve never made a cake roll before, don’t worry — it’s easier than it looks. With a soft, chocolate sponge cake, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a rich ganache topping, this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is an indulgent treat that comes together beautifully. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions and you’ll be slicing into those gorgeous peanut butter-chocolate spirals in no time.
Step-1: Make the Chocolate Sponge Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a jelly roll pan (about 10×15 inches) with parchment paper. Lightly grease both the pan and paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and whole milk, whisking until smooth. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until combined. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Step-2: Roll the Cake While Warm
Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake up with the towel starting from the short end. This helps set the shape of the roll and prevents cracking. Let the rolled cake cool completely at room temperature.
Step-3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While the cake is cooling, make the luscious peanut butter filling. In a medium bowl, beat softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, and a little heavy cream, beating until light and spreadable. Adjust the cream as needed to reach a soft, smooth consistency that’s easy to spread.
Step-4: Fill and Roll the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill. Gently roll the cake back up, this time without the towel, starting from the same end. Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter or tray.
Step-5: Make the Chocolate Ganache
In a small heatproof bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly so it thickens but is still pourable.
Step-6: Finish and Chill
Drizzle the ganache generously over the top of the cake roll, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic, decadent finish. If you like, sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups on top for extra texture and flair. Place the finished Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling and ganache set properly and makes for cleaner, more attractive slices.
Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, slice the cake into even pieces with a sharp, serrated knife. Each slice will show off those beautiful swirls of chocolate cake and peanut butter cream. Pair it with a cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or just enjoy it on its own — this dessert is rich, satisfying, and perfect for any peanut butter and chocolate lover.
Tips for the Perfect Cake Roll
Making a cake roll might look a little intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be rolling up your Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll like a pro. From baking the sponge to getting that perfect swirl, these tips will help you avoid common mistakes and turn out a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Prepare Your Pan Properly
One of the most important steps for a successful cake roll is prepping your pan the right way. Use a jelly roll pan or a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the edges for easy lifting. Grease both the pan and the parchment to prevent sticking. A well-prepped pan makes it much easier to roll the cake without it tearing or sticking.
Roll the Cake While It’s Warm
As soon as your chocolate sponge comes out of the oven, it’s time to roll it. Turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar and peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake up gently with the towel inside and let it cool in that shape. This step helps the cake set in a rolled form and prevents cracking later when you fill it.
Don’t Overfill the Cake
When it’s time to spread your peanut butter filling, be careful not to overdo it. Spread an even layer, leaving a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t ooze out as you roll. Too much filling can make the cake difficult to roll and cause it to break or slide apart.
Chill Before Slicing
After assembling your Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll, give it time to chill in the fridge. A good 1–2 hours will firm up the filling and ganache, making it much easier to slice cleanly. Cold slices also hold their shape better, showing off those perfect peanut butter and chocolate spirals.
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is how easy it is to customize. While the classic combination of chocolate sponge, peanut butter filling, and rich ganache is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to switch things up and make it your own. Whether you’re looking to add extra texture, a flavor twist, or a different presentation, these ideas will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
Add Crunch with Nuts or Candy
If you love a little crunch in your desserts, consider folding chopped peanuts, crushed pretzels, or mini peanut butter cups into the filling. You can also sprinkle them on top of the ganache for added texture and flavor. The salty-sweet combination of nuts or pretzels with the rich peanut butter cream gives the cake roll an irresistible bite.
Swap the Filling Flavor
For a fun twist, replace some or all of the peanut butter with Nutella, almond butter, or cookie butter. Each option brings a new flavor profile while keeping the creamy texture that makes the cake roll so satisfying. Nutella adds a hint of hazelnut, almond butter offers a slightly milder taste, and cookie butter turns this dessert into a spiced, cookie-inspired treat.
Use a Different Ganache or Topping
Instead of classic semi-sweet chocolate ganache, you can try a white chocolate drizzle or a dark chocolate glaze for a richer flavor. Topping the cake with crushed peanut butter candies, chopped toffee, or even colorful sprinkles makes it perfect for birthdays or holidays. No matter how you personalize it, this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll?
A Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is a light and fluffy chocolate sponge cake that’s filled with a creamy peanut butter filling and rolled up into a spiral. It’s topped with a rich chocolate ganache and sometimes finished with chopped peanut butter cups or nuts for extra flavor and texture. The dessert combines the classic flavors of a peanut butter cup candy with the soft, airy texture of a cake roll, making it perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
How Do You Keep A Cake Roll From Cracking?
The key to preventing cracks in your cake roll is to roll it while it’s still warm. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, turn it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar and gently peel off the parchment paper. Roll it up with the towel inside while it’s warm, and let it cool completely in that shape. This helps set the curve of the roll, so when you unroll it to add the filling, it’s flexible and less likely to crack.
Can You Make A Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can easily make this dessert ahead of time. In fact, it’s even better when chilled because the filling and ganache have time to set. You can bake the cake, fill it, roll it up, and top it with ganache a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until you’re ready to slice and serve. This makes it a convenient option for holidays, parties, or family dinners.
How Should You Store A Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll?
After assembling your Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay good for up to 3–4 days. If you want to make it in advance, you can also freeze it without the ganache topping for up to 2 months, then thaw and glaze before serving.
Can You Use A Boxed Cake Mix For The Cake Roll?
Yes, if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, you can use a chocolate boxed cake mix to make the sponge. Just make sure to follow the instructions for baking it in a jelly roll pan, adjusting the bake time as needed. The texture might be a little different from a homemade sponge, but it still works well for a cake roll. It’s an easy shortcut when you want to save time without skipping dessert.
Final Thoughts
The Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. With its light, tender chocolate sponge, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich ganache topping, every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
It’s a showstopping treat that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday, or just craving something indulgent, this dessert is sure to satisfy. Plus, with easy add-ins and variations, you can customize it to suit any occasion. Give it a try — it’s one dessert you’ll find yourself making again and again.
