The Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll is truly a show-stopper for any dessert table. Imagine a moist cocoa-rich sponge rolled up with a velvety, dreamy peanut butter cream, all finished with a glistening chocolate ganache. Every bite delivers that irresistible pairing of chocolate and peanut butter, making this cake roll a tempting treat for birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part of making a Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll is seeing how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients can transform into a masterpiece. Each ingredient shines in its own way—adding richness, structure, sweetness, or that all-important creamy swirl.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the sponge and helps keep the cake tender and light.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor and the classic rich hue to the cake.
- Baking powder: Gives the sponge its rise and airy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch lifts all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Crucial for structure and a fluffy, flexible cake roll.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to that lovely, soft crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel richness and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances every other flavor in the mix.
- Milk: Keeps the cake moist and helps bring the batter together smoothly.
- Creamy peanut butter: For the filling—smooth, nutty, and luscious!
- Cream cheese: Lends richness and a slight tang to the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives it that light, fluffy texture.
- Heavy cream (cold): Whips up beautifully to create a dreamy, airy filling, and also serves as the lush base for the ganache topping.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt seamlessly for a glossy, decadent ganache finish.
- Chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips: Optional, but make for a delightful crunchy garnish!
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Gather Everything
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, lightly greasing the top. Having all your ingredients measured and ready to go makes assembling this cake roll a breeze and keeps the cake from sticking at the crucial “roll” moment.
Step 2: Whip Up the Chocolate Sponge
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to guarantee a lump-free, evenly mixed dry base. In another bowl, beat eggs with both sugars until the mixture is thick, pale, and ribbons from your whisk—about 3 to 4 minutes. Blend in the vanilla and milk, then gently fold in the dry ingredients. The goal is a light, airy batter for that perfectly pliable cake.
Step 3: Bake the Cake and Get Ready to Roll
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cake should feel springy and just set when lightly pressed in the center—don’t overbake! While it’s baking, lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust generously with powdered sugar to keep the cake from sticking during its iconic roll.
Step 4: Roll While Warm
Right out of the oven, gently invert the cake onto your powdered sugar-dusted towel, and carefully peel off the parchment. Immediately roll up the cake and towel together, starting at the short end. This sets the shape, so when you unroll to add the filling later, your cake won’t crack.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling
Beat the peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until completely smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff, billowy peaks, then lightly fold it into the peanut butter mixture. This filling is pure heaven—silky, peanutty, and impossibly fluffy.
Step 6: Fill It Up and Re-Roll
Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll and spread the peanut butter filling evenly to the edges. Now, roll it back up (this time without the towel) and place it seam-side down on a serving platter, keeping it nice and tidy for the grand finale.
Step 7: Make the Ganache Topping
Heat the heavy cream until steaming, then pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and glossy—this ganache is the crowning glory. Cool briefly, then pour it over your cake roll in dreamy, cascading ribbons.
Step 8: Garnish and Chill
If you like, sprinkle on chopped peanuts or a handful of mini chocolate chips for a hint of crunch and extra wow factor. Chill your Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll for at least 30 minutes, giving all those beautiful layers time to set before you slice into pure bliss.
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips on top does more than just look pretty—they add a surprise crunch and make each slice feel extra festive. A light dusting of powdered sugar or even some chocolate curls can give your Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll a bakery-style flair right at home.
Side Dishes
This rich cake roll is stunning on its own, but if you want to lighten the feast, offer fresh raspberries or a handful of sliced strawberries alongside. A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream is always welcome, and a strong cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk ties everything together beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready display, cut the roll into individual slices and arrange them on a tiered cake stand. For a playful approach, try portioning slices into cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats. Or, drizzle contrasting white chocolate over the ganache for a striking swirl effect that makes your Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll look even more irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll tightly in plastic wrap, or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually meld and intensify overnight, and the cake stays moist, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as day one.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cake roll! After the ganache has set, wrap the whole roll or individual slices snugly in plastic and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight—perfect for last-minute celebrations or cravings.
Reheating
This luscious dessert is best served cold or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a slightly softer ganache, set a slice out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving—don’t microwave or you’ll lose that beautiful swirl and texture!
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in the filling?
Yes, you can! Natural peanut butter will give you a slightly less sweet, more robust peanut flavor. Just be sure to stir it well so it’s fully combined and smooth before mixing it into your filling.
My cake cracked while rolling. What did I do wrong?
Cakes can crack if they cool too much before rolling or if they’re a touch overbaked. Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and fresh from the oven helps prevent cracks. Fortunately, small cracks can usually be hidden with the luscious filling and ganache topping!
How do I get clean, tidy slices?
For neat edges, chill the cake roll thoroughly and use a sharp, serrated knife, wiping it clean between each cut. This helps each slice hold its beautiful swirl and keeps the ganache perfectly smooth.
Can I add Nutella or swap the filling?
Absolutely! Swirl in a couple of spoonfuls of Nutella for extra hazelnut-chocolate decadence, or even try a flavored peanut butter for a fun twist on your Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll.
Is the cake roll gluten-free or vegan?
This recipe as written isn’t gluten-free or vegan, but with the right substitutions (like gluten-free flour, dairy-free cream, and plant-based cream cheese), you can experiment to make it fit your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made a cake roll before, let the Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll be the one that wins you over! It’s pure joy to bake, fill, and eat, with every slice evoking those nostalgic flavors we all adore. Go ahead—impress your loved ones and yourself with this delightful swirl of chocolate and peanut butter perfection!
Print
Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate treat with this Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll. A rich chocolate cake filled with a creamy peanut butter filling, all rolled up and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. Perfect for any special occasion or when you’re craving something sweet!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Filling:
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (cold)
Topping:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Prepare the cake: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Beat eggs with sugars until thick. Mix in vanilla and milk. Fold in dry ingredients. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Roll the cake: Invert the warm cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll it up and let it cool.
- Make the filling: Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip cold cream to stiff peaks, then fold into the peanut butter mixture.
- Assemble: Unroll the cake, spread the filling, and roll it back up. Place seam-side down on a platter.
- Prepare the topping: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth. Pour over the cake roll. Garnish if desired. Chill before slicing.
Notes
- The cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- For cleaner slices, wipe the knife between cuts.
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet filling, or swirl in some Nutella for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
