Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll

Experience pure dessert bliss with the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll—a decadent creation featuring a moist chocolate cake rolled around a luscious peanut butter filling and topped with chocolate ganache and chopped peanut butter cups. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing guests, this dessert brings together the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter in a delightful cake roll.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 large eggs.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar.
• 2 teaspoons brewed coffee or water.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
• ¼ teaspoon salt.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour.
• Powdered sugar (for rolling).

For the Filling & Topping:

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened.
• ⅓ cup peanut butter.
• 1 cup powdered sugar.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• 4 tablespoons + ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream.
• 7 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped (about 1 cup).
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Instructions:

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine eggs, granulated sugar, brewed coffee or water, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. Mix until smooth and no lumps remain.
4. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Roll the Cake: While the cake is still warm, roll it gently with a sugared towel. Let it cool completely rolled up.

Prepare the Filling:

6. Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
7. Add Sweetness: Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually add 4 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream until the filling is smooth.
8. Fold in Chopped Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups until evenly distributed.

Assemble:

9. Unroll and Spread: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the surface.
10. Roll Again: Roll the cake back up gently and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.

Make the Topping:

11. Prepare Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy.
12. Chill: Allow the ganache to cool and thicken to a spreadable consistency.

Decorate:

13. Top with Ganache: Pour the thickened chocolate ganache over the chilled cake roll, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
14. Garnish: Sprinkle additional chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups on top for a finishing touch.

Chill, Slice, and Enjoy!

Chill the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll until the ganache sets, then slice into beautiful swirls of chocolate and peanut butter goodness. Each bite offers a nostalgic flavor combination that’s sure to delight dessert lovers of all ages. Perfect for special occasions or as a decadent treat any time, this cake roll is a testament to the magic of chocolate and peanut butter together.

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Serve Chilled: For the best texture and flavor, serve the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll chilled. This allows the ganache topping to set and enhances the overall eating experience.
2. Slice Carefully: When slicing the cake roll, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps create clean, neat slices without sticking.
3. Garnish Before Serving: If adding extra chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups as a garnish, do so just before serving. This maintains their crunchiness and visual appeal.
4. Pairing Ideas: Serve slices of the cake roll with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added decadence.
5. Storage: Store any leftover cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Due to the cream cheese and cream components, it’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
6. Freezing: While cake rolls with cream-based fillings can be challenging to freeze due to texture changes, you can freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
7. Refrigerate Properly: Ensure the cake roll is stored on a flat surface in the refrigerator to maintain its shape and prevent it from flattening or losing its roll.
8. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the cake roll at room temperature for extended periods, especially in warm weather, to prevent the filling from softening too much.
9. Refresh Flavors: If serving chilled leftovers, allow slices to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to slightly soften the filling and enhance the flavors.
10. Creative Leftovers: Use any remaining cake roll as a decadent addition to milkshakes, blend into ice cream for a homemade twist, or crumble over yogurt for a delightful parfait.

Variations:

1. Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped roasted peanuts or almonds into the peanut butter filling for an added crunch and nutty flavor profile.
2. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the ganache topping for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and visual appeal.
3. Banana Bliss: Add sliced bananas on top of the peanut butter filling before rolling up the cake for a delicious banana and peanut butter combination.
4. Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over each slice just before serving to complement the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter.
5. Oreo Twist: Crush Oreo cookies and mix them into the peanut butter filling for a cookies-and-cream-inspired variation.
6. Berry Burst: Spread a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry preserves over the cake before adding the peanut butter filling for a fruity twist.
7. Coconut Delight: Mix shredded coconut into the peanut butter filling or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the ganache for a tropical flavor sensation.
8. Coffee Infusion: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules to the cake batter for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate and peanut butter.
9. Miniature Rolls: Instead of one large cake roll, make miniature individual rolls by cutting the cake into smaller pieces before spreading with filling and rolling.
10. Frozen Treat: Freeze the assembled cake roll for a refreshing frozen dessert. Slice into portions and serve directly from the freezer for a chilled treat on a hot day.

FAQs:

1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
   • Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in the filling of the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll. Keep in mind that natural peanut butter tends to be runnier than regular peanut butter, so you may need to adjust the consistency with additional powdered sugar.
2. How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling it?
   • To prevent the cake from cracking, ensure it is rolled while still warm. Use a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar to roll the cake tightly but gently. Letting the cake cool completely rolled up also helps it retain its shape.
3. Can I omit the coffee in the cake batter?
   • Yes, the coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if desired. Substitute with an equal amount of water or simply leave it out without making any other adjustments to the recipe.
4. What should I do if my ganache is too thin or too thick?
   • If the ganache is too thin, let it cool at room temperature for a few minutes to thicken slightly before pouring over the cake roll. If it’s too thick, warm it gently in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches a pourable consistency.
5. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache?
   • Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Adjust the amount of cream accordingly to achieve the desired consistency for the ganache.
6. How far in advance can I prepare the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll?
   • You can prepare the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll up to 1 day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, until ready to serve.
7. Can I substitute the cream cheese in the filling with something else?
   • If you prefer, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangier filling. Adjust the sweetness to taste with powdered sugar.
8. What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream in the ganache?
   • You can use coconut cream or half-and-half as substitutes for heavy whipping cream in the ganache. The texture and flavor will vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

The Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll offers a delightful combination of rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and decadent chocolate ganache—a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re indulging in nostalgic flavors or experimenting with creative variations, this dessert promises to satisfy chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts alike. With easy-to-follow instructions and versatile options for customization, the Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing this delicious treat with friends and family!