If you’re searching for your next show-stopping dessert, look no further than the Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll. This gorgeous, spiral treat combines pillowy chocolate sponge, a luscious peanut butter-cream cheese filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache for the ultimate celebration of chocolate and peanut butter. Whether you’re gathering with family or aiming to impress at a holiday table, every slice bursts with rich flavor and irresistible texture — a guaranteed crowd pleaser from the very first bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll lies in easily found ingredients, each playing a starring role. Gather these basics to create a dessert with perfect balance of flavor and a bakery-worthy finish.
- All-purpose flour: Provides a light structure for the sponge cake, so the roll stays tender but doesn’t fall apart.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor that is rich without overpowering the peanut butter filling.
- Baking powder: Gives the sponge its irresistible lift, ensuring your cake rolls up beautifully.
- Salt: A pinch is all you need to enhance those chocolatey notes and sharpen the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Whipped for volume, these are the backbone of the cake’s airy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps the cake rise to just the right height.
- Brown sugar: Provides a hint of caramel flavor and added moisture to the sponge.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile for both cake and filling, making every bite more fragrant.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the filling, it infuses the dessert with that signature nutty richness.
- Cream cheese (softened): Gives the filling a tangy creaminess that cuts through the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds silkiness and helps whip the filling to fluffy perfection.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling, while also dusting the rolling towel for a no-stick guarantee.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth ganache to top your finished roll with style.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts seamlessly into the ganache, balancing the sweetness with deep cocoa notes.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper and giving it a light grease. This will make it super easy to lift and roll the cake once baked. Don’t skip this step – it’s key to getting that perfect spiral without any sticking drama!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only breaks up any lumps but also aerates the dry mix, which helps create a light, even sponge for your Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll.
Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar
Grab a large bowl and beat the eggs with both granulated and brown sugars, plus the vanilla extract. Continue beating for 4–5 minutes until the mixture is thick, pale, and slightly increased in volume. This process traps air, so the cake bakes up tender and fluffy — don’t rush!
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture just until combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the sponge is set and springs back when you press it lightly with your finger.
Step 5: Roll the Cake
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel that’s been dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel away the parchment, then, starting from the short end, roll up the warm cake inside the towel. This locks in the cake’s shape and keeps it moist while it cools — the secret to a crack-free Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll!
Step 6: Make the Filling
While the cake is cooling, beat together the peanut butter, cream cheese, and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating again until the filling is light and fluffy. This filling brings the classic cake roll to life with its irresistible sweet-and-salty creaminess.
Step 7: Fill and Re-Roll
Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the surface, getting all the way to the edges. Gently roll the cake back up (this time without the towel), reveling in the tight, beautiful swirl forming before your eyes.
Step 8: Ganache That Roll
For the grand finale, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for a minute or two, then stir until you have a smooth, glossy ganache. Let it cool slightly, then pour it generously over your rolled cake, letting it drizzle down the sides for that bakery-beautiful effect.
Step 9: Chill and Slice
Pop your finished creation in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the ganache set and makes slicing a breeze. When you’re ready, use a sharp knife for clean, gorgeous slices that show off every layer of your Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll.
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll
Garnishes
Dress things up by dusting the top with a little extra powdered sugar or scattering a handful of chopped roasted peanuts for crunch. Even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can take each slice of Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll to new heights, perfectly balancing its rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake roll shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or a bowl of fresh strawberries. If you’re serving a crowd, add coffee or cold milk to complete this classic dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special event, slice the Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll and arrange the pieces artfully on a platter. You can alternate slices flat and upright for a striking look, or serve each piece nestled in a cupcake liner for individual servings at a party or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake roll tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen, making slices even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make your Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll ahead of time, it freezes beautifully! Wrap the un-ganached cake roll (whole or sliced) tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Add the ganache after thawing for the freshest appearance and taste.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no need to reheat. To serve, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes after removing from the fridge to bring out its softest, creamiest texture.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in the filling?
Natural peanut butter is tasty but tends to separate and can make the filling less smooth or stable. For the most reliable, fluffy texture, stick with regular creamy peanut butter.
What is the best way to prevent the cake roll from cracking?
The secret is to roll the cake up in a towel dusted with powdered sugar while it’s still warm. This helps the sponge “learn” its shape and prevents unsightly cracks as it cools.
How can I make this cake roll gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that your other ingredients, like baking powder and chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free as well for a truly safe treat.
Do I have to use chocolate ganache as a topping?
Ganache is classic, but you can dust the cake with extra powdered sugar, drizzle melted peanut butter on top, or simply leave it plain for a lighter finish. The Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll is super adaptable!
Can I make this dessert in advance for a party?
Absolutely! The flavor and sliceability are even better after chilling overnight, and you can store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just wait to add any garnishes until right before presenting.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll is everything a dessert lover dreams of — rich, creamy, and just the right amount of impressive. Give it a try for your next get-together or family night, and watch as every slice disappears faster than you can say “save me another piece!” Your friends and family won’t stop thanking you for sharing such a memorable treat.
Print
Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll. A luscious cake filled with creamy peanut butter filling and topped with a silky chocolate ganache, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion.
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
Filling:
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, 4 oz cream cheese softened, 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ganache:
1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. 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. In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugars, and vanilla until pale. Fold in dry ingredients. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then roll and cool.
- Make the filling: Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, and butter until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, beat until fluffy. Spread over cooled cake and roll.
- Create the ganache: Heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Pour over cake roll.
- Chill and serve: Chill the roll for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
- Dust with extra powdered sugar or chopped peanuts for garnish.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
