Name: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped; 1 cup chocolate ganache or chocolate frosting; Reese’s Pieces or additional mini peanut butter cups for garnish

Welcome to a truly indulgent journey with the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake, a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter into one irresistible treat. Imagine slicing into a perfectly rolled cake revealing layers of creamy peanut butter filling, adorned with the delightful crunch of mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. It brings together the beloved combination of chocolate and peanut butter in a way that will leave your family and friends impressed and craving for more.

The magic of this roll cake lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The fluffy chocolate sponge envelops a luscious, smooth peanut butter filling, with every bite enhanced by the bursts of texture from the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The final touch of chocolate ganache or rich frosting takes this cake to new heights of decadence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just love to indulge in dessert-making, this recipe is designed to be straightforward while delivering exceptional results.

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or just as a treat to spoil your loved ones on a regular day. It’s a versatile recipe that offers room for creativity and personalization, allowing you to experiment with optional garnishes or even adjusting it to dietary preferences. Dive into the detailed process below and discover how you can create this show-stopping dessert with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake

Flavor Explosion: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a time-tested favorite, making each bite rich and delightful.
Simplicity: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Customizable: With options for substitutions and garnish, you can tailor this cake to suit your personal taste preferences.
Show-Stopper: Makes for an eye-catching dessert that will wow guests at any event.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Preparation is key to the success of this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake. Start by organizing your workspace and gathering all necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process. It’s vital to have a clean kitchen towel ready, which will be used for rolling the cake after it bakes. Also, be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before mixing the ingredients, as this will help your cake bake evenly.

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key tools: a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a hand or stand mixer, a sifter for the dry ingredients, and a sturdy spatula for folding the batter gently. Having these tools at arm’s reach will streamline the process and help maintain your focus on the cake rather than fumbling for equipment mid-bake.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
1 cup chocolate ganache or chocolate frosting
Reese’s Pieces or additional mini peanut butter cups for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure an easy release of the cake once it’s done baking. This preliminary step is crucial for achieving a flaw-free cake that rolls smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting these ingredients not only ensures they are well incorporated but also prevents any lumps from forming in your batter, which can affect the texture of the cake.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and frothy. This process should take about 5 minutes. You want the mixture to be airy and stable, as this will help in creating a fluffy cake. Once you achieve this texture, add in the milk and vanilla extract, gently folding until combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Using a spatula, carefully fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg and sugar mixture. It’s important to mix gently and only until just combined to avoid deflating the airy structure you’ve built, which can lead to a denser cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the prepared batter into your lined baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Keep an eye on the oven because overbaking can make the cake difficult to roll.

Step 6: Roll the Cake While Warm

Once done, turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Remove the parchment paper carefully and roll the cake along with the towel. This step, done while the cake is warm, helps form the roll without cracks. Let it cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In another bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until the filling is fluffy and smooth, then set aside.

Step 8: Fill and Roll the Cake

After the cake is cooled, gently unroll it, spread the prepared peanut butter filling generously over the surface, and sprinkle chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly. Re-roll the cake firmly but gently to avoid squeezing out the filling.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Spread the top of your roll cake with rich chocolate ganache or frosting, then garnish with Reese’s Pieces or additional mini peanut butter cups for a decorative and tasty finish.

Variations

Protein: For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of chocolate protein powder to the dry ingredients.
Vegetables: If you’re looking for a healthier twist, incorporate finely grated zucchini into the batter. It adds moisture without compromising flavor.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the ganache for a spicy chocolate twist, complementing the sweetness of the cake.

Cooking Notes

Nut Allergies: For those with nut allergies, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to achieve a similar taste without the nuts.
Flour Options: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast to the rich, chocolatey roll cake.
Pair with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a complete dessert experience.

Tips

Rolling Tips: Be sure to roll the cake slowly without pressure to avoid cracking.
Storage: Keep the roll cake refrigerated for up to 3 days. It’s best served at room temperature for the flavors to fully develop.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, including cooling time

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 210mg

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and apply the ganache or frosting on the day of serving for the best presentation.

What can I use instead of a jelly roll pan?

If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, a standard baking sheet can be used, but make sure to not spread the batter too thinly to maintain the thickness required for rolling.

How can I prevent the cake from cracking?

To avoid cracks, make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm and use plenty of powdered sugar on the towel to prevent sticking.

Is there a way to make the cake moist if it turns out dry?

In case the cake turns out dry, brush the surface with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and sugar before you roll it with the filling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake is a delightful and manageable project for any dessert enthusiast. With its irresistible combination of flavors and visually appealing layers, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a special occasion treat or a spontaneous indulgence, this cake embodies the perfect harmony of chocolate and peanut butter that many adore. Don’t hesitate to try out the variations or make it your own with unique garnishes. We hope you enjoy baking this creation and sharing it with those you love. Remember, the best way to enjoy a recipe is to share it, so spread the love by commenting and sharing this recipe with fellow dessert aficionados!