Imagine sinking your teeth into a swirl of moist chocolate cake, layered with a creamy, peanut butter filling that tastes just like the inside of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Then, picture that whole masterpiece drizzled with a rich, glossy chocolate ganache and sprinkled with chopped Reese’s for good measure. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s a dream you can make a reality with this incredible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake recipe. We all know and love the iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, those perfect little packages of chocolate and peanut butter bliss. And a roll cake, also known as a Swiss roll, is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to bake. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, creating a decadent Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake that will impress your friends and family.
Why This Reese’s Roll Cake is Special
The magic of chocolate and peanut butter is undeniable. It’s a flavor combination that transcends age and preference, a classic pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser. But this roll cake isn’t just about the flavors; it’s about the texture too. We’re aiming for a cake that’s incredibly moist and tender, a perfect canvas for the rich and creamy peanut butter filling. This isn’t a dry, crumbly cake that falls apart. The cake should be light, airy and melt in your mouth. The filling is where the Reese’s magic truly happens. It’s a creamy, dreamy peanut butter filling that perfectly mimics the inside of your favorite candy. It should have that distinct Reese’s flavor with the right balance of sweet and salty. And let’s not forget the chocolate ganache drizzle. It’s that extra touch of indulgence and adds to the visual appeal, making the cake look like it came straight from a bakery. The ganache should be smooth, shiny, and add a rich, decadent layer to the entire experience.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its adaptability. While we’re focusing on the classic Reese’s flavor, you can easily customize it to your liking. Add chopped peanuts for extra crunch, use different types of chocolate for the ganache, or even incorporate other candies into the filling. The possibilities are endless! It’s all about making it your own, experimenting with flavors, and creating a dessert that perfectly suits your palate. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring that you create a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake that’s both stunning and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake
To make the chocolate cake, you will need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, large eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Cocoa powder brings that rich chocolate flavor, while baking powder and baking soda work together to create a light and airy texture. The eggs provide structure and richness, and the milk and oil contribute to the cake’s moisture.
For the Peanut Butter Filling
The peanut butter filling requires creamy peanut butter (smooth, not chunky), powdered sugar, unsalted butter (softened), and heavy cream. Peanut butter is the star, of course, providing that iconic Reese’s flavor. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a smooth and creamy texture. The softened butter contributes richness and stability, while heavy cream helps to thin out the filling and make it spreadable. You may substitute milk if you prefer a lighter filling.
For the Chocolate Ganache
The chocolate ganache is simply made with semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. The semi-sweet chocolate offers a good balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity. Heavy cream melts into the chocolate and creates that smooth, glossy ganache. You may use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Optional Extras
Finally, consider adding chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, peanut butter chips, or chocolate shavings for decoration. Chopped Reese’s offer a concentrated burst of flavor and visual appeal. Peanut butter chips add an extra layer of peanut butter richness, and chocolate shavings provide a sophisticated touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Masterpiece
Now, let’s get to the fun part – baking! Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step to ensure your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake turns out perfectly:
Preparing the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be smooth but not overly processed.
Baking the Cake
Line a 10×15 inch baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the cake as it bakes; you want it to be cooked through but not overbaked. Overbaking will result in a dry and brittle cake that’s prone to cracking.
Rolling the Cake
While the cake is baking, prepare a clean tea towel and generously dust it with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately invert it onto the prepared tea towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one of the short ends, roll the cake up tightly in the tea towel. This step is crucial for preventing cracking. The warmth of the cake helps it mold to the shape of the roll. Let the rolled cake cool completely in the tea towel. This allows the cake to set and maintain its shape.
Making the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the filling reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency. You may need to adjust the amount of cream depending on the consistency of your peanut butter. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape but spreadable enough to easily apply to the cake.
Assembling the Roll Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it from the tea towel. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border at one of the long edges. Starting from the filled edge, carefully re-roll the cake. Wrap the roll cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the filling to set.
Making the Chocolate Ganache
Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate. Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy. If the ganache is too thick, add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it is too thin, microwave for seconds, whisking until smooth
Decorating the Cake
Remove the roll cake from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Place it on a serving platter or cake stand. Drizzle the chocolate ganache evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, peanut butter chips, or chocolate shavings, if desired. Slice and serve!
Tips and Tricks for Roll Cake Success
To ensure your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake is a resounding success, keep these tips in mind:
Preventing Cracking: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm is essential to prevent cracking. The warmth makes the cake more pliable and less likely to break. Also, avoid overbaking the cake. A slightly underbaked cake is better than an overbaked one when it comes to roll cakes.
Ensuring a Moist Cake: Don’t overbake the cake! Overbaking will result in a dry and brittle cake that’s prone to cracking. A slightly underbaked cake is better than an overbaked one when it comes to roll cakes. Also, be sure to use the right amount of liquid ingredients in the batter.
Perfect Peanut Butter Filling Consistency: Adjust the amount of cream to achieve the desired consistency. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape but spreadable enough to easily apply to the cake. Start with a small amount of cream and add more as needed, one tablespoon at a time. If you want to add a touch of salt, add a pinch of sea salt to balance the flavors.
Storing Your Roll Cake: Store your roll cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This will keep the cake moist and the filling fresh. You can also freeze the roll cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Variations and Substitutions: For dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free flour in the cake batter. Just be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free milk and dairy-free cream in the cake batter, filling, and ganache. For the filling, you can try other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter. For the ganache, experiment with different types of chocolate like dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. You can also incorporate other candies into the filling like crushed Oreos, chopped Snickers bars, or mini marshmallows.
Serving and Enjoying Your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake
Serving Suggestions: This cake is best served chilled. It allows the flavors to meld together and the filling to firm up. Slice the cake into individual servings using a sharp, serrated knife. If you want to add an extra touch of elegance, dust the slices with powdered sugar before serving.
Pairing Ideas: This cake pairs perfectly with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a steaming mug of tea. The creamy sweetness of the cake complements the richness of the coffee and the warmth of the tea. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Perfect for Special Occasions: This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake is the perfect dessert for any special occasion, from birthdays and holidays to potlucks and parties. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. It is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any event. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to serve it.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a recipe for a decadent and unforgettable Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake. This cake is the perfect combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate ganache. It’s a dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. Now it’s your turn to try this recipe and create your own masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations to make it your own. We encourage you to share your creations with us! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, questions, or photos of your finished cake. We can’t wait to hear about your experiences!
