Description: A decadent and delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate cake with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter, all topped with whipped cream and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This roll cake is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a special treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required for the cake, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped (for topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box. Grease and flour a 10×15 inch rimmed baking sheet (jelly roll pan). This size is crucial for achieving the right cake thickness for rolling. Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package directions. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it to the edges.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Bake the cake according to the box instructions, usually around 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it, as you don’t want the cake to be overbaked and dry, which can make it difficult to roll.
Step 3: Cool and Roll Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. While it’s still slightly warm, loosen the edges of the cake with a knife or spatula. Dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Invert the cake onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one of the short ends, roll the cake up tightly in the towel, like a jelly roll. Place the rolled cake on a wire rack and let it cool completely. This step is crucial for setting the cake’s shape and preventing it from cracking when you add the filling.
Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Filling While the cake is cooling, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Roll Cake Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it. Be careful, as the cake can be fragile. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the entire surface of the cake. Make sure to leave a small margin at the end to prevent the filling from squeezing out when you re-roll it. Starting from the same end you rolled it up before, carefully re-roll the cake tightly. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set and the cake to firm up. This will make it easier to slice.
Step 6: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping While the cake is chilling, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream will turn into butter. You can add a tablespoon of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness, if desired.
Step 7: Decorate and Serve Remove the chilled roll cake from the refrigerator. Unwrap it and place it on a serving platter. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake. Sprinkle the chopped Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups generously over the whipped cream. Slice the cake with a sharp knife and serve chilled.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- The Perfect Flavor Combination: The marriage of rich chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter is a classic for a reason. It’s a flavor combination that everyone loves.
- Impressive Presentation: The roll cake format is visually stunning and makes for a show-stopping dessert.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the use of a cake mix.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Try adding a layer of chocolate ganache, using different types of peanut butter cups, or sprinkling the cake with chopped peanuts.
- Perfect for Sharing: This cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to share a delicious treat with friends and family.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the cake chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- Accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle it with chocolate syrup or peanut butter sauce.
- Serve it with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
- Garnish with extra chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Tips:
- Don’t overbake the cake, as this will make it dry and difficult to roll.
- Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Roll the cake up tightly in the towel to set its shape.
- Make sure the peanut butter filling is smooth and creamy.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the cake cleanly.
- If the whipped cream starts to melt, return the cake to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cake mix.
- For a nuttier flavor, add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter filling.
- To make individual servings, bake the cake in a smaller pan and cut it into squares.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per slice)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion:
The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake is a delightful and impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and whipped cream topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, bake up a batch and enjoy the deliciousness!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with another flavor, such as vanilla, yellow, or even a red velvet cake mix. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, but it can still be delicious. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake the cake, prepare the filling, assemble the roll cake, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the whipped cream topping and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups just before serving.
- What can I use instead of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups? If you don’t have Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on hand, you can use other chocolate-covered peanut butter candies, such as peanut butter M&Ms or chopped peanut butter bars. You can also use chopped peanuts for a simpler topping.
- My cake cracked when I rolled it. What did I do wrong? Cracking can happen if the cake is too dry or if it’s not rolled while it’s still slightly warm. Make sure not to overbake the cake. Also, be sure to roll it up tightly in the towel as soon as it’s cool enough to handle. If the cake does crack, don’t worry! The filling and topping will help to conceal the cracks.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the assembled roll cake (before adding the whipped cream topping). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before adding the whipped cream topping and serving.
