This indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Combining the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, it features a soft, moist chocolate cake filled with a creamy peanut butter filling and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. This treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour it over the chocolate chips and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth to create the chocolate ganache.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven. Immediately spread the peanut butter filling over the warm cake.
- Carefully roll the cake from one of the short ends, rolling tightly to preserve the filling.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Drizzle the cooled cake with the chocolate ganache and slice into pieces before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add nuts: To enhance the texture and flavor, you can add crushed peanuts or other nuts of your choice into the peanut butter filling.
- Frosting: Instead of drizzling ganache, you can top the cake roll with a peanut butter or chocolate frosting for an extra creamy finish.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Add a twist: Add a layer of strawberry or raspberry jam under the peanut butter filling to bring a fruity contrast to the dessert.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cake rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: To reheat, slice and microwave individual portions for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
10 FAQs
- Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge overnight.
- Can I use a different cake mix? Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with another flavor, such as vanilla or red velvet, for a different taste.
- Can I freeze this cake roll? Yes, you can freeze the rolled cake before adding the ganache. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture if you prefer.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream in the ganache? You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream in the ganache.
- Can I use a homemade chocolate cake recipe instead of a box mix? Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake recipe can work just as well.
- How do I prevent the cake from cracking while rolling? Ensure the cake is slightly cooled before rolling it up, but not completely. You can also cover the cake with a damp towel to keep it moist while rolling.
- Can I make this recipe without frosting? Yes, you can skip the ganache topping if you prefer, but the chocolate ganache adds a rich flavor to the cake.
- How do I know when the cake is done baking? Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter? Yes, you can fold in chocolate chips or mini chips to the batter before baking for extra chocolate flavor.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll is a delightful and decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. With its moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate ganache, it is a guaranteed hit with anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter. Whether you serve it at a party, a family gathering, or just as a special treat for yourself, it will be enjoyed by all!