Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll

Growing up, my kitchen was always filled with the sweet scent of chocolate and the comforting aroma of peanut butter. One of my fondest memories is making this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll with my mom on chilly Sunday afternoons. We would keep the oven busy while we laughed and shared stories, all while sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter from the bowl. It was our little ritual, a way to warm up the house and our hearts during the colder months.

This delightful dessert perfectly captures the essence of those cozy days, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings or just a sweet end to a long day. The rich chocolate sponge combined with creamy peanut butter is simply irresistible, and I guarantee you'll be left with happy smiles and requests for seconds. So let's roll up our sleeves and create some delicious memories with this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll!

Why You'll Love "Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll"

This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll is not just a treat; it's a celebration of flavors and memories. You'll love how easy it is to whip up this dessert, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, you can have this delightful sweet ready in no time. Plus, it's a family-friendly treat that everyone will adore, and it's ideal for sharing at gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home!

Benefits

• Quick prep time of just 30 minutes makes it perfect for busy days.
• Minimal ingredients mean fewer trips to the store and easy assembly.
• Family-friendly recipe that kids will love to help make.
• Freezer-friendly; enjoy it fresh or save it for later indulgence.
• Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavor combination that's simply irresistible!

Ingredients You'll Need

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (choose a high-quality brand for richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs at room temperature (this helps with a fluffier cake)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil for a different taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla is best for depth of flavor)
• ¼ cup milk (whole milk gives the best results, but any milk will do)
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (choose a brand you love for the filling)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream (for a thicker filling, use chilled heavy cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (yes, more vanilla for the filling too!)
• 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups (the more, the merrier!)
• ½ cup heavy cream for ganache (heated to just boiling)
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (use high-quality chocolate for the ganache)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the edges a bit for easy removal later.

Make the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is crucial for a nice rise in your cake!
3. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk to the egg mixture, mixing well until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Gradually fold in the dry mixture into the egg mixture until just combined - don't overmix, or your cake might turn out dense!

Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

1. While the cake is baking, prepare the peanut butter filling by mixing the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Roll and Cool the Cake

1. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
2. Carefully roll the cake up with the parchment paper, starting from one of the short ends. This helps to shape the roll.
3. Let it cool completely while rolled up - this will help it hold its shape.

Assemble the Roll

1. Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it and spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cake layer.
2. Roll it back up tightly, using the parchment paper to assist you, and place it seam side down on a serving platter.

Make the Ganache

1. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just boiling.
2. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl, and stir until smooth and glossy.

Serve

1. Drizzle the ganache over the rolled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for that beautiful finish.
2. Slice the roll into generous pieces and serve it up - just watch those smiles appear!

Variations

• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream in the filling with Greek yogurt.
• Try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
• Add a layer of sliced bananas in the filling for a fruity twist.
• Use dark chocolate chips for the ganache for a richer taste.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve the Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best texture. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. It's perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving!

Helpful Notes

• If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the filling.
• For a nut-free version, swap peanut butter with sunbutter or a seed butter of your choice.
• Feel free to add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling for extra texture.
• Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to help the batter rise nicely.
• This recipe is easily customizable; try different flavored extracts like almond for a twist!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll?

Yes, you can freeze the Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

How do I substitute ingredients?

Substituting ingredients is easy! You can swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that this may change the texture and flavor slightly.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you're looking for a substitute for heavy cream, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Both will work well in the filling!

How long does this dessert last?

The Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll will last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to 2 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you're as excited as I am to dive into making this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll! It's such a delightful treat that brings back warm memories and creates new ones in your kitchen. Don't hesitate to involve your family in the process; there's nothing like shared laughter and a little chaos to make cooking even more fun! Remember, it's all about enjoying the moment and savoring every delicious bite. I can't wait for you to try it, and I'm sure it'll become a beloved dessert in your home just like it has in mine!