Introduction
Who doesn’t love a delicious cake roll, especially when it combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter? This Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress. It’s light, fluffy, and filled with a creamy peanut butter filling, then topped with a luscious chocolate drizzle and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups. Ready to dive into this delectable treat? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for the Cake
To make this cake roll, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Eggs and Sugar
- 3 large eggs: Essential for creating a light and airy cake texture.
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s structure.
Coffee or Water
- 2 teaspoons brewed coffee or water: Enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.
Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides a rich chocolate taste.
Salt
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
All-Purpose Flour
- ¾ cup (93g) all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cake, giving it body and texture.
Powdered Sugar
- Powdered sugar, for rolling: Keeps the cake from sticking when rolled and adds a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients for the Filling & Topping
For the creamy filling and decadent topping, you’ll need:
Cream Cheese
- 2 ounces (113g) cream cheesesoftened: Adds richness and a tangy flavor to the filling.
Peanut Butter
- ⅓ cup (89g) peanut butter: The star of the filling, giving it that classic peanut butter taste.
Powdered Sugar
- 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar: This sweetens the filling and helps achieve the right consistency.
Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
Heavy Whipping Cream
- 4 tablespoons + ⅔ cup (59ml + 158ml) heavy whipping cream: Adds fluffiness to the filling and richness to the topping.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- 7 regular sizes Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped (about 1 cup): Adds texture and bursts of peanut butter flavor.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Perfect for the chocolate drizzle on top.
Directions
Preparing the Cake Batter
- Get the oven ready: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light, airy cake.
- Add Liquids: Mix in the 2 teaspoons of brewed coffee (or water) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Baking the Cake
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¾ cup all-purpose flour. Add this dry mixture to the egg mixture slowly while stirring it in until it’s just mixed.
- Spread and Bake: Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly. After 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake top springs back when you touch it, remove from the oven.
Rolling the Cake
- Turn Out and Roll: Immediately turn the cake out onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. Start rolling the cake and towel together from the narrow end.
Let it cool on a wire rack. Rolling it while it is warm helps the cake hold its shape.
Preparing the Filling
- Beat Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, beat together 2 ounces softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup peanut butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Cream: Gradually add 4 tablespoons of heavy cream, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Filling and Rolling the Cake
- Unroll and Fill: Once the cake is cool, unroll it and spread the filling evenly over the top.
- Add Peanut Butter Cups: Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups over the filling.
- Roll Up: Roll the cake back up without the towel. Make sure it’s tight but not too tight to avoid squishing the filling out.
Topping the Cake
- Melt Chocolate: Melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave or over a double boiler. Once melted, drizzle it over the rolled cake.
- Chill: Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a bit before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easy to cut.
Conclusion
There you have it—a recipe that will satisfy all your cravings for peanut butter cup desserts. The Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll is a delightful and decadent treat that is sure to impress your friends and family. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a slice of peanut butter glory!
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter for the filling? Yes, but natural peanut butter can be a bit runnier. Make sure to mix it well to achieve the desired consistency for the filling.
2. What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream? You can substitute it with regular whipping cream or even whole milk, but the texture might be slightly less rich.
3. Can I freeze the cake roll? Absolutely!Before you freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. How long will the cake roll stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
5. Can I make this cake roll gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.