Instructions
Making the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade is simpler than it looks. Follow these easy-to-follow steps to create a dessert that’s both visually stunning and delicious.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper extends over the edges slightly. This ensures the cake releases effortlessly after baking. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the pan and dust it with flour, but parchment paper ensures a smoother release.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until you have a smooth batter. Take care not to overmix, as it may result in a dense cake.
3. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Watch closely, as the cake may bake quickly.
4. Roll the Cake
After baking, take the cake out of the oven and promptly invert it onto a clean kitchen towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. While the cake is still warm, gently roll it up with the towel, starting from one short edge. Let it cool completely while rolled up to help it maintain its shape.
5. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While the cake is cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt until smooth and creamy. You may need to adjust the amount of heavy cream depending on the consistency you want for the filling. It should be spreadable but not runny.
6. Assemble the Roulade
After the cake has fully cooled, carefully unroll it. Evenly spread the peanut butter filling over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, making sure it holds its shape.
7. Chill and Serve
Transfer the assembled roulade to a serving platter and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to firm up and the cake to set. This will also make it easier to slice. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin making the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade, gather all the necessary tools and ingredients. This will ensure that your preparation goes smoothly and that you don’t miss anything important.
Tools
To make the process easy, here’s a list of the essential kitchen tools you’ll need:
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: For mixing the cake batter and peanut butter filling.
- Baking sheet: A 15×10-inch baking sheet works best for this recipe.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, allowing it to roll easily.
- Kitchen towel: For rolling up the cake while it’s still warm, preventing cracks in the process.
- Cooling rack: To allow the cake to cool before adding the filling.
Ingredients
The ingredients are simple, yet they create a rich and indulgent treat. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:
- For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cake.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that deep, chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- Eggs: They add moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake base.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Vanilla extract: For added depth of flavor.
- For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- Peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter works best for a creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar: To sweeten the filling without making it too heavy.
- Heavy cream: Ensures the filling is smooth and spreadable.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the peanut butter.
With all the tools and ingredients gathered, you’re ready to begin making your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade.
Nutrition Score
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade is a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions. While it’s indulgent, it’s important to keep in mind the nutritional aspects of this dessert. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition per serving, based on a standard serving size of one slice (assuming 10 servings total).
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving:
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 7g
Serving Size and Adjustments:
- The nutrition information is based on standard measurements and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used (e.g., butter versus margarine, or the type of peanut butter).
- If you’re looking for a lower-calorie version, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of peanut butter in the filling.
- This dessert is quite rich, so smaller slices are recommended if you’re serving it at a large gathering.
Health Considerations:
- Peanut Butter: While peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein, it’s also calorie-dense. If you have dietary restrictions or prefer a lighter filling, you can use light peanut butter or experiment with a nut-free version.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works as a 1:1 substitute.
Serving & Storage
Once your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade is assembled and chilled, it’s time to serve and store the leftovers. This dessert can be served in many different ways to enhance its presentation, and knowing how to store it will help maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade is a showstopper dessert that looks just as impressive as it tastes. Here are a few ways to serve it:
- Slice and Serve: Cut the roulade into 1-inch thick slices. Serve each slice on a small plate, and consider garnishing with chocolate shavings, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a bit of extra flair.
- Add Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the rich flavors of the roulade beautifully.
- Pair with Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or even a few banana slices provide a nice contrast to the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate.
Storage
If you have leftovers or want to make the roulade in advance, here’s how to store it:
- Refrigeration: Wrap the roulade tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The cold helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.
- Freezing: If you want to make the roulade ahead of time, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Pro Tips for Freshness:
- If freezing, be sure to slice the roulade before freezing for easy access to individual servings.
- To prevent the roulade from drying out, make sure it’s well wrapped and always chilled before serving.
Variations
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade is versatile, allowing you to customize it according to dietary preferences or to simply change up the flavors. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade
For those who are gluten-sensitive or follow a gluten-free diet, you can easily make this roulade gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many gluten-free flours are available that work as a 1:1 replacement for regular flour. The result will be just as delicious without the gluten, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
2. Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade
To make this recipe vegan, you’ll need to swap the eggs and dairy for plant-based alternatives:
- Egg replacement: Use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) for each egg in the cake batter.
- Butter substitute: Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of the regular butter.
- Heavy cream: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or plant-based cream. This variation maintains the rich flavors while making the dessert suitable for vegans.
3. Nut-Free Peanut Butter Cake Roulade
If you’re serving guests with nut allergies, you can make this recipe nut-free by using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. Sunflower seed butter offers a similar creamy texture and flavor without the risk of nut allergies, making it a great alternative in this dessert.
4. Thicker Peanut Butter Filling
If you love peanut butter and want an even more indulgent filling, you can double the amount of peanut butter used. The extra filling will give the roulade a richer, more substantial flavor and texture. This is perfect for peanut butter lovers looking for an extra dose of peanut butter goodness in each bite.
5. Chocolate and Caramel Version
For a more decadent twist, add a layer of caramel sauce over the peanut butter filling before rolling the cake. The caramel adds a sweet, buttery contrast to the chocolate and peanut butter combination. Drizzling extra caramel over the top before serving will enhance the dessert’s flavor even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade, along with helpful answers to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.
What is the difference between a roll cake and a roulade?
While both are rolled cakes, the primary difference lies in their texture and filling. A roll cake typically uses a sponge-like, airy cake and is often filled with whipped cream or jam. A roulade, on the other hand, is made with a denser, more structured cake, often like the one used in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade, and can feature richer fillings, such as buttercream or peanut butter. The roulade’s dense cake and creamy filling give it a more indulgent texture.
What is the difference between a chocolate roulade and a Swiss roll?
Both desserts are rolled cakes, but they differ in their fillings and overall flavor. A chocolate roulade typically has a rich chocolate flavor, made from cocoa powder or melted chocolate, and is often filled with a decadent, creamy filling like peanut butter, chocolate mousse, or whipped cream. On the other hand, a Swiss roll is a lighter, sponge-like cake filled with sweet jam or whipped cream. The chocolate roulade tends to be more luxurious and rich compared to the Swiss roll’s light and simple filling.
Can I use peanut butter instead of oil in cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter for oil in cake mixes, though it will slightly alter the texture of the cake. Peanut butter adds a creamy, rich flavor and moisture, while oil generally helps to create a lighter, fluffier texture. If you use peanut butter, expect a denser, more flavorful cake. Be sure to adjust the consistency of the batter if needed by adding a little extra liquid or reducing the amount of peanut butter.
Why does peanut butter and chocolate taste so good together?
The pairing of peanut butter and chocolate works so well because of the contrast between their flavors and textures. The rich, creamy texture of peanut butter balances the bitterness of chocolate, while the saltiness of the peanut butter complements the sweetness of the chocolate. This sweet-salty combination creates a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of taste buds.
Conclusion
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade is a show-stopping dessert that perfectly combines two of the most beloved flavors—chocolate and peanut butter. With its rich, moist chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter filling, this roulade is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this dessert is sure to impress.
What makes this roulade even better is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free version, a vegan twist, or an even richer peanut butter filling, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your needs. The simple steps make it an approachable recipe for bakers of all skill levels, while the end result guarantees a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
Give this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roulade a try, and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with friends and family, and inspire others to indulge in this decadent dessert. For more related recipes, be sure to check out Roasted Cranberry Goat Cheese Flatbread, Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe, or Easy Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups Recipe.