If you love decadent desserts with a delightful swirl of nostalgia and indulgence, you won’t want to miss this Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll. It’s the ultimate treat for anyone who’s ever fallen in love with the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Imagine a feather-light chocolate sponge cake, rolled up with billowy peanut butter cream and finished with a glossy ganache—all crowned with cute mini peanut butter cups. Whether it’s for a celebration or a weeknight pick-me-up, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll will win hearts (and tastebuds) every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in how simple, pantry-ready ingredients work together to create a show-stopping dessert. Each component, from the eggs to the chocolate, adds its own special touch to the taste, texture, and show-stealing appearance of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll.
- Eggs: Whipped until fluffy, they give the cake its signature lift and pillowy crumb.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to provide structure without weighing down the sponge.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping the eggs whip up to perfection.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives deep chocolate flavor and that gorgeous dark color.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise for a light, airy texture.
- Milk: A splash makes the batter smooth and keeps the cake moist.
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Adds richness without making the cake dense.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out all the flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and intensify the chocolate.
- Heavy Cream (for filling and ganache): Whipped for the peanut butter cream and used again for that luscious ganache topping.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the filling, making it creamy, nutty, and rich.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and blends in seamlessly for a silky texture.
- Semisweet or Milk Chocolate (for ganache): Choose what you love—both melt into a glossy, dreamy finish.
- Butter (for ganache): Helps the ganache set to the perfect sheen and spread.
- Mini Peanut Butter Cups, Chocolate Drizzle, Crushed Peanuts: For decorating and adding playful crunch, making your Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll truly irresistible!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll
Step 1: Whip Up the Chocolate Sponge
Start by preheating your oven—the anticipation is half the fun! Whisk your eggs and sugar together on high until they’re pale, thick, and cloud-like. This step is crucial to get that signature airy texture in your Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll. After sifting your dry ingredients, gently fold them in, followed by a swirl of milk, oil (or butter), and vanilla. Pour into your lined jelly roll pan, spread gently, and bake until just set. Remember, a light touch creates the softest, most flexible cake for rolling.
Step 2: The Art of Rolling
While the cake’s still hot, turn it out onto a cocoa-dusted towel (trust me, cocoa keeps it from sticking and adds just a hint more chocolatey oomph). Peel off the parchment, and using the towel, carefully roll it up from the short side. Rolling while warm is the little trick that prevents unsightly cracks and helps the cake “remember” its rolled shape as it cools.
Step 3: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling
The beating heart of every Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll is the filling. Whip your cold heavy cream to soft peaks—it makes everything lighter. Mix together creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until impossibly smooth, then gently fold in the whipped cream. The result? A filling that’s billowy, nutty, and impossible not to taste-test!
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it and spread the peanut butter filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edges so it doesn’t spill out. Then, slowly (and lovingly!) roll the cake up again, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the fridge. This little nap helps the cake set and makes clean, dreamy slices possible.
Step 5: Chocolate Ganache Finale
Ganache is the crowning glory for our Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll. Heat your cream, pour it over the chopped chocolate and butter, and stir to glossy, satiny perfection. Pour it over your chilled roll, letting those luscious drips cascade down the sides. It’s the chocolate curtain call for this fabulous dessert.
Step 6: All About Decorating
Go wild with mini peanut butter cups, a carefree chocolate drizzle, or a scatter of roasted, crushed peanuts for crunch. Whatever you choose, you’ll add personality and pay homage to all the flavors inside. At this point, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll looks like a bakery masterpiece—dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll
Garnishes
There’s no wrong way to dress up this beauty! I love to crown each slice with a mini peanut butter cup and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra flair. A delicate chocolate drizzle or even an extra bloom of ganache turns every serving of Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll into a celebration on a plate.
Side Dishes
For a little contrast, try serving the Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a handful of fresh berries, or even a dollop of softly whipped cream. The cool and the creamy work wonders against the richness of the cake and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Add a modern touch by slicing the roll into mini spirals for a dessert platter, or stack slices on their side and top with holiday sprinkles for a festive occasion. You can even let guests build their own with a garnish bar—think extra chocolate drizzle, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll never fails to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, tightly wrap your Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll in plastic or store in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, staying moist and just as swoon-worthy as day one.
Freezing
Yes, you can absolutely freeze the Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll! Simply wrap the whole roll (without the ganache, if possible) tightly in plastic and then in foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding more ganache or garnish as desired.
Reheating
Since the Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll is best served slightly chilled, there’s no need to reheat. Just let it rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing, so every bite is creamy and dreamy.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy for the filling?
While natural peanut butter can be used, it tends to separate and may make the filling less smooth. For the creamiest and fluffiest texture, stick to classic creamy peanut butter for your Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
No problem! You can use a rimmed baking sheet that’s similar in size (about 10×15 inches is perfect). Just be sure to adjust the baking time if your pan is slightly larger or smaller, checking for doneness by lightly pressing the cake—it should spring back.
Why did my cake crack when I rolled it?
Rolling the cake while it’s hot is crucial to avoid cracks. If it cools too much before rolling, the cake loses flexibility. Don’t skip the cocoa-dusted towel, and be gentle during the initial roll!
Can I make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll gluten free?
Absolutely! Try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cake should still roll beautifully and taste just as indulgent.
How far in advance can I assemble the Swiss roll?
You can assemble the Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it rest overnight enhances the flavor and texture—just add your ganache and decorations shortly before serving for the freshest finish.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a devoted chocolate fan, a peanut butter lover, or just in the mood for something spectacular, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll is almost guaranteed to become your new go-to treat. If you try it, I hope it brings as much joy and deliciousness to your table as it does to mine!