Name: Reese's Peanut Butter Roll Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped; 1 cup chocolate ganache or frosting; Reese's Pieces for garnish

Reese’s Roll Cake is the stuff of sweet dreams, a glorious fusion of two beloved treats that’s guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering, or simply make your afternoon infinitely better. Imagine the irresistible allure of creamy peanut butter frosting and rich chocolate cake, all swirled together into a beautiful, shareable log. That’s the magic of the Reese’s Roll Cake! It’s no wonder this delightful creation has become such a sensation; it taps into that primal craving for the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup experience, but elevated into a stunning dessert format. What truly sets this confection apart is its perfect balance of textures and flavors – the tender, moist chocolate cake cradling ribbons of sweet, nutty peanut butter filling, all enrobed in a decadent chocolate ganache. Prepare yourself for pure indulgence.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
1 cup chocolate ganache or frosting
Reese’s Pieces for garnish

Preparing the Chocolate Cake Base

This Reese’s Roll Cake starts with a rich, moist chocolate cake that’s perfect for rolling. In a medium bowl, we’ll whisk together our dry ingredients. Combine the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together thoroughly until there are no lumps of cocoa powder and everything is evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent texture throughout our cake. Set this bowl aside for now.

In a larger bowl, we’ll tackle the wet ingredients and sugar. Crack your 4 large eggs into the bowl. Add the 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, or a whisk if you’re feeling energetic, beat the eggs and sugar together for about 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for the mixture to become pale and fluffy, almost like a ribbon when you lift the beaters. This process incorporates air, which will help our cake rise beautifully. Now, reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the 1/4 cup of milk and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix just until combined.

Incorporating Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring our dry and wet ingredients together. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tougher cake. A few streaks of flour are okay; they’ll disappear as we continue.

Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This is where the magic starts to happen, infusing our chocolate cake with those delightful peanut butter pockets.

Baking the Cake for Rolling

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a slight overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the cake out once it’s baked. Lightly grease the parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking.

Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan, spreading it out with a spatula to create a uniform layer. The batter will be quite thick. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be springy to the touch.

Cooling and Preparing the Peanut Butter Filling

While the cake is baking, let’s prepare our luscious peanut butter filling. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Using a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed, beat these ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy, and spreadable consistency. If it seems too thick, you can add another tablespoon of heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.

Once the cake is baked, immediately invert it onto a clean kitchen towel that has been lightly dusted with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. While the cake is still warm, and very carefully, roll it up gently, starting from one of the shorter ends, along with the towel. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely in this rolled state. This step is crucial for preventing the cake from cracking when we unroll it to spread the filling.

Assembling the Reese’s Roll Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it. You’ll see it has a lovely, flexible texture. Now, spread the prepared peanut butter filling evenly over the entire surface of the unrolled cake, making sure to go all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the peanut butter filling.

Gently re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, starting from the same end. Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter or board.

Finishing Touches and Garnish

Now for the grand finale! We’ll cover our Reese’s Roll Cake with a decadent chocolate coating. Spread the 1 cup of chocolate ganache or frosting smoothly over the entire exterior of the rolled cake, ensuring an even and attractive finish. You can use an offset spatula for this.

To make it truly spectacular, garnish the top of the cake with a generous scattering of Reese’s Pieces. The vibrant colors and familiar peanut butter candy flavor of the Reese’s Pieces add both visual appeal and an extra layer of deliciousness that perfectly complements the Reese’s Roll Cake. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own, show-stopping Reese’s Roll Cake! This decadent treat brings together the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter frosting and rich chocolate cake in a delightful roll form. We hope you’ve enjoyed following along with this recipe and are excited to share this incredible dessert with your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Whether you’re serving this at a special occasion or just craving a sweet indulgence, this Reese’s Roll Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Embrace the fun and let your inner baker shine!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Reese’s Roll Cake ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! The chocolate cake can be baked and cooled a day in advance, and the peanut butter frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble the roll cake closer to serving time to ensure the cake stays moist and the frosting is easily spreadable.

What are some other delicious filling ideas for this roll cake?

While the peanut butter frosting is divine, feel free to experiment! Consider a chocolate ganache filling for an extra chocolatey experience, or a swirl of caramel sauce. You could even add chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for more texture and flavor throughout the roll.

How should I store leftover Reese’s Roll Cake?

Leftover Reese’s Roll Cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2-3 days. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.