Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Roll Cake – Rich, Creamy, and Decadent

Introduction

Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Roll Cake is a show-stopping dessert that brings together soft chocolate sponge cake, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate coating. It is the kind of dessert that looks impressive on the table yet feels wonderfully nostalgic with its classic chocolate and peanut butter combination. I first made this roll cake when I wanted something elegant but comforting, and it quickly became a favorite among both kids and adults. The cake itself is light and flexible, making it perfect for rolling, while the peanut butter filling adds richness without being overly heavy. What truly elevates this dessert is the chocolate coating, which sets beautifully and adds a satisfying snap before giving way to the soft cake beneath. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or special weekend baking, this Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Roll Cake delivers indulgence in every slice.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines classic flavors in an elegant format. It is creamy, rich, visually stunning, and perfect for make-ahead entertaining or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Eggs
Eggs provide structure and help create a light, airy sponge cake.

Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake and helps achieve a soft, flexible texture.

All-purpose flour
Flour gives structure while keeping the cake tender.

Cocoa powder
Cocoa powder provides deep chocolate flavor to the sponge.

Baking powder
Baking powder helps the cake rise evenly.

Salt
Salt balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth to both cake and filling.

Creamy peanut butter
Peanut butter forms the rich, smooth filling.

Unsalted butter
Butter adds creaminess and richness to the filling.

Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the filling and keeps it smooth.

Heavy cream
Heavy cream lightens the peanut butter filling.

Semi-sweet chocolate
Chocolate forms the glossy outer coating.

Vegetable oil or butter
This helps create a smooth, pourable chocolate coating.

Directions

Begin by preheating the oven and lining a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake until the cake springs back lightly when touched. Immediately turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and gently roll the cake up in the towel while warm. Allow it to cool completely.

For the filling, beat peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and spreadable. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake tightly and place seam-side down.

Melt the chocolate with vegetable oil or butter until smooth. Pour or spread the chocolate coating evenly over the roll cake. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets before slicing.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 8 to 10 people. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, with a baking time of 12 to 15 minutes and a chilling time of at least 1 hour.

Storage/reheating

Store Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Roll Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or slightly softened at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended.

Variations and Customizations

This roll cake can be customized easily. You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture or swap peanut butter for almond butter. A drizzle of white chocolate over the top adds visual contrast. For extra indulgence, add chopped peanuts to the filling or sprinkle them over the chocolate coating before it sets. You can also dust the finished cake with cocoa powder instead of coating it fully in chocolate for a lighter version.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dessert contains dairy, eggs, peanuts, and gluten. It is vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted using gluten-free flour blends, though texture may vary. Nutritional values depend on portion size and ingredient choices.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Roll While Warm
Rolling the cake warm prevents cracking.

Do Not Overfill
A thin, even layer of filling rolls best.

Chill Before Slicing
Chilling ensures clean, neat slices.

FAQs

Why did my cake crack?

It may have cooled too much before rolling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it is ideal for making a day in advance.

What peanut butter works best?

Creamy peanut butter gives the smoothest filling.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, freeze without slicing for best results.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife wiped between cuts.

Can I use milk chocolate?

Yes, but semi-sweet balances sweetness better.

Is this cake very sweet?

It is rich but well balanced.

Can I skip the chocolate coating?

Yes, the cake is delicious without it.

Does it need refrigeration?

Yes, due to the filling and coating.

Is this good for parties?

Yes, it slices beautifully and serves well.

Conclusion

Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Roll Cake is a rich, elegant dessert that combines light chocolate sponge, creamy peanut butter filling, and a decadent chocolate shell. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you want to impress with a classic flavor pairing, this recipe delivers indulgence, beauty, and irresistible taste in every slice.

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