Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll is an eye-catching, indulgent dessert that features a moist chocolate sponge cake wrapped around a velvety peanut butter cream filling. Covered in a glossy chocolate ganache and garnished with peanut crunch, this dessert is a slice of nostalgic comfort with a gourmet twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Swiss roll is not only visually impressive but also bursting with classic flavor. The pairing of chocolate and peanut butter is beloved for a reason—it’s rich, creamy, and slightly salty in the best way. The soft, airy sponge rolls easily, and the no-fuss filling makes this dessert doable even for beginners.

Ingredients

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

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Smooth peanut butter
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream (for filling and ganache)
• Dark chocolate (chopped, for ganache)
• Salted peanuts (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Add vanilla extract.
3. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the egg mixture.
4. Add melted butter and milk. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cake springs back when touched.
6. While warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment and gently roll the cake up with the towel. Let cool.
7. For the filling, beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and a splash of cream to lighten it.
8. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly over it. Re-roll the cake tightly (without the towel).
9. For the ganache, heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth. Let cool slightly, then pour over the roll.
10. Garnish with salted peanuts and chill until set. Slice and serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Assembly Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 2 hours

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.
• Crunchy Filling: Add crushed graham crackers or chopped chocolate to the filling.
• Flavored Ganache: Infuse the cream with instant coffee or cinnamon before pouring over chocolate.
• Mini Rolls: Slice and serve as bite-sized rollups for parties.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the sponge.

storage/reheating

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The Swiss roll is best served chilled but can sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Freezing is also an option: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Avoid reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this roll without cream cheese?

Yes, substitute with whipped cream or mascarpone for a lighter filling.

What’s the key to rolling without cracking?

Roll the cake while it’s still warm and flexible, using a towel to help shape it.

Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, though the sweetness level will increase. Adjust sugar in the filling if needed.

Is a jelly roll pan necessary?

Yes, its dimensions ensure proper cake thickness for rolling. A 10×15 pan is ideal.

How do I slice the roll cleanly?

Use a sharp serrated knife dipped in warm water and wiped between cuts.

Can I make the cake a day ahead?

Absolutely. Wrap it tightly and fill it just before serving, or refrigerate overnight.

Can I skip the ganache topping?

Yes, dust with cocoa or powdered sugar for a simpler finish.

How thick should the peanut butter filling be?

Spreadable but firm enough to hold shape—adjust cream as needed.

What if my cake cracks while rolling?

Minor cracks are fine—cover with ganache for a clean finish.

Can I add a jelly layer for a PB&J vibe?

Yes, a thin layer of strawberry or raspberry jam works beautifully under the filling.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swiss Roll brings together nostalgic flavors and elegant presentation in one delicious dessert. With its rich ganache coating and creamy filling, it’s perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or treating yourself to something special. Easy to customize and even easier to devour, this roll is a must-try for peanut butter lovers.

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