I still remember the first time I nailed this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll. It took a few tries—some rolls cracked, others were dry—but the moment I sliced into that perfect swirled homemade chocolate swiss roll filled with that dreamy peanut butter filling, I was hooked for life. This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll quickly became a family favorite, especially on weekends when we all gathered to share a sweet moment after dinner.
There’s something comforting about the way chocolate and peanut butter sweets come together here. It’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and familiar, like the childhood snack you never quite outgrow but now better. In my busy weeknight rotation, this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll is my little culinary win because it’s approachable, satisfying, and always delivers smiles. I love pulling it out when friends stop by since it sparks easy conversation—there’s something about a chocolate roll dessert that brings people together.
Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe just a bit, finding that balance where the chocolate sponge stays tender and the peanut butter filling isn’t too heavy or sweet. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to try a peanut butter cup dessert recipe but worry it’s too tricky,” this is the one I’m happy to share with you. You can trust it’ll come out just right, whether you’re an experienced baker or just wanting a dessert with a special touch.
So, if you’re ready to add a homemade chocolate swiss roll filled with rich peanut butter goodness to your baking list, grab your apron! This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll is worth every minute—and I promise, it’s easier than it looks.
For inspiration, if you love chocolate and peanut butter pairings, don’t miss this chocolate peanut butter sweet rolls – The Baking Fairy—it’s another great way to enjoy those flavors. Also, if you like easy weekday sweets, you might enjoy the peanut butter banana oat bars on my site for a quick, wholesome snack.
What You’ll Need for This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll:
Before we dig into making this showstopper, let’s gather our ingredients to make sure your experience with this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll is smooth and enjoyable. Keeping the ingredient list simple is key here—this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll keeps ingredients simple because good cooking should be accessible.

Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (you can swap with gluten-free flour for a GF version)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (found in most grocery baking aisles)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or classic works fine)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for the peanut butter filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon milk (optional, to adjust filling consistency)
- Mini peanut butter cups (optional, for extra texture)
Don’t have cocoa powder? You can use a bit more flour and some melted chocolate, but cocoa powder gives that perfect chocolate roll dessert base. Unsweetened cocoa helps balance the peanut butter sweetness without getting too sugary.
This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll is economical because it uses everyday pantry staples you likely already have or can easily pick up. If you want a shortcut, you can use store-bought peanut butter cups chopped into the filling for an added surprise—makes this peanut butter cup dessert recipe even more fun.
A quick prep tip: Bring your eggs to room temperature before you start. It helps with the egg whites whipping up volumized for that light, fluffy chocolate roll. Also, I always include a little extra vanilla—it perks up both the batter and the peanut butter filling.
Store your peanut butter and cocoa powder in a cool, dry place for the best freshness, and make sure your butter is soft but not melted to whip up a smooth filling.
If you’re curious about pairing this dish with other homemade rolls, this recipe reminds me of my garlic butter dinner rolls, perfect for savory meals that contrast the sweet treat. Definitely handy for your recipe stash!
How to Make This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll:
Let’s get hands-on and walk through how to make this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll. From start to finish, it takes about an hour, including cooling time, but the results are absolutely worth it.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This prep step ensures your chocolate roll dessert lifts out cleanly.
- Separate the eggs, placing the whites in one bowl and yolks in another. This is the key to getting a light, airy sponge—a classic homemade chocolate swiss roll trick.
- Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Your kitchen will smell amazing when the cocoa powder hits your batter—it’s such a cozy moment.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with granulated sugar and vanilla until pale and fluffy. This step adds richness without heaviness.
- Fold the dry ingredients—flour and cocoa powder—into the yolk mixture gently. Don’t rush here; this is the step where patience pays off with your Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll.
- Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate batter in batches, preserving as much air as possible to keep the sponge light.
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched. If your Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll looks a little cracked at the edges, don’t worry—it’s normal.
- While your roll bakes, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and sprinkle with powdered sugar. This will help when you roll your cake after baking.
- When the cake is done, immediately invert it onto the towel and gently peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll the cake up with the towel from the short side and let it cool completely. This cooling step prevents cracks when you add your peanut butter filling.
- For the filling, beat your softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing until just spreadable. Add a little milk if you want a looser filling.
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread your peanut butter filling evenly, then roll it back up gently but firmly.
- Optionally, press chopped mini peanut butter cups or more powdered sugar on top for that extra treat punch.
While your Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll cools or sets in the fridge, you can tidy up your kitchen or take a moment to relax—baking should be enjoyable!
This method works because it balances the tender chocolate sponge with a rich, creamy peanut butter filling that feels just right, every time.
Serving Your Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll:

This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll truly shines when served with a simple side like fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy coolness pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and peanut butter filling.
My favorite way to enjoy this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll is on a cozy evening at home, after a family meal or with a cup of coffee. It’s also a hit at birthday parties and casual get-togethers because it’s easy to slice and share.
For a special touch, dust the roll with a bit of cocoa powder or drizzle melted chocolate on top. If you’re short on time, a quick topping of crushed peanuts adds great texture and echoes the peanut butter cup dessert recipe vibe.
Leftovers? Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. I’ve even sliced it thin and used some pieces to top yogurt or oatmeal for a decadent twist.
In colder months, I like adding a touch of cinnamon to the peanut butter filling for a warm seasonal variation. Summer? Try a few fresh raspberries layered inside before rolling!
When I shared this roll at a recent family brunch, the chocolate roll dessert disappeared almost instantly. Friends loved that it combined their favorite chocolate and peanut butter sweets in a way that felt both nostalgic and special.
If you want more roll ideas, the Nutella crescent rolls from my site are another crowd-pleaser with a chocolate surprise.
Common Questions About This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll:
Q: Can I make parts of this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the sponge a day ahead and keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. The peanut butter filling can also be made in advance and refrigerated. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Q: What’s a good substitute for peanut butter in this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll?
A: If you’re allergic or prefer something else, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work. Just adjust sweetness accordingly since they vary in flavor.
Q: How do I avoid cracks in my chocolate roll dessert?
A: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm in a powdered sugar-dusted towel prevents cracking. Also, don’t overbake the sponge—it should be just set, not dry.
Q: Can I freeze this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll?
A: Yes, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Q: How can I adjust this recipe for more or fewer people?
A: The jelly roll pan size is a guide, but you can halve the recipe for a smaller roll—just adjust baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I add mini peanut butter cups inside?
A: Definitely! Fold small chopped cups into the peanut butter filling for extra texture and surprise.
Q: Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend will work. Just be gentle folding so the batter stays airy.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and stick in the fridge. It keeps moist and fresh for up to 4 days.
One home cook shared that adding a dash of espresso powder to the cocoa seemed to deepen the chocolate notes beautifully—something fun to try!
For even more peanut butter sweets, check out peanut butter banana oat bars on my site—they’re a wholesome, grab-and-go treat.
Final Thoughts on This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll:
This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll has become one of my go-to recipes because it reliably brings joy with each slice. It’s got that perfect balance of a tender homemade chocolate swiss roll wrapped around creamy, lightly sweet peanut butter filling. The flavors remind me of simpler times and always get requested at family gatherings.
My Top Tips for This Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll:
- Roll the cake warm with a sugar-dusted kitchen towel to prevent cracks.
- Gently fold egg whites to keep the chocolate sponge light.
- Use softened butter and sifted powdered sugar for the smoothest peanut butter filling.
I also love mixing in chopped mini peanut butter cups into the filling or adding a swirl of melted chocolate on top. Another variation is swapping some of the peanut butter for cream cheese for a tangy twist.
The classic version with smooth peanut butter and rich cocoa is still the most requested in my house.
If you want to try this take on chocolate and peanut butter sweets, I hope you enjoy the process and the smiles it brings. Cooking is about sharing good food and making memories—this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll does that beautifully.
When you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Don’t forget, if you enjoy this chocolate roll dessert, you might also like my garlic butter dinner rolls for savory sides, and for sweet bars, the peanut butter banana oat bars are equally satisfying.
Happy baking, friends! You’ve got this.
For more inspiration on how chocolate and peanut butter come together, try these resources: the chocolate peanut butter sweet rolls – The Baking Fairy, the lively discussion on the best dessert for a lover of all things peanut-butter …, and the popular Best chocolate peanut butter cake in Milwaukee area? Facebook group thread.
Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll
Indulge in this rich and creamy Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll, featuring a fluffy chocolate sponge cake filled with luscious peanut butter cream and chopped peanut butter cups.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 peanut butter cups, chopped
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.
- While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar; peel off parchment paper.
- Roll the cake up in the towel from the short end and let cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- In another bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture gently.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups over the filling.
- Roll the cake back up tightly without the towel. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an extra chocolate punch, drizzle melted chocolate over the roll before chilling, or serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

