Name: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485853H59M44S
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1 cup whipped topping; 6 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped

A decadent chocolate cake roll filled with creamy peanut butter and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups. This show-stopping dessert combines the classic flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter in a beautiful spiral design that’s sure to impress your guests while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake is the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. The soft, moist chocolate cake pairs wonderfully with the creamy peanut butter filling, while pieces of Reese’s peanut butter cups add delightful texture and flavor bursts throughout. It’s impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough to make with convenient ingredients. The beautiful spiral design creates a wow factor that belies how straightforward this recipe actually is to prepare. Best of all, you can customize it to your preferences while enjoying the nostalgic flavors of everyone’s favorite candy in a homemade dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate cake mix provides the perfect base for this roll cake, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor. It creates a spongy, flexible cake that can be rolled without cracking. You can use any brand of chocolate cake mix you prefer—devil’s food cake works particularly well for a rich chocolate flavor.

Peanut butter is the star ingredient that gives this dessert its signature flavor. The creamy variety works best for the filling as it blends easily with the whipped topping. Natural peanut butter can be used but may need to be stirred well to incorporate any separated oils.

Whipped topping lightens the peanut butter filling, creating a mousse-like texture that’s easy to spread and adds a subtle sweetness. It helps balance the richness of the peanut butter while ensuring the filling isn’t too dense.

Reese’s peanut butter cups add texture and intensify the peanut butter flavor with their perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Chopping them creates pockets of flavor throughout the filling and provides a pleasant textural contrast to the smooth cake and creamy filling.

Directions

Prepare the cake: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box to prepare the cake batter. Once mixed, spread the batter evenly on a greased and lined baking sheet or jelly roll pan.
Bake the cake: Bake the cake at the temperature specified on the box (typically around 350°F/175°C) for the recommended time until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Roll the cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, gently flip the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake up in the towel and allow it to cool completely.
Prepare the filling: While the cake is cooling, beat the peanut butter with the whipped topping until smooth and creamy. Fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups.
Unroll the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it from the towel.
Fill the cake: Spread the peanut butter and whipped topping mixture evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
Re-roll the cake: Carefully re-roll the cake with the filling inside.
Chill and serve: Chill the cake in the fridge for at least an hour to set the filling. Before serving, top with additional chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups if desired.

Servings and Timing

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake serves 8 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or small parties. You’ll need about 15 minutes of preparation time and 20-25 minutes of baking time. Including cooling and chilling time, expect the total time to be around 1 hour and 40 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, offering a satisfying dessert portion without being overly indulgent.

Variations

Chocolate Ganache Topping: Pour a simple chocolate ganache over the rolled cake for an extra layer of chocolate decadence.
Banana Peanut Butter: Add sliced bananas to the filling for a fruity twist on this classic combination.
Nutty Version: Mix chopped peanuts or other nuts into the filling for added crunch and texture.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Finish the cake with a white chocolate drizzle for visual appeal and flavor contrast.
Mocha Roll Cake: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee to the cake batter for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate.
Cream Cheese Filling: Replace half the whipped topping with cream cheese for a tangier filling.
Mint Chocolate Version: Add a drop of mint extract to the chocolate cake for a refreshing chocolate-mint combination.
Ice Cream Cake Roll: Use softened ice cream instead of the whipped topping mixture for a frozen dessert variation.

Storage/Reheating

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator.

For longer storage, the cake roll can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

This cake is best served chilled directly from the refrigerator, so reheating is not necessary or recommended. The filling may become too soft if warmed. If you’re serving from frozen, allow about 30 minutes at room temperature before slicing to soften slightly for the best texture.

Individual slices can be wrapped separately for convenient single servings, making them perfect for lunchboxes or quick desserts.

FAQs

Why did my cake crack when I rolled it?

Cracking usually happens when the cake is too cool before rolling. For best results, roll the cake while it’s still warm (after about 5 minutes of cooling). This allows the cake to form to the roll shape while it’s still flexible. Another cause could be overbaking, which makes the cake dry and prone to cracking.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer more texture in your filling. Keep in mind that it won’t blend as smoothly with the whipped topping, but it will add an interesting textural element alongside the chopped Reese’s cups.

What size of jelly roll pan works best for this recipe?

A standard 15×10-inch jelly roll pan works best for this recipe. Using a different size pan will affect the thickness of the cake and may require adjusted baking times.

Can I make this cake ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it 1-2 days before your event and keep it refrigerated. In fact, the flavors often meld nicely after the cake has been refrigerated overnight.

What can I substitute for the whipped topping?

You can substitute freshly whipped cream (about 2 cups whipped) for the whipped topping. Just be aware that real whipped cream doesn’t hold its structure as long, so the cake should be consumed within 1-2 days.

My cake is sticking to the towel when I try to unroll it. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure you’re dusting the towel generously with powdered sugar before placing the hot cake on it. The powdered sugar acts as a barrier to prevent sticking. Using a thin, cotton kitchen towel (not terry cloth) works best.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes. A yellow cake or white cake would also work well with the peanut butter filling. For a deeper chocolate flavor, try a dark chocolate or devil’s food cake mix.

Why do I need to roll the cake in a towel while it’s cooling?

Rolling the cake while warm “trains” it to take on the rolled shape without cracking. If you waited until after adding the filling to roll it for the first time, the cake would likely break and crack significantly.

How do I prevent the filling from squeezing out when I roll the cake?

Don’t overfill the cake and be sure to leave a small border (about ½ inch) around all edges when spreading the filling. Roll slowly and with even pressure, not too tightly.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the standard chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Just verify that your other ingredients, particularly the peanut butter cups, are also gluten-free if necessary.

Conclusion

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake is a delightful marriage of chocolate and peanut butter that’s sure to please any dessert lover. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and chunks of Reese’s creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that’s irresistible.

What makes this recipe truly special is its impressive presentation that belies its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery. The roll cake format creates a beautiful spiral when sliced, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Whether you’re serving this for a special occasion, holiday gathering, or simply as a weekend treat, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake is guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. The make-ahead convenience, straightforward preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a reliable go-to recipe that combines nostalgia with elegance in every slice.