Flourless Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe
Flourless Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll Cake is a decadent dessert recipe that is the ultimate treat Reese’s lovers. A moist chocolate sponge cake is filled with peanut butter mousse and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Then it is rolled up, slathered with rich chocolate ganache, and topped with even more peanut butter cups. Undoubtedly this Reese’s Chocolate Cake Roll is one of the best chocolate peanut butter desserts, plus it is naturally gluten free!
These days it seems parents are running their kids around like crazy every day after school. Oftentimes, it’s a quick stop at the drive-through or picking up a pizza on the way home with everyone grabbing a slice as they scatter in different directions.
While I certainly think it’s good to keep kids active and help them to be well-rounded, there is a price to be paid – sacrificing family dinners. And let’s not forget about the joy of taking your time to cook a comforting meal or bake an incredible dessert.
Family dinnertime is about so much more than simply eating food. It’s about talking and sharing and connecting. It’s also where I teach them about both the importance of making good food choices to nourish their bodies and the joy and love that can be shared through enjoying a meal together.
And the family dinner table is also a place where, after we have shared a nourishing meal, sometimes we can also enjoy a special treat like this.
Peanut Butter Cup Flourless Chocolate Cake Roll recipe is way too easy to be this impressive and amazing.
Yes, it takes a little time and effort. But by following a few simple steps, you can make this incredible dessert.
If you are intimidated by making a roll cake, keep reading for all my tips and trust this review:
I made this for my husband’s birthday. He cannot have gluten, but he still loves a good rich cake, especially a chocolate and peanut butter combination! This was a delight to make and a joy to share and devour! His family doesn’t have a lot of understanding of his limitations (not because of lack of care, of course! they are amazing family) and almost bought a regular cake. This recipe saved his body and his birthday. Thank you for posting it!
Reese’s Flourless Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe
Chocolate and peanut butter is never a bad idea. Now triple the chocolate and triple the peanut butter, and you have a winning combination. When I saw this Peanut Butter Cup Cake Roll from Dorothy at Crazy for Crust, I knew I had to make it with my favorite flourless chocolate sponge cake. I’m so glad I did. Well, my waistline may not be happy I made this Flourless Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll, but my tastebuds are. Yours will be too!
How do you make Flourless Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake Roll?
Here is a brief overview to show you just how simple it is to make, but keep scrolling for some more tips and tricks to make the perfect cake roll, plus all the details in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- To make the flourless chocolate sponge cake, start by separating your eggs.
PRO TIP: Carefully separate your egg yolks from the whites while they are still cold to help ensure you don’t get any yolk in the whites, or they will not whip well.
- Whip the whites to stiff peaks.
PRO TIP: A few tricks to ensure you get stiff peaks is to let your whites come to room temperature, and wipe your bowl and beaters or whisk attachment with a bit of white vinegar to remove any traces of fat which will inhibit the whites from getting stiff.
- Next, whip the sugar and egg yolks until it is thick and pale yellow.
PRO TIP: This will take a few minutes. Do not rush this step.
- Blend in cocoa powder, coffee, and vanilla.
PRO TIP: Leftover coffee is fine. You can also use instant coffee powder or espresso powder to make the coffee. If you prefer not to use coffee, you can just use water, but coffee does enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture in three additions.
PRO TIP: Do this gently to keep it light and fluffy.
- Spread the batter in a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake.
PRO TIP: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper is critical. More on that later.
- While it bakes prepare the mousse by blending cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth, and fold in chopped peanut butter cups.
- During this time, you’ll also make the ganache so it has time to cool. Heat the heavy cream and chocolate chips, and stir till smooth.
- After the cake bakes and cools, fill it with the mousse, roll it up, and chill.
PRO TIP: Keep reading for more details on the rolling and filling process.
- Finally, cover the cake the rich chocolate ganache and even more peanut butter cups and you have a swirly good roll of heaven.
How do you keep a cake roll from cracking?
I find this flourless cake to be more, I suppose you can say, “flexible” than a traditional cake, so it is less likely to crack. However, I do take a few precautions.
Before baking the cake, line the baking pan with parchment, spray it with cooking spray, and using a small sifter, coat it completely with cocoa powder. This will ensure it comes out of the pan easily and in one piece.
While the cake is baking, lay out a kitchen towel. It will get quite dirty, so make sure it isn’t one that you will want to keep pristine. Using a small sifter, cover the towel with a layer of cocoa powder. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, flip it over onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper.
Then carefully roll it up in the towel and let it cool. Now all you have to do is unroll it, spread the filling inside, and roll it back up without the towel.
Is this Flourless Chocolate Cake Roll gluten free?
As I mentioned, this flourless chocolate sponge cake is naturally gluten free. It is my go-to for chocolate roll cake recipes, and I’ve also used it to make Flourless Pumpkin Cheesecake Chocolate Cake Roll.
You do always want to read labels on ingredients such as vanilla extract and cocoa powder to ensure that they do not have any sneaky gluten-containing ingredients or are produced in a facility where there could be cross-contamination. But in this recipe, you don’t even have to worry about buying special gluten free flours.
The mousse and ganache contain fairly basic ingredients like cream cheese and heavy cream. One slight note of caution is to also check your chocolate chips. I always use the Costco-sized bag of Nestle Toll House Morsels.
So there’s really only one area of concern when making this gluten free chocolate cake roll.
Are Peanut Butter Cups gluten free?
Hershey confirms on their website that all Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are gluten free except the seasonally shaped items, so skip the pumpkins and Christmas trees. Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups are also gluten free. That means you have no problems making this recipe as a gluten free cake roll.
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After you’ve had dinner, perhaps a Gluten Free Lasagna, you need dessert.
Want more gluten free cake recipes?
- Gluten Free Whipped Cream Cake with Strawberries
- Easy Ice Cream Cake Recipe (with fudge in the middle instead of crunchies)
- Gluten Free Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting
What else can you make with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in it?
- Peanut Butter Cup Blossom Cookies
- Gluten Free Peanut Butter Brownies
- Reese Ice Cream Cake
- Reeses Peanut Butter Poke Cake (with gluten free options)
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies from Love From the Oven are fully loaded with chocolate and peanut butter and Reese’s.
- Peanut Butter Cup Pie from Wine and Glue is the stuff chocolate and peanut butter dreams are made of.
- Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats from Inside Bru Crew Life make the classic marshmallowy bar even better.
Flourless Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll Recipe
A moist, tender sponge cake is filled with a creamy peanut butter cup mousse, then enrobed in chocolate ganache. If you don’t turn heads with this dessert, I’ll be shocked. It’s rich, indulgent, and worth every calorie. In addition, since it’s a flourless chocolate cake roll, it’s naturally gluten free, too!
If you love this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment and give it a FIVE STAR rating or share a photo on this pin on Pinterest!
Flourless Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake Roll
Ingredients
For the chocolate sponge cake:
- 8 large eggs, separated
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon + 2 Tablespoons + ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 Tablespoons brewed cold coffee (leftover is fine)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
- About 1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cups (about 9-10 miniature peanut butter cups)
For the topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- About 1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cups (about 9-10 miniature peanut butter cups)
Instructions
For the chocolate sponge cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a rimmed baking sheet (jelly roll pan) with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with more cooking spray and dust with 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar on high speed until thick and pale yellow. Add 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder, salt, coffee and vanilla, and beat in.
- With clean beaters and a large clean bowl beat the egg whites to form stiff peaks.
- Gently fold in about a quarter of the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture.
- In three additions, fold in the remaining egg whites.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. It will slowly spring back when lightly touched.
- While the cake is baking, sprinkle ¼ cup cocoa powder over a clean kitchen towel.
- After removing the cake from the oven, cool for a few minutes,and run a knife around the edges of the cake. Invert the cake onto the prepared kitchen towel and remove the parchment paper that is now on top of the cake.
- Carefully roll the cake in the kitchen towel and allow to cool completely.
- While the cake is baking, make the filling and topping.
For the filling:
- Beat cream cheese and peanut butter with a hand mixer until smooth, then beat in the powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla and 2 Tablespoons heavy cream and beat until smooth, adding up to an additional 2 Tablespoons heavy cream is necessary to achieve desired consistency.
- Stir in 1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cups.
For the topping:
- Place chocolate chips and 2/3 cup heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup and microwave for 30-60 seconds. Stir until smooth.
- Chill in the fridge until thick and spreadable.
- May be stored, wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.
Assembling the cake:
- Carefully unroll the cake in the towel.
- Gently spread the peanut butter mousse filling over the top of the cake, spreading to about a half inch from the sides.
- Roll up the cake from short end to short end. Place seam side down.
- Carefully frost the cake with the ganache and top with the remaining chopped peanut butter cups.
- Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before slicing. Slice off the unfrosted ends, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Enjoy!
Originally published on Jan 3, 2016.
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Nikki says
I make this as a double batch in a half sheet cake pan. What I get wrong is how much to increase the cook time. How can you tell when this style of cake is done baking?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I have not tried doubling it so I don’t know the time, but when you press it with your finger it will slowly spring back and feel spongy.
Diane says
I want to make this, what size is the jelly roll pan to use?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I use a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan.
Crystal says
How long does it keep and can you freeze?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
You can keep it in the fridge for a few days. I would not recommend freezing it.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
ahhh I love this-flourless chocolate cake means MORE chocolatey flavor!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Exactly, Kayle! I’m not sure there is such a thing as TOO much chocolate, is there? 😉
Lesia says
I made this for my husband’s birthday. He cannot have gluten, but he still loves a good rich cake, especially a chocolate and peanut butter combination! This was a delight to make and a joy to share and devour! His family doesn’t have a lot of understanding of his limitations (not because of lack of care, of course! they are amazing family) and almost bought a regular cake. This recipe saved his body and his birthday. Thank you for posting it!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I am so happy to hear that your husband (and everyone else!) enjoyed the cake roll, Lesia. Thank you for your comment and for rating the recipe!
Punit says
This cake is awesome. Hope I can make it at home like you directed.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Roll cakes are pretty forgiving, and mistakes are easy to cover up. I’m sure yours will come out well!
Auntiepatch says
It calls for 1/2 cup chopped PB cups mixed into the filling. Then it calls for remaining chopped PB cups for the top of the icing. The recipe only calls for 1/2 cup. What is the quantity for the topping?
Auntiepatch says
Never mind – it’s there and I’m going to bed! Sorry…..
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
No need to apologize! I’m glad you found the information you needed. Enjoy the recipe!
Katie says
This looks amazing, but under the filling section one of the ingredients just says “4 tablespoons.” 4 tablespoons of what?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Sorry, it must have gotten deleted by accident because it is in the instructions. Heavy cream. I fixed the recipe. Thanks for pointing that out.
plasterers bristol says
Boy do these sound good. Can’t wait to make these, thanks for sharing this recipe.
Simon
Tashina says
The cake turned out a lot thinner than I had imagined it would be. Could it be because I haven’t made a flourless cake roll before, or could I have done something wrong?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Tashina, the cake portion of a cake roll is quite thin. This is so that the cake doesn’t become too large once the filling is placed inside and the cake is rolled up.
Joan says
Hello, this cake looks so good that I want to try it. It looks tricky though. I’m afraid the cake will stick to the kitchen towel. Does this really work and are there any tricks to this?
Thanks!
Joan
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hi Joan,
Cake rolls really are easy to make, and don’t let the recipe intimidate you. Use a kitchen towel that doesn’t have a lot of texture, such as a flour sack cloth. Also, you can sprinkle the towel with a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder. That will help prevent the cake from sticking to the towel.
Suzy says
Where did you get those blue and white checked plastic forks?
Melissa says
Hi Brianne! Have you ever frozen this cake for later? I want to make it for something that’s in 3 weeks but I’m not sure I’ll have time then so I was hoping to make it ahead and freeze it if possible. Thanks!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I honestly have not tried freezing it. I would guess it might be ok if you freeze with without the ganache, then add that before serving.
Denise Hardy says
The recipe says it serves 16. It’s on the top, before the list of ingredients.
Lorraine says
Maybe I missed it somewhere, but am just wondering how many servings this dessert makes. It looks wonderful!
Amy says
Do you have to add the coffee?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
You would need to add another liquid. You don’t taste the coffee. It really just enhances the chocolate flavor.
Rachel says
I really want to make this cake but wondering if you could tell me what size sheet pan you used? I have 2 different sizes and need to know which to use! Thanks!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I use a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan.
Kristen says
I was just looking for a decadent dessert for our Valentine’s Dinner and this came up. YUM!!! Thanks for the idea!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It is super decadent – so perfect for Valentine’s Day! I hope you have a fun family celebration!
Natasja says
This looks amazing!!! Can I sustitute the peanutbutter cups with peanutbutter? We don’t get peanutbutter cups in South Africa.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
This would still be super delicious without the peanut butter cups. Maybe you want to put some chocolate chips n the filling if you want a little textur. I had a good friend in college from South Africa!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Yay for Sunday Supper ans YAY for this cake roll!! I’m not usually a cake roll fan but THIS??! omgeee it’s perfection. i love the chocolatey cake and that pb filling! ooooh so good!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Chocolate and peanut butter is always a good idea!! Thanks girl!
Connie says
Sounds absolutely delicious!! Can something else be substituted for the coffee in the cake?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
You can just use water, but the bit of coffee just enhances the chocolate flavor. You don’t actually taste the coffee. I’m not a coffee-lover myeld.
Sarah Reid says
I cant even…. how amazing!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Totally amazing! Thanks!
Kim~madeinaday says
Wow so yummy~ Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on G+! Have a great week!
Kim
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks so much!
June Burns says
Wow that looks amazing! Such a rich cake roll. Anything with PB + chocolate has to be good 🙂
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It’s always one of my favorite combinations!
kaylene says
I’m curious about the recipe. It only calls for 2 tablespoons of cocoa for the actual cake; that seems like it wouldn’t be very chocolatey.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It is a thin cake, so it actually makes it quite chocolaty.
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
I think it’s fabulous that you have the traditions with your children of sitting down to dinner together. Life get’s so crazy and it’s important to remember why we are a family! As for your dessert….YOWZA! I need this in my life!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I knew you’d like this one!
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
YUM! I’ve never tried making a cake roll before.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
You should! It’s easier than you think!
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
I really, really want a piece of this cake!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m really, really glad I don’t have any more around 😉
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
Such a pretty dessert! Love the peanut butter and chocolate combo in a flourless cake roll!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you! I love making cake rolls just for the pretty factor!
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says
What a delicious and perfect sweet treat to end a family meal with! I love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and this flourless cake roll sounds divine!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It is nice for a special occasion!
Tara says
Absolutely beautiful cake roll!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks so much!
Lisa | Mummy Made.It says
We eat dinner together everybody and on a Saturday it’s with my parents also. We use it as a time to reflect on the day, teach table manners and talk about what ever is on our minds! It’s part of our routine and it will stay that way!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
That is so nice that you get to have a weekly meal with your parents too!
Roxana says
I love the idea of the Sunday Supper Pledge – how inspiring! And this cake roll, oh my gosh! I can’t wait to make this bad boy!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Isn’t it a great idea, Roxana?! So important. And thanks!
susan / the wimpy vegetarian says
I love anything with peanut butter and chocolate thrown together. This is a great cake!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Me too!!
Laura Dembowski says
Brianne, you have totally outdone yourself with this cake. It is gorgeous! Family dinners are so important. It sometimes amazes me that they have fallen by the wayside. When my parents were kids their parents worked and they had activities and they managed to make home cooked meals happen nearly every night. Sometimes I think they were happier too … we should get back to that feeling.
Liz says
Definitely a swoon-worthy dessert! What a perfect cake roll. I hope you saved me a big slice!!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I had to send it out of my house before I ate it all!!
Linda | Brunch-n-Bites says
I love reading how important Sunday Supper to your family because we obviously share the same value.And this chocolate cake roll sounds like an awesome treat on dinner table. I’m sure everyone would love a slice of this sweet log.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It’s so important! I really hope to do my best to continue with it as my boys get older!
miryam leiderman says
Es deliciosa, pronto la haré.
Mil gracias Miryam
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you for your nice comment, Miryam!