Swiss Rolls. How can someone roll crumbly cake layers to create the perfect spiral without cream exploding everywhere? And how can one make a good Swiss Roll without it tasting like a glorified Hostess product? (No shade towards Twinkies.)

This recipe is the answer. What better combination than chocolate and peanut butter? The technique that may leave your hands sticky, but I promise you will end up with a professional looking Swiss Roll spiral when slicing.

Cake for the Swiss Roll

  • Prep Time:20 minutes
  • Cook Time:20 minutes
  • Total Time:40 minutes
  • Servings:Makes about 12 Swiss Rolls
  • Medium

    Ingredients

  • 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Baking spray
Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 325°F.

  • Step 2

    Grease a large rimmed baking sheet with baking spray, and then line the baking sheet with parchment paper and grease the parchment paper.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 3

    In a large bowl, sift the granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 4

    In another medium bowl, whisk the eggs and milk.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 5

    In a small saucepan, combine the butter and vanilla with the 1/2 cup of water and bring the contents to a simmer. Then drizzle the mixture onto the dry ingredients.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 6

    Add the egg and milk mixture to the combined dry and butter and vanilla mixture, and whisk until smooth.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 7

    Pour the batter onto the prepared greased sheet and spread out into an even layer (this is crucial!) and bake for 20 minutes.

  • Step 8

    Once the cake has baked, transfer the sheet to a rack and let cool.

    #SpoonTip: The cake should seem wet (almost under baked) and sticky. This allows for easier rolling.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder

Peanut Butter Cream Filling

  • Prep Time:10 minutes
  • Cook Time:None
  • Total Time:10 minutes
  • Servings:Makes about 12 Swiss Rolls
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar (sifted)
  • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 1

    In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the butter with the confectioners’ sugar at medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 2

    Beat in the 1/2 cup of the peanut butter into the mixture, then mix in the milk and the vanilla.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder

Ganache

  • Prep Time:2 minutes
  • Cook Time:5 minutes
  • Total Time:10 minutes
  • Servings:Makes about 12 Swiss Rolls
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 9 oz bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped or morsels)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 3 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 cup and 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
  • 1 pinch salt
Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 1

    In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate (chopped/morsels), butter, corn syrup, and salt.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 2

    In a small sauce pan, pour in the cream and bring it to a simmer on the stove, then pour over chocolate mixture and whisk until cool.

Assembling the Swiss Rolls

  • Prep Time:15 minutes
  • Cook Time:None
  • Total Time:2 hours
  • Servings:Makes about 12 Swiss Rolls
  • Medium

    Ingredients

  • Baked cake
  • Peanut butter filling
  • Ganache
Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 1

    Line another large baking sheet with parchment paper and grease with baking spray. Take the cooled cake and invert it onto the prepared sheet.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 2

    Peel the parchment paper off of the cake, and cut the cake into 4 equal rectangles/squares. Spread the peanut butter filling on the cake pieces, leaving about a 1/4 inch boarder.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 3

    Roll up the cakes length wise to form 4 longs, then place in refrigerator for 1 hour.

    #SpoonTip: The cake WILL be sticky! It might rip in places and it may seem almost caramelized – this is completely normal and actually will be beneficial when rolling the cake to form the rolls.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 4

    After the rolls have been refrigerated, cut the logs into thirds with a sharp knife.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 5

    Dip the individual rolls into the Ganache using a fork or a spoon (let the excess goodness drip off to form perfect rolls).

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder
  • Step 6

    Place the covered rolls onto another greased pan or pan lined with parchment paper, and let freeze for about an hour until ready to serve.

    Photo by Mireille Heidbreder