This melt-in-your-mouth Flourless Peanut Butter Swiss Roll Cake combines a soft, silky peanut-flavored sponge with a sweet peanut cream filling. Made without flour—using eggs, sugar, heavy cream, cornstarch and peanut butter—this roll cake is delicately airy yet rich in peanut taste. It’s a great option for gluten-free or lower-carb desserts and perfect for peanut lovers looking for something elegant and light.

Using cornstarch instead of flour gives the cake a fine, silky crumb that holds together well when rolled. The result is a tender, buoyant sponge with pronounced peanut flavor and a creamy filling that balances sweetness and richness. This flourless roll cake is inspired by Japanese-style roll cakes, which emphasize lightness and texture.
Why I Love This Flourless Peanut Butter Swiss Roll Cake
- Uses just a few simple ingredients.
- Flourless and naturally gluten-free.
- Light, fluffy texture with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Inspired by Japanese roll cakes—lower in carbs and fat than many traditional roll cakes.

Ingredients Used to Make Flourless Peanut Butter Swiss Roll Cake
Key ingredients and why they matter:
- Eggs – Whites and yolks are whipped separately to create volume and structure. Egg whites provide lift; yolks add richness and stability.
- Sugar – Sweetens the cake and stabilizes the whipped eggs. Avoid sugar substitutes in the cake batter, as they can prevent proper rising.
- Heavy cream – Heated a bit for the egg yolk mixture and used cold for the filling to whip into stable peaks.
- Cornstarch – Replaces flour to give a light, velvety crumb and help stabilize the batter while keeping the cake tender.
- Cream of tartar (optional) – Speeds and stabilizes egg white whipping.
- Creamy peanut butter – Provides the signature peanut flavor in both cake and filling.

How does cornstarch create a light & fluffy cake?
Cornstarch has a very fine texture that yields a silky, delicate crumb. It is lighter than flour and works well in gluten-free sponges, helping stabilize whipped eggs and making the sheet easier to roll without cracking.


Flourless Peanut Butter Swiss Roll Cake with a Sweet Peanut Cream Filling
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Equipment
- Stand mixer or electric mixer
- 13×18-inch (33×46 cm) sheet pan
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 5 large egg whites, room temperature (190g)
- 1/4 cup sugar (50g)
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (optional)
- 5 large egg yolks (73g)
- 2 Tbsp sugar (25g)
- 1/4 cup heated heavy cream (56g)
- 1/4 cup sifted cornstarch (34g)
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter (64g)
For the Filling:
- 1 2/3 cups cold heavy cream (397g)
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar (adjust to taste, 50–67g)
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter (64g)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C). Line a 13×18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
Prepare the Meringue:
- Place room-temperature egg whites (and cream of tartar if using) in a clean bowl. Whip starting on low and gradually increase speed.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar while whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with 2 Tbsp sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Heat the 1/4 cup heavy cream until just boiling (about 40 seconds in the microwave). Slowly pour it into the yolk mixture while stirring constantly to temper the yolks.
- Sift cornstarch into the yolk mixture and blend until smooth. Mix in the 1/4 cup peanut butter until combined.
Combine and Bake:
- Gently fold the yolk-peanut mixture into the meringue using a wide spatula, preserving as much air as possible.
- Spread the batter evenly on the prepared sheet pan and bake 17–20 minutes, until set and lightly golden. Cool completely.
Prepare the Filling:
- Whip the cold heavy cream with sugar to soft peaks, then add peanut butter and continue whipping to stiff peaks. Chill about 30 minutes.
Flip and Assemble:
- Place another sheet pan or parchment-lined board over the cooled cake and flip. Remove the original parchment paper carefully.
- Spread an even layer of peanut whipped cream over the sponge. Roll gently from one short edge into a cylinder.
- Refrigerate at least one hour before slicing. Yields about 10–12 servings.
How to Store:
- Store wrapped tightly in the refrigerator in plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent drying and odor absorption.
- For long-term storage, wrap well and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Store fillings separately when possible.
Notes
*Cream of tartar is optional but helps produce fluffier, more stable egg whites.
**For a lower-sugar filling, you can use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit for the whipped cream. Do not use sugar substitutes in the cake batter because they can prevent proper rise.
Nutrition
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See All My Roll Cake Recipes (HERE)
How to Decorate Roll Cakes
- Dust the roll with powdered sugar or a sugar-free powdered sugar alternative using a fine sieve for an even coating.
- Add dollops of extra whipped cream or pipe decorative swirls. Top with fresh fruit, chopped nuts or edible flowers for a refined presentation.

How to Make this Lower Sugar
- Use sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia in the whipped cream filling to reduce sugar and carbs. A 1:1 blend of regular sugar and monk fruit can yield a natural-tasting sweetness. Do not replace sugar in the cake batter.

How to Store Flourless Peanut Butter Swiss Roll Cake
- Refrigerate wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to preserve moisture and avoid absorbing fridge odors.
- For freezing, wrap the cake well in several layers of plastic wrap or foil, place in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Store fillings and toppings separately when possible, especially dairy or fruit-based items, and add just before serving.
Flavor Variations and Optional Add-Ins
- Add extracts like vanilla or almond to the sponge or filling for extra depth.
- Try flavored whipped creams—cream cheese, coffee, or chocolate versions work well. Experiment with different mix-ins to tailor the cake to your taste.
Final Tips
- Fold and assemble the batter promptly—meringue-based batters will lose volume if left to sit too long.
- Baking time varies by pan size and material. Bake until the surface is lightly golden and the cake is set. A toothpick should come out clean from the center.

