Banana Sushi – Three Delicious Ways

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These playful Banana Sushi rolls transform simple ingredients into an eye-catching treat that’s perfect for kids’ parties, after-school snacks, or a fun dessert platter. With a banana as the star ingredient, these no-cook treats come together in minutes and can be customized with a variety of toppings and fillings. This recipe includes three delicious variations: Peanut Butter & Crushed Nuts, Strawberry Cream, and Chocolate Coconut – but feel free to let your creativity run wild!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking required: Perfect for hot days or cooking with kids
• Customizable: Endless possibilities for fillings and toppings
• Visually impressive: Creates a wow factor with minimal effort
• Kid-friendly: Fun to make and eat for children of all ages
• Nutritious base: Provides fruit serving in a dessert disguise
• Perfect for parties: Can be made ahead and sliced just before serving

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• Bananas – Provide the sweet, creamy center of each sushi roll
• Tortillas or flatbread – Act as the “seaweed” wrapper to hold everything together
• Spreads – Create the adhesive base and add flavor (peanut butter, cream cheese, chocolate spread)

For Peanut Butter & Crushed Nut Rolls

• Creamy peanut butter – Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps bind the roll
• Honey (optional) – Provides additional sweetness and helps nuts adhere
• Chopped nuts – Create a crunchy exterior and visual appeal
• Cinnamon (optional) – Adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile

For Strawberry Cream Rolls

• Cream cheese – Creates a creamy base with slight tanginess
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese without graininess
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes
• Fresh strawberries – Provide bright color, fresh flavor, and beautiful garnish
• Strawberry jam or preserves – Adds concentrated berry flavor and color

For Chocolate Coconut Rolls

• Chocolate hazelnut spread – Delivers rich chocolate flavor and smooth texture
• Shredded coconut – Adds texture and tropical flavor notes
• Mini chocolate chips (optional) – Provide additional chocolate intensity and texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Wrappers

Start by selecting your wraps. Flour tortillas work wonderfully as they’re pliable and neutral in flavor, but you can also use lavash bread, crepes, or even flattened sandwich bread with the crusts removed. If using tortillas, choose the smaller “fajita” size (approximately 8 inches in diameter) for easier rolling and better proportion with the banana.

If your wraps are stiff or not fresh, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking. Allow them to cool to room temperature before adding spreads to prevent melting.

Lay your wraps flat on a clean work surface. For best results, prepare all three varieties at once, laying out three wraps side by side.

Creating the Classic Peanut Butter & Crushed Nut Roll

Spread about 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter evenly over one tortilla, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. The peanut butter should be spread thinly but completely to ensure the roll holds together. If desired, drizzle a teaspoon of honey over the peanut butter for additional sweetness and stickiness.

Peel a ripe but firm banana (slightly underripe is better than overripe for this recipe) and place it at one end of the tortilla. The banana should be placed approximately 1 inch from the edge closest to you, positioned horizontally along the wrap. If the banana is too long for the wrap, trim the ends to fit, leaving a small margin on each side.

Starting from the edge closest to you, tightly roll the tortilla around the banana, using your fingers to keep it snug as you roll. The peanut butter will act as the “glue” to hold the roll together. Seal the roll by gently pressing along the seam.

In a shallow dish, spread about 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, or a mix work well). Lightly brush the outside of the roll with honey or a thin layer of additional peanut butter, then roll it in the chopped nuts until the exterior is well-coated. Set aside.

Preparing the Strawberry Cream Roll

In a small bowl, mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. For a pink tint, stir in 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam or preserves.

Spread this mixture evenly over the second tortilla, following the same technique as with the peanut butter. Place a peeled banana on the edge and roll up tightly.

For the strawberry topping, combine 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam with 1 teaspoon of water and mix until smooth. Brush this over the top of the roll to create a glossy, pink surface. Slice fresh strawberries thinly and arrange them decoratively along the top of the roll, pressing gently so they adhere to the jam glaze. Set aside.

Making the Chocolate Coconut Roll

Spread about 2 tablespoons of chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella) evenly over the third tortilla. As with the previous rolls, place a peeled banana at one end and roll tightly.

Once rolled, spread a thin layer of additional chocolate hazelnut spread on the exterior of the roll. Spread 1/2 cup of shredded coconut on a plate and roll the chocolate-covered wrap in the coconut until well-coated. For an extra touch, you can mix mini chocolate chips into the coconut coating. Set aside.

Slicing and Serving

For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate the rolls for about 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the fillings set and makes it easier to get neat pieces. Using a sharp knife, trim the ends of each roll (chef’s treats!), then slice each roll into 1-inch pieces, wiping the knife clean between cuts.

Arrange the pieces on a serving platter, grouping each variety together or creating an alternating pattern for a colorful presentation. For an authentic sushi presentation, add small pots of “wasabi” (colored white chocolate or frosting tinted green) and “soy sauce” (chocolate sauce or caramel) for dipping.

These banana sushi rolls are best enjoyed within a few hours of preparation. If not serving immediately, wrap each unsliced roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, slicing just before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use bananas that are ripe but still firm for the easiest rolling and neatest slices
• Warm tortillas slightly if they’re not pliable enough to roll without cracking
• Chill rolls before slicing for the cleanest cuts
• Use a very sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts
• For a healthier version, use whole wheat tortillas or crepes

Variations and Creative Ideas

The joy of banana sushi is how infinitely customizable it is. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Sweet Spreads Options

• Marshmallow fluff: Creates a gooey, sweet base for a s’mores-inspired roll
• Cookie butter: Offers a spiced, caramelized flavor profile
• Maple butter: Provides a breakfast-inspired flavor that pairs wonderfully with bananas
• Lemon curd: Adds bright, tangy contrast to the sweet banana
• Almond or cashew butter: Offers a different nut flavor profile than classic peanut butter

Exciting Coating Ideas

• Crushed cookies: Oreos, graham crackers, or gingersnaps make excellent coatings
• Colorful sprinkles: Perfect for birthday parties or celebrations
• Toasted granola: Adds crunch and a breakfast vibe
• Freeze-dried fruit powder: Creates vibrant colors with natural ingredients
• Drizzled caramel or white chocolate: Adds elegance and additional sweetness

Flavor Combinations to Try

Banana Split Roll: Spread with vanilla cream cheese, roll, then top with alternating rows of strawberry jam, pineapple preserves, and chocolate sauce, finishing with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and a maraschino cherry on each piece.

Elvis Special: Spread peanut butter on the wrap, place banana as usual, but add a thin layer of cooked and crumbled bacon before rolling. This sweet-savory combination was famously enjoyed by Elvis Presley.

Tropical Delight: Use coconut cream as the spread, roll with banana, then coat with diced dried mango and pineapple pieces for a tropical flavor explosion.

S’mores Sushi: Spread marshmallow fluff on the tortilla, roll with banana, brush with melted chocolate, and coat with crushed graham crackers.

Birthday Cake: Use funfetti cake frosting as the spread, roll with banana, and coat the exterior with colorful sprinkles for a celebration-worthy treat.

Kid-Friendly Preparation Ideas

One of the best aspects of banana sushi is how easily children can participate in making it. Here’s how to turn this recipe into a fun family activity:

Set up a “sushi bar” with various spreads in small bowls, peeled bananas, pre-warmed tortillas, and an assortment of toppings in separate containers. Let each child create their own custom roll by:

1. Selecting and spreading their base (with help for younger children)
2. Positioning their banana
3. Rolling up their creation (adults may need to assist with getting a tight roll)
4. Choosing and applying their exterior toppings

This interactive approach makes for a fun activity and encourages children to try new flavor combinations. It’s also perfect for playdates or birthday parties where each child can create a personalized treat.

For very young children, pre-roll the banana sushi and let them focus on adding the exterior decorations, which is still engaging but less frustrating than attempting the rolling process.

Nutritional Benefits

While banana sushi is certainly a treat, it does offer nutritional benefits, especially when made with mindful ingredient choices:

Bananas provide potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber, supporting heart health and digestion.

Nut butters offer protein and healthy fats, helping to make the snack more satiating and supporting steady energy levels.

Fresh fruit toppings like strawberries add vitamin C and additional fiber.

Dark chocolate (if used in place of milk chocolate) contains antioxidants and may support heart health in moderation.

To create a more nutritious version, consider these modifications:

• Use whole wheat tortillas for additional fiber
• Choose natural nut butters without added sugars or oils
• Limit sweet spreads and opt for more fruit-based toppings
• Add a sprinkle of chia or flax seeds for omega-3 fatty acids

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead for a party? Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and keep them wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator. Slice them just before serving for the freshest presentation.

My tortilla cracked while rolling. What did I do wrong? Tortillas that are cold or dried out will crack when rolled. Warm them slightly in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.

Can I use alternative wraps for dietary restrictions? Absolutely! For gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free tortillas, rice paper wrappers, or even large lettuce leaves for a very low-carb option. For grain-free alternatives, consider using coconut wraps.

How do I prevent the bananas from browning? If not serving immediately, brush the exposed banana ends with a little lemon juice or pineapple juice, which will slow oxidation. Additionally, the complete wrapping of the banana helps protect it from air exposure.

Can I freeze banana sushi? It’s not recommended, as the texture of the banana and wraps will change significantly upon thawing, resulting in a soggy product.