If you ask me, banana sushi rolls are a clever twist on two favorite foods.
These fun little snacks take the classic peanut butter and banana sandwich to a whole new level. Rolled up like sushi, they’re filled with creamy peanut butter and fresh bananas, all wrapped in soft wheat bread.
The best part is how easy they are to customize – you can add honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even some chocolate chips. I like to trim off the crusts and slice them into bite-sized pieces, just like real sushi.
They’re perfect for school lunches, afternoon snacks, or anytime you want something that’s both fun to make and fun to eat.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Sushi Rolls
- Super quick prep – These fun rolls take just 5-10 minutes to make, perfect for busy mornings or after-school snacks when you need something fast.
- Kid-friendly fun – Kids love helping make and eat these rolls – they’re like a playful twist on their favorite sandwich, cut into bite-sized pieces that make eating more exciting.
- Basic ingredients – You only need three main ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen – tortillas, peanut butter, and bananas.
- Customizable – Make them your own by adding extras like coconut, granola, or honey – it’s an easy way to switch things up and keep snack time interesting.
What Kind of Banana Should I Use?
For banana sushi rolls, you’ll want to pick bananas that are ripe but still firm – those with just a few brown spots are perfect. If your banana is too soft or overripe, it’ll get mushy when you roll it up, and if it’s too green, it won’t have that sweet banana flavor we’re looking for. Regular Cavendish bananas (the most common type found in grocery stores) work great for this recipe, though smaller varieties like Lady Finger bananas can work too if you want bite-sized rolls. Just make sure your banana is straight rather than too curved, as this will help you get a more even roll when assembling your sushi.
Options for Substitutions
This fun recipe is super adaptable and you can try lots of different swaps:
- Tortilla: If you don’t have tortillas, try using flatbread, a whole wheat wrap, or even a rice paper wrapper for a different texture. Just make sure whatever you use is soft and flexible enough to roll.
- Peanut butter: Not a fan of peanut butter or have allergies? No worries! Try almond butter, sunflower seed butter, cashew butter, or even chocolate hazelnut spread. Cream cheese can work too for a different twist.
- Banana: While banana is key to this recipe, you could experiment with other soft fruits like strawberries or mango slices. Just make sure to pat them dry first so your roll doesn’t get soggy.
- Optional toppings: The sky’s the limit here! Try chia seeds, crushed nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even crispy rice cereal for extra crunch. If using honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work just as well.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making banana sushi rolls is using an overly ripe banana, which can turn mushy and make rolling nearly impossible – choose a banana that’s yellow with no brown spots for the perfect texture and easy handling.
Another common mistake is spreading the peanut butter too thick or too close to the edges of the tortilla, which can cause the filling to squeeze out when rolling – instead, leave about a half-inch border around the edges and use a thin, even layer of peanut butter.
To prevent your rolls from falling apart, make sure to roll them tightly (but not so tight that you squish the banana), and let them rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing – this helps the peanut butter act as a “glue” to hold everything together.
For clean, picture-perfect cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice, making sure to cut straight down rather than using a sawing motion.
What to Serve With Banana Sushi Rolls?
These fun and kid-friendly banana sushi rolls make a great breakfast, snack, or light lunch! I like to serve them with a cold glass of milk or chocolate milk, which pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and banana combo. For a complete breakfast spread, add some fresh berries or sliced apples on the side – they add nice color to the plate and help round out the meal. You can also turn this into a fun brunch board by adding different dipping options like honey, chocolate sauce, or maple syrup for everyone to customize their rolls.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These banana sushi rolls are best enjoyed right after making them, as bananas can brown quickly. If you need to make them a few hours ahead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 hours. The tortilla might get a bit softer, but they’ll still taste good!
Pack for Lunch: Want to pack these for lunch? Brush the banana slices with a little lemon juice before rolling to prevent browning, then wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap. Pop them in a lunch container with an ice pack, and they should stay fresh until lunchtime.
Prep Ahead: To save time in the morning, you can spread the peanut butter on the tortillas and store them covered in the fridge overnight. Just add the banana and other toppings fresh when you’re ready to roll and serve!
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 10-12 g
- Fat: 15-20 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
Ingredients
- 1 (8-inch) soft tortilla
- 2-3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 banana (refer to note)
- Optional: finely shredded or chopped veggies, fruits, seeds, coconut, granola, honey, or ricotta (refer to note)
Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla and Spread the Peanut Butter
Lay your tortilla flat on a clean surface.
Evenly spread a generous layer of peanut butter across the entire surface of the tortilla.
Make sure to cover it thoroughly to help everything stick together later.
Step 2: Add Mix-Ins
Add any additional mix-ins you prefer, such as honey, granola, or raisins.
These can be spread evenly across the tortilla or lined up in rows, depending on personal preference and the desired look of the finished pinwheels.
Step 3: Roll the Banana
Place a peeled banana at one end of the peanut butter-covered tortilla.
Slowly and carefully roll the tortilla around the banana, ensuring it stays tightly wrapped as you roll it up.
Step 4: Slice and Secure the Pinwheels
Once the tortilla is fully rolled, trim the ends for a neat finish.
Slice the roll into small pieces, especially if serving to young kids.
If any individual pinwheel opens up, apply a bit more peanut butter to the edges to help it stay closed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After slicing, arrange the pinwheels on a plate and serve.
These make for a delicious, easy snack or a fun addition to meals for kids and adults alike!