Pin It I was hosting a kids' birthday party when I panicked—half the guests were picky eaters who wouldn't touch actual sushi. That's when I grabbed a sleeve of Oreos and decided to make dessert sushi instead. The kids went wild, the parents were confused, and I ended up making three more batches before the party even ended. Now it's my go-to when I want something fun without turning on the oven.
The first time I served these at a potluck, someone asked if I'd gone to culinary school. I laughed and told them I just smashed cookies with cream cheese and rolled it around a banana. They didn't believe me until I showed them the recipe. Sometimes the simplest ideas get the biggest reactions, and this one never fails to surprise people.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: The base of the whole thing, and honestly any sandwich cookie works if you want to experiment with flavors.
- Cream cheese: This is what holds the crumbs together, so make sure it's soft or you'll be wrestling with chunks.
- Banana: Acts like the fish in real sushi, giving structure and a little natural sweetness that balances the chocolate.
- Shredded coconut: Adds texture and a hint of tropical flavor, plus it looks like rice if you squint.
- Strawberry jam: A fruity surprise in the middle, but you can swap it for raspberry or skip it entirely.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: For the dipping sauce that looks like soy sauce but tastes way better.
- Heavy cream: Makes the chocolate smooth and pourable instead of thick and clumpy.
- Soy sauce: Just a teaspoon for color and a whisper of saltiness that makes the chocolate taste richer.
- Sprinkles: Totally optional, but they make it feel like a celebration.
Instructions
- Crush the cookies:
- Twist open the Oreos and scrape out the cream, then toss the cookies into a food processor. Pulse until they're fine crumbs, like dark sand.
- Mix in the cream cheese:
- Add the softened cream cheese to the crumbs and blend until it clumps together like dough. If it's too dry, add a bit more cream cheese.
- Shape the base:
- Lay out plastic wrap and press the mixture into a rectangle about a quarter inch thick. Don't worry if the edges aren't perfect, you'll trim it later.
- Layer the fillings:
- Spread a thin layer of jam over the surface, then sprinkle coconut on top. This is where you can get creative with flavors.
- Roll it up:
- Place the banana along one edge and use the plastic wrap to help roll everything tightly around it. Chill for 10 minutes so it holds its shape when you slice.
- Make the dip:
- Microwave the chocolate chips and cream in short bursts, stirring between each one until smooth. Stir in the soy sauce if you want that dark, glossy look.
- Slice and serve:
- Unwrap the roll, slice it into thick rounds, and arrange them on a plate. Serve with the chocolate dip on the side like it's wasabi.
Pin It My nephew once told me these were better than real sushi, and I didn't know whether to be proud or concerned. But watching him dip each piece carefully into the chocolate sauce, eyes wide with concentration, I realized food doesn't have to be fancy to be memorable. Sometimes it just has to be fun.
Swaps and Variations
I've made this with strawberries instead of banana when they're in season, and it tastes like chocolate-covered berries. You can also skip the fruit entirely and just roll the Oreo mixture with peanut butter for a Reese's vibe. One time I used mint Oreos and white chocolate for the dip, and it tasted like a peppermint patty rolled into sushi.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These hold up in the fridge for about two days if you wrap them tightly, but the banana will start to brown after that. I usually make the rolls a few hours ahead and slice them right before serving so they look fresh. The chocolate dip can be reheated gently in the microwave if it thickens up.
Serving Suggestions
I like to arrange these on a wooden board with little bowls of the chocolate dip scattered around, maybe some extra sprinkles on the side for people to customize. Pair them with green tea or cold milk, and suddenly you've got a dessert spread that feels way fancier than it actually is.
- Serve on parchment paper for easy cleanup and a cute presentation
- Let guests dip their own pieces so the chocolate doesn't get everywhere
- Make a double batch because people always want seconds
Pin It This recipe taught me that the best desserts are the ones that make people smile before they even take a bite. Whether you're feeding kids or just want to play with your food, these little Oreo sushi rolls prove that cooking should be fun first and perfect second.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the banana in the rolls?
Yes, strawberries or other soft fruits work well as alternatives, offering different textures and flavors.
- → How is the chocolate dip made smooth?
Microwaving chocolate chips with heavy cream in short bursts and stirring thoroughly creates a creamy, smooth dip.
- → What does the soy sauce add to the dip?
It provides a subtle umami depth and a soy sauce-like color without overpowering the chocolate sweetness.
- → How should the rolls be stored before serving?
Chill the assembled rolls in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to firm up and maintain their shape when sliced.
- → Can I add toppings to the sushi rolls?
Sprinkles and extra shredded coconut make great garnishes that add visual appeal and texture.