Easy Banana Sushi (Healthy Snack or Lunch)

Banana sushi is a fun and quick meal or snack with endless opportunities to add your child’s favorite fillings, from fruit and chocolate chips to even vegetables!

Easy banana Sushi Rolls

This is one of my favorite quick snacks or no-fuss lunches for my toddler when I just..can’t! It’s also one of my son’s favorite school lunchbox items.

All you need are three simple ingredients, but the real fun begins when you get creative and customize it in so many ways to make it even more enjoyable and healthy.

Whether you want to add some extra flair with colorful sprinkles, a burst of fruity goodness with sliced strawberries, or even a bit of crunch with chia seeds, chopped nuts, it’s entirely up to you!

I highly encourage you to invite your child into the kitchen and create personalized banana sushi masterpieces together :).

These are seriously the perfect finger food for babies and toddlers.

Hungry for more? Here’s a roundup of healthy banana recipes for kids!

Ingredients

• Tortilla – use 6-8 inch regular flour or whole wheat soft tortillas. I would not use the corn variety for these. You want the tortilla to be soft and pliable so it won’t break during slicing.
• Peanut butter – or your favorite nut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter. If nut-free, sunflower seed butter will work too!
• Banana – You’ll need a ripe banana, but not overly ripe, as you want it to hold its shape.
• Fillings of your choice

May also be interested in: How to Make Pinwheel Sandwiches

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Spread the peanut butter over the tortilla. Add any optional add-ins (see below for suggestions). You can spread evenly on top or line them up as pictured.
2. Place peeled banana in one end of the wrap. Roll up the tortilla tightly to minimize space between the tortilla and the banana.
3. Place the tortilla seam-side-down and slice into 1 inch rounds.

Variations

If you can, I highly encourage you to enlist the help of your child. I like to set up a toppings bar and allow my child to build their own sushi roll. Not only is it fun and interactive, but it’s a great way to encourage them to try foods and combinations they may not have otherwise.

• Instead of peanut butter, try spreading some cream cheese, nutella, or jam (like this no added sugar strawberry jam).
• While you can keep the sushi simple with just the spread and banana, here are some fun and nutritious add-ins to try:
  • grated carrots (my son’s favorite!)
  • grated zucchini (may sound strange but give it a try!)
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes
  • chia seeds
  • hemp seeds
  • finely chopped nuts
  • sliced strawberries or matchstick apples
  • crushed freeze-dried strawberries
  • cacao nibs

Note: If you’re making this yourself, start by adding a small amount of your child’s new/disliked topping(s). Small enough that your child will notice but not freak out. And gradually increase as your child learns to enjoy it more and more.

Tips for Success

• When at the store, look for bananas that are on the straighter, rather than curvier side.
• If refrigerated, take the tortilla out and bring to room temperature or slightly warm in the microwave so it’s easier to roll. Cold tortillas are more likely to crack.
• Be sure to spread a good amount of peanut butter or spread of choice over the entire tortilla to prevent the roll-ups from falling apart.
• Roll ups can get easily crushed. Use a sharp knife, preferably serrated knife for a clean, easy slice.
• If the edges open up, spread a little bit of peanut butter to close.

Make Ahead Suggestions

This banana roll is best to make right before serving. However, if you want to make it in advance for school lunchbox or school snack, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Slice right before packing. This will minimize the bananas from browning.

You can also freeze sliced roll-ups and and enjoy as a frozen snack!