Save One rainy Saturday afternoon, my daughter dragged a sushi mat out of the drawer and announced she wanted to make dessert sushi. I laughed, thinking she was joking, until she pulled out a sleeve of Oreos and a banana. What started as a silly experiment turned into one of our most-requested treats. The look on her friends' faces when they saw chocolate "soy sauce" next to cookie rolls shaped like maki was priceless. Now, every time we make these, I remember that unexpected burst of creativity that turned a dreary day into something sweet.
I brought these to a potluck once, arranged on a wooden board with the chocolate dip in a tiny dish, and people circled back three times thinking they were savory. When they finally bit in and tasted Oreo and banana, the room erupted in laughter and surprise. A few kids grabbed extras before the adults even figured out what was happening. That night, I got five texts asking for the recipe, and one friend admitted she ate four pieces standing by the table.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: The base and structure of your sushi roll. Use regular Oreos, not Double Stuf, or the filling throws off the texture when you blend it.
- Cream cheese: This acts like the glue that holds everything together. Make sure its fully softened or it wont blend smoothly into the crumbs.
- Banana: The center "filling" that mimics a sushi roll. Choose one thats firm but ripe so it doesnt turn mushy when you slice.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a chewy surprise and a hint of tropical sweetness. If you only have unsweetened, toss it with a pinch of sugar first.
- Strawberry jam: A fruity layer that balances the richness of the chocolate and cream cheese. Seedless works best for a smoother bite.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melts into a silky dip that looks just like soy sauce. You can swap for dark chocolate if you want a bolder flavor.
- Heavy cream: Thins the chocolate into a pourable consistency. Dont skip it or the dip will seize up.
- Soy sauce (optional): Just a teaspoon gives the chocolate a deeper color and a subtle savory edge that makes people curious.
- Sprinkles: Pure fun and color. Use them like sesame seeds on real sushi for that final playful touch.
Instructions
- Crush the Oreos:
- Twist apart the cookies and scrape out the cream, then pulse the chocolate wafers in a food processor until they turn into fine, sandy crumbs. You want them powdery, not chunky, so the mixture holds together smoothly.
- Blend in the cream cheese:
- Add the softened cream cheese to the crumbs and pulse until everything clumps into a sticky, moldable dough. It should feel like playdough when you press it between your fingers.
- Shape the base:
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap flat and press the Oreo mixture into a rectangle about 8 by 6 inches and a quarter-inch thick. Use your palms to smooth it out evenly so it rolls without cracking.
- Layer the filling:
- Spread a thin, even layer of strawberry jam over the surface, then sprinkle shredded coconut on top. Dont overdo it or the roll will be too thick to slice neatly.
- Add the banana:
- Lay the peeled banana lengthwise near one edge of the rectangle. Press it gently into the mixture so it stays in place when you start rolling.
- Roll it up:
- Use the plastic wrap to lift the edge and roll the Oreo mixture tightly around the banana, like youre making a jellyroll. Twist the ends of the wrap to seal it, then chill in the fridge for 10 minutes so it firms up and slices cleanly.
- Make the chocolate dip:
- Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second bursts, stirring after each one until melted and glossy. Stir in a teaspoon of soy sauce if you want that dark, mysterious color.
- Slice and serve:
- Unwrap the chilled roll and use a sharp knife to cut it into one-inch rounds. Arrange them on a platter with the chocolate dip in a small dish on the side, then scatter sprinkles or extra coconut over the top.
Save The first time my son brought these to his school bake sale, a teacher asked if they were gluten-free because they looked so fancy. He grinned and said no, theyre just Oreos pretending to be fancy. That line stuck with me because thats exactly what this recipe is: simple ingredients playing dress-up, and somehow everyone falls for it. Its the kind of dessert that makes you feel clever without actually being complicated.
Swaps and Variations
If banana isnt your thing, swap it for whole strawberries or even a stick of flavored cream cheese for a denser center. I tried a peanut butter version once by spreading a thin layer inside before rolling, and it tasted like a frozen candy bar. You can also use Golden Oreos for a lighter look, or mint Oreos if you want a chocolate-mint vibe that feels a little more grown-up.
Serving Suggestions
These are best served cold, straight from the fridge, with the chocolate dip slightly warm so it drizzles over the top. I like to pair them with a pot of green tea or tall glasses of cold milk to balance the sweetness. For parties, arrange them on a wooden board with chopsticks nearby and watch people laugh as they try to pick them up. The whole presentation is half the fun.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the rolls up to a day ahead and keep them wrapped tightly in the fridge until youre ready to slice and serve. The chocolate dip can be made in advance too, just reheat it gently in the microwave and stir before serving. If you have leftovers, store the sliced pieces in an airtight container for up to two days, but the banana may start to brown slightly after the first day.
- Freeze the unsliced roll for up to a week and thaw it in the fridge before cutting.
- Make mini versions by using half a banana and smaller rectangles for bite-sized pieces.
- Double the chocolate dip recipe because it always runs out first.
Save Every time I make these, someone asks if theyre hard, and I laugh because theyre easier than most cookies. The trick is letting yourself have fun with it and not worrying about perfection.
Recipe Guide
- → How do you prepare the Oreo cookie base for the rolls?
Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor, then mix with softened cream cheese until sticky enough to spread.
- → What gives the rolls their fruity flavor?
Strawberry jam is spread on the Oreo-cream cheese layer, and fresh banana slices are rolled inside for a fruity touch.
- → How is the chocolate dip made?
Semisweet chocolate chips are melted with heavy cream, then optionally stirred with soy sauce to add subtle color and flavor.
- → Can the banana be substituted with other fruits?
Yes, strawberries or other soft fruits can replace the banana for different textures and flavors.
- → What tools are needed for preparation?
A food processor, plastic wrap, microwave-safe bowl, and a sharp knife are essential for making this dish.