Pin to Board One rainy Saturday afternoon, my niece wandered into the kitchen and asked if we could make sushi. I laughed because we had no rice, no seaweed, just a half-empty pack of Oreos and some cream cheese in the fridge. She looked at me with those hopeful eyes, so I said why not. We crushed those cookies, rolled them around a banana, and pretended we were master chefs in Tokyo. When we sliced the log into little rounds, she gasped like we'd just invented something magical.
I brought a platter of these to a potluck once, and people circled the table like curious cats. Half of them thought it was real sushi until they got close enough to smell the chocolate. One friend dipped a piece, took a bite, and immediately asked for the recipe on a napkin. That's when I knew this silly experiment had become something worth keeping.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: The backbone of the whole thing; double-stuff works too, but regular Oreos give you better control over the sweetness and texture.
- Cream cheese, softened: This acts like the glue that holds the crumbs together, so leave it out on the counter for at least 20 minutes before you start.
- Banana, peeled: Think of it as the filling inside a sushi roll; it adds natural sweetness and a soft, creamy bite that balances the cookie crunch.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a little tropical surprise and mimics the look of sesame seeds on real sushi.
- Strawberry jam or fruit preserves: A thin layer brings fruity brightness and keeps the roll from feeling too heavy.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melted with cream, this becomes your mock soy sauce; it looks the part and tastes like heaven.
- Heavy cream: Makes the chocolate smooth and pourable instead of thick and clumpy.
- Soy sauce (optional): Just a teaspoon deepens the color and adds a whisper of salt that makes the chocolate taste richer.
- Sprinkles (optional): Pure fun; use them if you want your platter to look like a party.
- Extra shredded coconut (optional): Scatter it around the plate for garnish or press it onto the outside of the rolls before slicing.
Instructions
- Crush the cookies:
- Twist open the Oreos, scrape out the filling, and toss the cookies into a food processor. Pulse until they turn into fine, sandy crumbs that smell like childhood.
- Bind with cream cheese:
- Add the softened cream cheese to the crumbs and blend until the mixture clumps together like wet sand. If it's too dry, add a tiny bit more cream cheese.
- Shape the base:
- Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and press the mixture into a rectangle, about 8 by 6 inches and a quarter-inch thick. Use your hands or a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
- Add the layers:
- Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam across the surface, then sprinkle the shredded coconut on top. Don't overdo it or the roll won't seal properly.
- Place the banana:
- Set the peeled banana lengthwise near one edge of the rectangle, like you're tucking it into bed. This is your sushi center.
- Roll it up:
- Use the plastic wrap to lift and roll the mixture tightly around the banana, forming a smooth log. Twist the ends of the wrap and chill the log 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, then heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each one until it's silky. Stir in the soy sauce if you want that deeper color and hint of salt.
- Slice and serve:
- Unwrap the chilled log and use a sharp knife to cut it into one-inch rounds. Arrange them on a platter, pour the chocolate dip into a small dish, and garnish with sprinkles or extra coconut if you're feeling fancy.
Pin to Board My niece still asks for cookie sushi whenever she visits, and now she insists on rolling it herself. Last time, she made the log crooked and the slices came out lopsided, but she was so proud she took pictures like it was a masterpiece. That's the thing about this recipe: it doesn't have to be perfect to make someone smile.
Swaps and Variations
If bananas aren't your thing, try using whole strawberries or even a stick of soft caramel. I've also made a version with peanut butter spread under the jam, and it tasted like a candy bar in disguise. You can swap the strawberry jam for raspberry, apricot, or even Nutella if you want to go full chocolate.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These hold up surprisingly well in the fridge for up to two days if you keep them wrapped tightly in plastic. The banana might brown a little on the edges, but the taste stays good. I wouldn't freeze them because the texture gets weird, but you can definitely make the log a few hours ahead and slice it right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the sushi rounds on a wooden board or a white plate to play up the whole mock-sushi vibe. Serve the chocolate dip in a tiny dish, maybe with a small spoon or even chopsticks for extra fun. Pair it with green tea, cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for anyone who wants to go all out.
- Add a sprinkle of black sesame seeds on top for an authentic sushi look that tricks people from across the room.
- Use cookie cutters to shape the Oreo mixture into squares or hearts before rolling if you want to get creative.
- Drizzle leftover chocolate dip over the platter in thin lines to mimic the look of a fancy dessert plate.
Pin to Board This recipe taught me that the best desserts don't always come from cookbooks or fancy techniques. Sometimes they come from saying yes to a kid's wild idea on a rainy day.
Common Questions
- → How do I make the Oreo crumbs for the rolls?
Separate the Oreo cookies and remove the cream filling. Pulse the cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs are formed.
- → What can be used instead of banana in the rolls?
Strawberries work well as an alternative, or you may omit fruit for a different texture altogether.
- → How is the chocolate dip prepared?
Combine semisweet chocolate chips with heavy cream, heat in 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Optionally, add a bit of soy sauce for color and subtle flavor.
- → Can the rolls be garnished differently?
Yes, sprinkles or extra shredded coconut can be added on top for visual appeal and added texture.
- → What tools are needed to prepare this dish?
A food processor to crush Oreos, plastic wrap for rolling, a microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate, and a sharp knife for slicing.