Save My daughter came home from a sleepover buzzing about dessert sushi her friend's mom made, and I thought she was confused until she showed me a photo. Oreos rolled around fruit with chocolate for dipping? I was skeptical but curious. That weekend we tried it together, and she giggled so hard when the first roll split open because I packed it too loosely. By the third try, we had it down, and now it's her favorite thing to make when friends come over.
I brought these to a potluck once without explaining what they were, just arranged them on a wooden board with the chocolate sauce in a little dish. The confusion on people's faces when they realized it was dessert, not actual sushi, was priceless. One friend even asked if the chocolate was real soy sauce before tasting it. They vanished faster than anything else on the table.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: The base and binder all in one; regular Oreos work best because the cream helps hold everything together once blended with cream cheese.
- Cream cheese, softened: This is what makes the crumbs moldable, so let it sit out for at least 20 minutes or you'll fight with lumps.
- Banana, peeled: Acts like the tuna in real sushi rolls; choose one that's firm but ripe so it doesn't mush when you slice.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a chewy sweetness and looks like sesame seeds when sprinkled on top.
- Strawberry jam or fruit preserves: A thin sticky layer that holds the coconut and adds fruity brightness.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melts into a glossy dip; use good quality chips because this sauce is the star.
- Heavy cream: Thins the chocolate to dipping consistency and makes it silky smooth.
- Soy sauce (optional): Just a teaspoon deepens the color and adds a barely-there savory note that makes people ask what the secret is.
- Sprinkles (optional): Pure fun, especially if kids are involved.
Instructions
- Prepare the Oreo Base:
- Twist apart the Oreos and scrape out the cream, then pulse the cookies in a food processor until they're fine crumbs. Add the softened cream cheese and blend until the mixture clumps together like wet sand.
- Shape the Sushi Sheet:
- Lay plastic wrap flat and press the Oreo mixture into a rectangle about 8 by 6 inches and a quarter inch thick. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth it evenly so it rolls without cracking.
- Layer the Fillings:
- Spread a thin coat of strawberry jam over the surface, then scatter shredded coconut on top. Place the banana lengthwise near one edge, leaving a little space at the ends.
- Roll and Chill:
- Use the plastic wrap to lift the edge and roll the Oreo sheet around the banana tightly, like a sleeping bag. Twist the ends of the wrap and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Chocolate Dip:
- Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, then heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in the soy sauce if using, and watch it turn glossy and dark.
- Slice and Serve:
- Unwrap the chilled roll and use a sharp knife to cut it into one-inch rounds, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Arrange on a platter with the chocolate dip in a small bowl on the side.
Save The first time I made these for my son's birthday, he asked if we could put candles in them. We did, and they looked ridiculous and perfect at the same time. His friends still talk about the cookie sushi cake, even though it was just slices arranged in a circle. Sometimes the silliest ideas stick with people the longest.
Customization Ideas
Swap the banana for strawberries cut into sticks, or try a layer of peanut butter if you want something richer. I've even made a version with Nutella instead of jam and crushed hazelnuts instead of coconut, and it tasted like fancy candy. You can also use different Oreo flavors, though the original works best because the filling isn't too sweet.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These hold up in the fridge for a day or two if wrapped tightly in plastic, though the banana may brown slightly. I've made the rolls the night before a party and sliced them right before serving with no issues. The chocolate dip can be reheated gently in the microwave if it thickens, just add a splash of cream and stir.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the rolls on a wooden board or slate for that sushi bar vibe, and serve the chocolate dip in a little ceramic dish. Pour green tea or cold milk on the side to complete the playful theme. If you're feeling extra, add a tiny dish of extra sprinkles or coconut so guests can garnish their own pieces.
- Dust the platter with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Add fresh mint leaves between the rolls for a pop of color.
- Serve with chopsticks for the full novelty experience.
Save This recipe is proof that dessert doesn't have to be serious to be memorable. Make it with someone you love, laugh when it falls apart the first time, and enjoy the surprise on people's faces when they taste it.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve the right texture for the Oreo mixture?
Process Oreo cookies until finely crumbed, then blend with softened cream cheese until sticky and moldable for easy rolling.
- → Can I substitute the banana with other fruits?
Yes, strawberries or other soft fruits work well and offer a different flavor and texture.
- → What’s the purpose of adding soy sauce in the chocolate dip?
Small amounts of soy sauce enhance the dip with subtle umami and deepen the chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- → Should I chill the rolls before slicing?
Chilling for about 10 minutes firms up the roll, making slicing easier and the pieces neater.
- → Are there any allergen concerns with this dish?
Contains wheat, dairy, and soy. Check ingredient labels carefully if allergies are a concern.
- → What tools are essential for preparing these rolls?
A food processor for crumbing cookies, plastic wrap for rolling, and a microwave-safe bowl for melting the chocolate dip.