September 11th 2020

With three growing (hungry!) boys, quick and healthy snacks are essential in our house. These Peanut Butter, Nutella & Banana Sushi Rolls are delicious, healthy, filling and SO quick to make!

The Need For A Healthy Snack Option

Every day without fail, at least one (usually 2 or all 3) of my boys comes up to me nearly in tears saying how hungry they are. Usually, it's after school, but it's almost always at some point during the afternoon.

Related Post: Quick System for Packing Healthy School Lunches

Keep in mind, they eat almost constantly. They get a big breakfast, snacks in between meals, and a solid, filling lunch (plus dinner, of course). They simply have metabolisms that would make a marathon runner jealous.

So I've been working for quite some time to find a healthy, satisfying snack (ahem, not the bag of chips that my teenager wants to chow down) that won't fill them up too much before dinner time.

Banana Sushi Rolls: A Healthy Snack

But as many moms know, finding a healthy & filling snack that your kiddos will eat can sound a lot easier than the way it plays out in real life.

Enter: Peanut Butter, Nutella, Banana “Sushi” Rolls!

This banana sushi idea was inspired by a dessert at one of our favorite Japanese quick dining restaurants. Their version is just rolled Bread and Nutella, though, so I had to up my game to make it a healthy snack.

First, I added Peanut Butter for the protein factor (any substitute nut butter would work just fine). And – hello! – peanut butter with Nutella…yes, please 😁

But that wasn't quite enough, so I brainstormed a bit more and came up with bananas. Perfect!

They make an excellent combination with the peanut butter and Nutella, and they're filling without being too heavy.

The result: a delicious, hearty (but not too filling) snack that tastes like dessert yet it's healthy enough that you can feel good about giving to your kids any time!

Or enjoy it yourself 😘

Or for dessert – it's that good!

Again, these were inspired by a dessert at one of our favorite restaurants, and I've been making them for years. I had no idea this kind of snack was popular on Pinterest until I happened to see a pin and then did a little digging.

However, I still decided to share these with you for a few reasons:

just in case you hadn't heard of them before – you NEED to make them!
they couldn't be easier to make – let the kids help!
It's super FAST to make – PERFECT for busy moms!
my boys LOVE them and given how picky they can be, I'm guessing your kids might enjoy them too!

Protein, healthy grains, fruit, and a dab of extra sweetness from the Nutella (seriously, what's NOT better with Nutella?)…this is pretty much the snacks that dreams are made of.

Banana Sushi Ingredients

Thick sliced brioche-style bread (or sandwich bread, which is what I usually use)
Peanut butter (or any nut butter)
Nutella Hazelnut Spread
Banana

Banana Sushi With Peanut Butter Directions

Begin by placing one slice of bread on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin, roll the bread as flat as possible, going both vertically and horizontally as you roll.
Next, using a sharp knife, cut the crust/edges off the bread. Spread a layer of peanut butter on the bread, leaving approximately ½ – 1 inch of the left side of the bread uncovered.
Add a layer of Nutella Hazelnut Spread on top of the peanut butter, again leaving the left side of the bread uncovered.
Cut one banana in half, and then half it again. Place one of the halved pieces of banana on the right side of the bread. Roll the banana inside of the bread.
Place in the refrigerator or freezer for approximately 1-2 minutes.
Once slightly chilled, slice the roll into 4 pieces with a sharp knife. Serve immediately for best results.

NOTE: Chilling before slicing is optional but helps everything stay neat and together when slicing. If your kiddos are screaming from hunger pangs, just cut it up and give it to them – presentation won't matter!

Tools Need to Make Nutella Sushi

Rolling Pin – this one is awesome – nonstick and easy clean!
Cutting Board – affordable & easy to clean!
Sharp knife

But you'll have to try it to see for yourself!

If you try this banana sushi with peanut butter (and Nutella!), please let me know by leaving a comment below and rating the recipe – it helps to let others know how amazing it truly is!