Date Banana Sushi (No Bake Vegan Healthy Snack)
Date Banana Sushi is an easy-to-make fruit sushi recipe that is fun, creative, and so delicious. Made using soft, juicy dates, peanut butter, and ripe bananas, then rolled and sliced just like sushi, this banana date sushi recipe can be enjoyed as a quick dessert, snack, or even as a breakfast.
Not only for snacking, this easy no bake vegan recipe is also great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, meal prep, or even as a quick refined sugar free dessert.
Blended potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower thicken soups naturally. This avoids flour and keeps recipes allergy-friendly.
Table of contents
It is a no bake banana snack that is naturally sweet and made without any refined sugar. Plus, this simple, wholesome, vegan, and gluten free snack is perfect when you are craving something sweet but want to keep it healthy.
It is a refined sugar free healthy snack that tastes delectable and looks impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy to make.
About the Recipe
Date banana sushi is a healthier twist on classic banana sushi. If you love fruit sushi from your favorite Japanese restaurant, this is certainly going to impress you.
Instead of using tortillas or sweet coconut flavoured rice, we press soft or Medjool dates into a soft sheet that becomes the naturally sweet outer layer for this banana sushi. The result is a slightly chewy, crunchy, and creamy, and satisfying banana peanut butter sushi roll that feels like a treat but is made with real ingredients that are good for you.
Since it is a completely no bake dessert, it comes together quickly.
Making this plant based banana snack is straightforward, just press or roll, spread, roll, chill, and slice.
I got the inspiration for this date banana sushi from a local restaurant. They serve so many versions of banana sushi recipes. I first started making this on a day when we were craving something sweet, but I didn’t want to bake or use added sugar. Then my daughter suggested that since we love fruit sushi and we also love date desserts, why not make a sushi with date and banana? It will have all the ingredients we love, so we will definitely love it.
Ever since we made this for the first time, it quickly became one of those recipes we make again and again because it’s simple, fun to roll, and tastes like a real decadent dessert while still being a healthy banana snack.
And like real sushi is served with soy sauce, we dip this one with homemade vegan refined sugar free chocolate sauce. Serve it as it is or with melted chocolate or chocolate sauce, or just enjoy them without any dip. They taste amazing regardless of how you serve them.
So if you also love date desserts, peanut butter banana recipes, or fruit sushi, then this is a must try recipe for you.
Why You’ll Love the Recipe
This Banana Sushi
✔️ is a quick & easy banana sushi
✔️ is completely no bake
✔️ gets done in minutes
✔️ is naturally sweet with no refined sugar
✔️ uses simple pantry ingredients
✔️ is a healthy banana snack
✔️ is suitable for both kids & adults
✔️ is vegan, dairy free, & gluten free
✔️ is perfect as banana sushi
✔️ is great for kids’ lunchboxes
✔️ is great for meal prep
Ingredients
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Soft Dates: I used soft dates for making the sweet sushi base as they give a naturally sweet base and hold everything together without needing added sugar. Soft dates are easier to press and roll. If you prefer less sticky dates to handle, then use Medjool dates for this sushi.
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Bananas: Ripe bananas are added to the center to make it fruity, creamy, and naturally sweet. For best results, use firm ripe bananas so the slices hold their shape nicely.
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Peanut Butter: For a satisfying nutty texture, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, I used crunchy peanut butter. The addition of peanut butter turns this sushi into a delicious banana peanut butter sushi. You can also use creamy peanut butter here; that would also work fine.
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Toppings: For topping, I used toasted sesame seeds for a sushi look, light crunch, and a subtle nutty flavor. I have also added toasted coconut to give it extra flavor and a slightly chewy texture that pairs beautifully with dates. You can also use other crushed toasted nuts of your choice.
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Optional: I have also used vegan refined sugar free chocolate sauce, which is perfect for dipping. So if you want to serve this as a dessert-style treat, serve it with chocolate sauce, otherwise serve it as it is as an easy no bake vegan dessert.
How to Make Date Banana Sushi
- Making this date sushi is really simple. Just remove the pits from the dates and then arrange them in a single layer on parchment paper.
- After that, cover with another sheet of parchment and press or roll until you get an even sheet base.
- Then remove the top layer and sprinkle sesame seeds and coconut evenly on top. Cover this layer again and gently roll so the toppings stick well.
- Flip the sheet so the plain side faces up, then spread peanut butter evenly over the surface.
- Slice the date sheet lengthwise into two long strips. Then peel a banana and place one banana at the edge of each strip and roll tightly. Do the same with the other half.
- Wrap sushi in parchment paper and freeze for 10 to 15 minutes until firm.
- Slice into bite-size rounds using a sharp knife and serve as a dessert or a snack.
Variations
Almond Butter Banana Sushi
Love almond butter? Then swap crunchy peanut butter with almond butter for a slightly milder flavor. It still tastes super delicious and makes a nutritious and satisfying healthy banana snack.
Chocolate Drizzled Banana Sushi
For this version, drizzle melted 84% dark chocolate over the slices to turn it into a simple banana sushi dessert while keeping it refined sugar free.
Coconut Banana Sushi
Love tropical flavours? Then spread toasted coconut over peanut butter, then roll the sushi. This gives an extra strong tropical flavor to this sushi.
Peanut Butter and Jam Banana Sushi
Add a thin layer of unsweetened jam along with the peanut butter for a fun PBJ twist. It works wonderfully as banana sushi, especially for kids.
Nut and Seed Banana Sushi
Coat the outside with a combination of crushed nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This tastes good when served as a date and banana snack or as a light and wholesome refined sugar free dessert.
This no bake banana snack is also perfect for busy days when you need a quick energy boost.
It can also be enjoyed as an after school or lunchbox treat. Or enjoy them as a pre-workout plant based banana snack. For a healthy snack at brunch parties pair it with other date treats like Peanut Date Roll, Almond Date Cookies, Pistachio Date Cups, Healthy Date Bars, and Chocolate Banana Bread.
Storage Suggestions
You can store the sliced banana sushi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Make sure to keep it chilled for best texture.
You can also freeze it if you prefer firmer, frozen banana date bites for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap each sushi in plastic wrap and freeze. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Date Banana Sushi
- Dates: I used soft dates, but you can also use Medjool dates for this sushi recipe for easier pressing and smoother texture.
- Firm Dates: If dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds to soften them.
- Base: To make the date sushi, roll using a rolling pin or press the date layer evenly to prevent tearing while rolling.
- Chilling: Remember to chill the rolls in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing to get clean, neat cuts.
- Slicing: Use a sharp knife and apply a few drops of oil or wipe it clean between slices.
- Peanut Butter: For easier rolling, do not overfill with peanut butter.
- Bananas: For best taste, choose ripe but firm bananas. This will keep bananas sturdy and avoid a mushy center.
- Rolling: Roll the sushi tightly with dates to maintain the sushi shape.
- Greasing: For non sticky rolling, you can lightly grease parchment paper before rolling the dates.
FAQs
Is this banana sushi recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s certainly a healthy treat as it is made with whole ingredients and contains no refined sugar. Also, if you are using unprocessed homemade peanut butter, it becomes a healthy banana snack option.
Is this vegan banana sushi?
Yes, it is completely a vegan and dairy free banana sushi recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, this sushi can be made ahead of time as it stores well and works perfectly for meal prep.
Is this suitable for kids?
Most certainly, this banana sushi is suitable for kids. For kids, it is a fun and naturally sweet alternative to packaged snacks.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can surely freeze this sushi for a firmer texture. Enjoy it as frozen banana date bites, or thaw them for 15 minutes before serving.
Date Banana Sushi (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to Make Date Banana Sushi
- Remove the pits from the dates. Line your work surface with parchment paper.
- Arrange the pitted dates in a single layer and cover with another sheet of parchment paper.
- Roll or press the dates until they form an even, smooth sheet.
- Remove the top sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and toasted coconut evenly over the surface.
- Place the parchment paper back on top and gently roll again so the toppings stick well.
- Flip the date sheet so the plain side faces up. Spread an even layer of crunchy peanut butter over the surface.
- Slice the sheet lengthwise into two strips.
- Place one banana at the edge of each strip and roll tightly, sushi-style.
- Cover the rolls with parchment paper and freeze for 10 to 15 minutes, or until firm.
- Slice into bite-size pieces using a sharp knife.
- Serve as is or dip in vegan chocolate sauce.
Recipe Card
Date Banana Sushi [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 4.9 from 5 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Desserts | International | 20 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 120z calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Date Banana Sushi
- 20 soft or Medjool dates
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter, or as needed
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon toasted shredded coconut
Optional for serving:**
- Vegan, refined sugar free chocolate sauce, for dipping
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to Make Date Banana Sushi
- Remove the pits from the dates. Line your work surface with parchment paper.
- Arrange the pitted dates in a single layer and cover with another sheet of parchment paper.
- Roll or press the dates until they form an even, smooth sheet.
- Remove the top sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and toasted coconut evenly over the surface.
- Place the parchment paper back on top and gently roll again so the toppings stick well.
- Flip the date sheet so the plain side faces up. Spread an even layer of crunchy peanut butter over the surface.
- Slice the sheet lengthwise into two strips.
- Place one banana at the edge of each strip and roll tightly, sushi-style.
- Cover the rolls with parchment paper and freeze for 10 to 15 minutes, or until firm.
- Slice into bite-size pieces using a sharp knife.
- Serve as is or dip in vegan chocolate sauce.
Watch Full Recipe Video:
NOTES:
- You can use both soft dates or Medjool dates, as they are softer and easier to handle.
- Remember to chill before slicing helps create clean edges.
- Store date sushi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also use smooth peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/date-banana-sushi/
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