If you’ve ever wanted to play with your food, candy sushi rolls are the perfect excuse. They’re fun, colorful, and ridiculously easy to make. No raw fish, no complicated techniques—just marshmallows, candy, and a little creativity. I first tried these at a kids’ birthday party, and let me tell you, adults were sneaking bites just as much as the kids.
This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, baby showers, or even a movie night treat. And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or culinary skills. If you can roll, dip, and sprinkle, you’re good to go.
What Are Candy Sushi Rolls?
Think of traditional sushi—but swap rice for chewy marshmallow treats and fish for gummy candy. You end up with colorful little rolls that look fancy but taste like pure nostalgia. They combine the chewy sweetness of marshmallows with the fruity pop of gummies. If you’ve ever made marshmallow pops with sprinkles or chocolate dipped marshmallows, you’ll feel right at home.
These rolls also work beautifully alongside s’more marshmallow pops, cake pops, or even a tray of chocolate covered treats for parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Gummy worms, gummy fish, or fruit roll-ups
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
- A rolling pin
Optional add-ons:
- Melted chocolate for dipping
- Sprinkles for a pop of color
- Coconut flakes if you want a “sushi rice” look
Step-by-Step Candy Sushi Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marshmallow Base
In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add in the mini marshmallows and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until everything is evenly coated.
This base is the same mix you’d use for marshmallow pops birthday parties or even smores cake pops—it’s sticky, sweet, and moldable.
Step 2: Roll It Out
Spray a piece of parchment paper with cooking spray. Spread the marshmallow mixture onto it and use a rolling pin to flatten it out. You want it about ½ inch thick, kind of like you’re rolling out cookie dough.
Step 3: Add the Candy Filling
Lay gummy worms or gummy fish in a row across the flattened marshmallow sheet. Don’t be shy here—load them up. This is where the “sushi” magic happens.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Lift the edge of the marshmallow sheet and carefully roll it over the candy, just like you would roll sushi. Press gently as you go to keep it tight. Once rolled, let it sit for about 5 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Slice Into Sushi Rolls
Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. If the knife gets sticky, spray it lightly with cooking spray.
Decoration Ideas
This is where you can have some fun:
- Sprinkle Edge Rolls: Dip the ends of each piece into melted chocolate, then roll them in sprinkles. Perfect if you love dipped marshmallow pops.
- Fruit Roll-Up Wraps: Cut fruit roll-ups into strips and wrap them around each candy sushi piece like “seaweed.”
- Coconut Snow: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a look that mimics sushi rice.
Serving Suggestions
Candy sushi rolls are versatile. They look amazing on a dessert platter next to s’mores cake pops, marshmallow pops with sprinkles, or even marshmallow dip for variety.
They’re also fun for:
- Kids’ birthdays (watch the tray disappear in minutes)
- Baby showers (adorable, mess-free treats)
- Fourth of July spreads if you use red, white, and blue candies for a patriotic food touch.
Tips for Trying This Recipe
- Work Quickly: Marshmallow mixture sets fast. Have your candy ready before you start rolling.
- Keep Hands Greased: Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray so the mix doesn’t glue itself to you.
- Play With Flavors: Try chocolate covered marshmallows inside or even add crushed cookies for texture.
- Test Roll First: If you’re worried about rolling, practice with a smaller piece first.
- Make Ahead: These can be made a day ahead, but store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Final Thoughts
Candy sushi rolls aren’t just a recipe—they’re an activity. Kids love making them, adults love eating them, and everyone loves how they look. They’re playful, delicious, and a clever twist on everyday sweets. Next time you’re planning dessert, skip the store-bought tray and try these. Who knew sushi could be this sweet?
Candy Sushi Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies until coated. Work quickly so it doesn’t set.
- Place the mixture on parchment paper sprayed with cooking spray. Roll it out with a rolling pin to about ½ inch thick.
- Lay gummy worms or gummy fish in a straight row across the sheet.
- Carefully roll the sheet over the candy, pressing gently as you go to form a log. Let it sit 5 minutes to firm.
- Use a sharp knife (lightly sprayed with cooking spray) to cut the log into bite-sized sushi pieces.
- Wrap rolls in fruit roll-ups like “seaweed,” dip ends in chocolate with sprinkles, or dust with coconut.
Notes
- Work fast when rolling; the marshmallow mixture sets quickly.
- Lightly grease your hands and knife with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
- These are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
- Great project to do with kids—just keep little fingers away from the hot marshmallow mixture.
FAQ
1. Can I make candy sushi rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them the night before. Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
2. What candies work best for the filling?
Gummy worms, gummy fish, licorice strings, or even marshmallow ropes. Anything chewy and colorful works.
3. Can I freeze candy sushi rolls?
Not recommended. Freezing changes the texture of marshmallows and they’ll lose that soft chewiness.
4. How do I keep the knife from sticking when slicing?
Lightly coat your knife with nonstick spray or butter before cutting.
5. Can these be customized for themes?
Absolutely. Use themed sprinkles, candy colors, or fruit roll-ups to match baby showers, birthdays, or holiday tables.
