Candy sushi is a delightful and creative treat that looks just like real sushi but tastes like your favorite candies. It’s perfect for parties, kids’ activities, or just a fun dessert to make at home. If you’re wondering how do you make candy sushi, this article will walk you through easy steps and tips to create your own colorful and tasty candy sushi rolls and nigiri right in your kitchen.
What Is Candy Sushi?
Candy sushi is a playful dessert that mimics traditional sushi using sweet ingredients instead of fish and rice. The “rice” is usually made from Rice Krispie treats or puffed rice cereal mixed with marshmallows, while the “seaweed” is often fruit roll-ups or licorice strips. Various gummy candies, licorice, and other sweets are used to resemble fish, roe, or other sushi toppings.
This treat is not only delicious but also a creative way to engage kids and adults alike in making something fun and edible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of common ingredients to make candy sushi:
– Rice Krispies cereal or puffed rice cereal
– Marshmallows
– Butter
– Fruit roll-ups (for the “seaweed” wrap)
– Gummy candies like Swedish fish, gummy worms, or gummy sharks
– Licorice strings or Twizzlers
– Other small candies like jelly beans, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles for decoration
You can customize your candy sushi with any candies you like, making it as colorful and creative as you want.
Equipment to Prepare
– Saucepan (for melting marshmallows and butter)
– Mixing bowl
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Cookie sheet or large tray
– Parchment paper or wax paper
– Sushi rolling mat (optional) or just your hands for rolling
– Knife for cutting the rolls
Having these tools handy will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Candy Sushi
Step 1: Make the Rice Krispie Treat Base
Start by melting butter and marshmallows together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Then, add the Rice Krispies cereal and mix well until every piece is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Once combined, remove from heat and let it cool slightly—just enough so it’s warm but not too hot to handle or melt the fruit roll-ups later.
Press the mixture evenly onto a greased cookie sheet or a tray lined with parchment paper. Flatten it to about 1/2 inch thickness. This will be your “rice” base.
Step 2: Prepare the “Seaweed” Wrap
Lay out a sheet of fruit roll-up candy on a clean surface or parchment paper. This will act as the seaweed wrap around your sushi.
Spread the warm Rice Krispie treat mixture evenly over half of the fruit roll-up sheet. Make sure it’s spread thinly and evenly to make rolling easier.
Step 3: Add Candy “Fish” and Fillings
Place your choice of gummy candies like Swedish fish, gummy worms, or licorice strings at one edge of the Rice Krispie-covered fruit roll-up. These will resemble the fish or fillings inside the sushi roll.
You can be creative here—add jelly beans, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles to mimic roe or other sushi toppings.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Carefully roll the fruit roll-up around the Rice Krispie mixture and candy fillings, similar to rolling a burrito or sushi roll. Use your hands or a sushi rolling mat to help keep the roll tight and compact.
Once rolled, wrap it in parchment paper and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help it set and make slicing easier.
Step 5: Slice and Decorate
After chilling, unwrap your candy sushi roll and use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick.
For candy nigiri sushi, shape small portions of Rice Krispie treats into rectangles or ovals. Top each with a gummy fish or candy piece and wrap a thin strip of fruit roll-up or licorice around the middle to hold it together.
You can decorate the candy sushi pieces with shredded coconut, sprinkles, or small candies to add more color and fun.
Tips for Making Perfect Candy Sushi
– Use cooking spray or butter on your hands and tools to prevent sticking when shaping the Rice Krispie treats.
– Don’t overheat the marshmallow mixture; it should be warm enough to spread but not so hot that it melts the fruit roll-ups.
– Get creative with your candy choices to make your sushi look authentic and colorful.
– Chill the rolls well before slicing to get clean cuts without squishing the candy.
– Let kids join the fun! Candy sushi is a great hands-on activity for parties or family time.
Why Candy Sushi Is So Popular
Candy sushi combines the fun of sushi presentation with the sweet flavors kids and adults love. It’s visually appealing, customizable, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen, encouraging creativity and hands-on learning.
Whether for a birthday party, holiday treat, or just a fun dessert, candy sushi is a crowd-pleaser that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Candy sushi is a playful twist on a classic dish that brings smiles and sweetness to any occasion.
Making candy sushi is a fun, creative, and delicious way to enjoy a sushi-inspired treat without any raw fish—just pure candy joy!