Peanut Butter Banana Roll-Ups
Some combinations are classics for a reason, and peanut butter and banana might be the most reliable duo in the lunchbox universe. These roll-ups take that timeless pairing and wrap it in a soft whole-wheat tortilla — more fun than a sandwich, less likely to get squished in a backpack. A drizzle of honey adds just enough sweetness, and the sprinkle of cinnamon makes it feel like banana bread in portable form. The whole thing takes less than five minutes to assemble, which is exactly what you need on a chaotic school morning. Slice them into pinwheels for younger kids or leave them whole for teenagers with bigger appetites. Pack a yogurt tube and some baby carrots on the side and call it done.
Lunch · Back-to-School, No-Cook, Vegetarian • 5 min
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (not natural — the stabilized kind spreads better)
- 2 large whole-wheat tortillas
- 2 medium ripe but firm bananas
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds or hemp hearts (optional)
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Steps
- Lay the tortillas flat on a cutting board. If they're cold from the fridge, warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds to make them more pliable.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of peanut butter evenly across each tortilla, leaving a half-inch border around the edge. This border prevents the filling from squishing out when you roll.
- Peel the bananas and place one whole banana near the edge closest to you on each tortilla. If the banana is curved, gently straighten it with your fingers (or slice it into rounds and arrange them in a line — both work).
- Drizzle 1 teaspoon of honey along the length of each banana. Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over both tortillas. Add chia seeds or hemp hearts if you want a little extra nutrition.
- Starting from the edge closest to you, roll each tortilla tightly around the banana, using gentle pressure. The peanut butter will act as glue at the far edge.
- Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp serrated knife, or leave whole for older kids. Pack seam-side down in a lunch container so they stay rolled.
Tips & Variations
Make Ahead
These are best assembled the morning of — bananas brown within a few hours. You can prep by having tortillas and peanut butter ready to go, and this literally takes under 5 minutes. If you must make them the night before, brush the banana with a tiny bit of lemon juice to slow browning, and wrap very tightly in plastic wrap.
Storage
Assembled roll-ups keep for about 4-6 hours in a lunchbox with a cold pack. The bananas will start to brown and soften after that. Don't refrigerate overnight — the tortilla gets gummy. Don't freeze.
Substitutions
Swap peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter (nut-free school friendly!), or Nutella for a treat version. Use a gluten-free tortilla if needed. Add a sprinkle of granola inside for crunch. For a protein boost, spread a thin layer of Greek yogurt under the peanut butter. Apple slices can stand in for banana — just pat them dry and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Reviews
Reviews coming soon! In the meantime, let us know what you think of this recipe.
