Finding a quick, healthy snack for kids that they will love is not as easy as it may seem. Even my foodie kids, who are also my guinea pigs and pretty open-minded when it comes to all things food, are still challenging to impress when it comes to healthy snacks. This Cinnamon Raisin Tortilla Sushi, however, completely won them over!
These Cinnamon Raisin Tortilla Pinwheels, also known as Sushi Tortilla, are a simple and healthy 6- ingredient snack that takes 15 minutes to throw together! Snacking doesn't get much easier, more fun, or healthier than juicy raisins, grated apples, and carrots all rolled up in a creamy cinnamon whole wheat tortilla and made to look like sushi. And if you want to have some real FUN, serve these raisin snacks with chopsticks and totally elevate this healthy snacking experience! These were inspired by my Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
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Although these are healthy snacks for kids, they are not just for kids! Please consider this fair warning: this Raisin Sushi is not only delicious, it's also super addictive! The day I was photographing this recipe, I nearly ran out of samples for my kids because I couldn't stop eating them! In fact, we've already made them again.
Made with only 6 simple and wholesome ingredients, healthy fats, and no added sugar, this healthy snack for kids is healthy, quick, and fun. And it's so easy that kids can even make it themselves (see step-by-step instructions in the recipe at the bottom of this post).
🥘 Ingredient Notes
For these healthy sushi tortilla wraps, you'll need:
- Apple. You can use any type of apple you have on hand. * You can prevent browning completely by using Cosmic Crisp apples. I have done my own testing and they take a very long time to brown -up to 24 hours!
- Raisins. I use California raisins, but they also work well with golden or Sultana raisins instead.
- Tortillas. You will need large 10-inch tortillas. I use whole wheat.
*Please see recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities
📖Variations & Substitutions
- Cream cheese - use regular, light, or fat-free.
- Dairy-free - Substitute peanut butter, cashew butter, or almond butter for the cream cheese.
- Gluten-free - use gluten-free corn tortillas
🔪Step-by-Step: How to Make Tortilla Sushi
On a work surface, such as a cutting board, spread ¼ cup cream cheese on each tortilla, and sprinkle ¾ teaspoon of cinnamon on each cream cheese-covered tortilla.
Add grated carrot, dividing it evenly by all 4 tortillas, then Add grated apple, dividing it evenly by all 4 tortillas. Add ¼ cup California raisins, to each tortilla, spreading them out evenly.
Starting at one of the wide ends, begin to roll the tortilla as tightly as you can.
Then continue to roll until you reach the other end, keeping it as tight a roll as possible.
Roll until you reach the other edge and make sure the seam is on the bottom of the roll. Cut off ends (about a ½ inch).
Then cut each tortilla into 6 slices each.
Place sushi pieces (so they fit tightly) into a serving tray, platter etc.
HINT: If pieces start to open, simply add a little bit of cream cheese to the end that's opening (seam) and gently press it together.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Use a microplane for grating: A fine microplane or hand grater works best for grating the apple and carrot finely enough so they roll smoothly without tearing the tortilla.
- Dry the grated apple: After grating, gently squeeze or blot the apple with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the tortilla from becoming soggy, especially if making ahead.
- Soften cream cheese fully: Make sure the cream cheese is very soft before spreading to avoid tearing the tortilla. If it's still firm, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make it spread more easily.
- Distribute ingredients evenly to avoid bulges: Spread the filling right to the edges of the tortilla and keep the layer thin and even. This ensures a tight, consistent roll and prevents uneven slicing.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts: If you have time, chill the rolled tortillas (wrapped in plastic wrap) for 30 minutes before slicing. This firms them up and helps achieve neater, more uniform pinwheels.
- Cut with a serrated or very sharp knife: Use a clean, sharp knife or serrated bread knife for slicing. Wipe the blade between cuts to keep edges clean and prevent smearing.
- Add crunch or texture: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, or shredded coconut before rolling. This enhances texture without overwhelming the base flavors.
- Make it sweet-savory: Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the cinnamon or cream cheese layer for a flavor boost that enhances both the sweet and savory notes.
I'm always on the lookout for picnic recipes, and these Cinnamon Raisin Sushi Tortilla Pinwheels with cream cheese are perfect for not only their portability but also how quick they are to make. Looking for more picnic snacks? Try my Healthy Rice Krispie Treats!
They also make a great backyard picnic recipe for kids! No matter how old kids are, they love to take snacks outside into the yard, to the soccer field, or even on a bike ride. This Raisin Sushi is super simple to throw together and pack along on a picnic!
Top Tip
Wrap Hack: If you want to ensure these tortillas don't come apart (if you are packing a lunch or for a picnic), wrap the whole thing in plastic wrap (before cutting them) and leave them in the fridge overnight. Then cut them prior to serving/packing.
The crunchy and chewy textures and flavours in these cinnamon tortilla pinwheels meld together so perfectly. And this snack is the ideal balance of savoury from the carrots and cream cheese, and sweet from the raisins and apples.
And if you love raisin snacks, you'll love my Edible Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough. It's the ideal dip for an apple slice!
👪 SERVING SIZE
This recipe makes 24 servings. However, you can half, double, or triple the recipe by clicking on the serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust.
🔢WW POINTS
This raisin snack is Weight Watchers friendly @ 2 WW points!
🌡️Storing
These should be made as close to serving as possible. However, if you make them in advance or have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. * Please note: the apples will brown a little
When the kids head back to school, they're going to need after-school snacks. This recipe for tortilla pinwheels is the perfect snack that younger kids can help with, and older kids can even make for themselves. The best part is that they are fun to eat! You could even send them along to school in a lunch bag.
❔ Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can prepare them in advance. For best results, wrap the whole tortilla roll (before slicing) tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This helps them hold together better. Slice just before serving. Keep in mind the apples may brown slightly unless you use a variety like Cosmic Crisp, which resists browning.
Make sure to roll the tortillas as tightly as possible and place the seam side down. If any pieces start to unravel, dab a bit of cream cheese on the seam and gently press it to seal. You can also wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap before cutting to help them hold their shape.
Yes, chopped dried cranberries, dried cherries, chopped dates, or currants would also work well in this recipe. Just be sure to keep the overall quantity the same.
Yes! This is a great no-cook recipe for kids to assemble with minimal supervision. Older kids can likely make them start to finish, while younger ones may just need a hand with grating and cutting
So, if you are on the hunt for raisin snacks, you'll love these! Whether you pack these Raisin Tortillas Sushi Pinwheels along for a picnic in the backyard or the mountains, pack them in a lunch bag, or serve them after school, they are a healthy, wholesome, easy, and fun snack! And if you just can't get enough cinnamon raisin, give my Bread Machine Cinnamon Raisin Bread a try!
And if you love sushi, be sure to try my savory California Rolls!
📋 More Healthy Snack Recipes!
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📋 Raisin Cinnamon Tortilla Sushi Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large apple, cored, peeled and grated
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
- 1 cup California raisins
- 1 cup light cream cheese, softened -8 oz package
- 3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 - 10 inch -wheat flour tortillas
Instructions
- Spread ¼ cup cream cheese on each tortilla, and sprinkle ¾ teaspoon of cinnamon on each cream cheese covered tortilla.1 cup light cream cheese, softened, 4 - 10 inch -wheat flour tortillas, 3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Add grated carrot, dividing it evenly by all 4 tortillas, then add grated apple, dividing it evenly by all 4 tortillas. Add ¼ cup California raisins, to each tortilla, spreading them out evenly.1 large apple, cored, peeled and grated, 1 large carrot, peeled and grated, 1 cup California raisins
- Starting at one of the wide ends, begin to roll the tortilla a tightly as you can.
- Then continue to roll until you reach the other end, keeping it as tight a roll as possible.
- Roll until you reach the other edge and make sure the seam is on the bottom of the roll. Cut off ends (about a ½ inch)
- Then cut each tortilla into 6 slices each.
- Place sushi pieces (so they fit tightly) into a serving tray, platter etc.
Notes
- Use a microplane for grating: A fine microplane or hand grater works best for grating the apple and carrot finely enough so they roll smoothly without tearing the tortilla.
- Dry the grated apple: After grating, gently squeeze or blot the apple with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the tortilla from becoming soggy, especially if making ahead.
- Soften cream cheese fully: Make sure the cream cheese is very soft before spreading to avoid tearing the tortilla. If it's still firm, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make it spread more easily.
- Distribute ingredients evenly to avoid bulges: Spread the filling right to the edges of the tortilla and keep the layer thin and even. This ensures a tight, consistent roll and prevents uneven slicing.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts: If you have time, chill the rolled tortillas (wrapped in plastic wrap) for 30 minutes before slicing. This firms them up and helps achieve neater, more uniform pinwheels.
- Cut with a serrated or very sharp knife: Use a clean, sharp knife or serrated bread knife for slicing. Wipe the blade between cuts to keep edges clean and prevent smearing.
- Add crunch or texture: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, or shredded coconut before rolling. This enhances texture without overwhelming the base flavors.
- Make it sweet-savory: Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the cinnamon or cream cheese layer for a flavor boost that enhances both the sweet and savory notes.
Cynthia Priest
I will have to make these for our road trip to go camping this summer. My kids love raisins. These will be a hit!
Terri Gilson
Perfect- I hope they enjoy them, Cynthia!
Kelly Neil
These are so cute and my four year old loved making them with me! Thanks for a super fun recipe.
Terri Gilson
Hi Kelly - That's great - glad you both had fun making them!
Shelby Stover
My kiddos would LOVE these. Anything with raisins they adore haha Love how simple they are!
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Shelby -I hope you get a chance to make them soon!