If you love the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich but want something more fun, fresh, and snackable, Strawberry PB&J Banana Roll-Ups are the perfect solution. They’re creamy, fruity, naturally sweet, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing an after-school snack, a quick breakfast, a party platter, or a simple dessert, these roll-ups come together in minutes and always look impressive.
With soft flour tortillas wrapped around creamy peanut butter, sweet strawberry preserves, ripe bananas, and fresh strawberries, every bite delivers the nostalgic flavor of a PB&J sandwich — but in a playful, bite-sized twist. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make them perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry PB&J Banana Roll-Ups
These roll-ups are more than just cute. They’re:
Quick and Easy
No cooking required. Just spread, roll, and slice.
Kid-Friendly
Perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or picky eaters.
Great for Meal Prep
You can prepare them ahead for busy mornings.
Customizable
Swap fruits, use different nut butters, or make them healthier.
Naturally Sweet
The bananas and strawberries add natural sweetness, so you don’t need extra sugar.
They’re also portable, mess-free, and ideal for gatherings where finger foods shine.
Ingredients
This recipe makes 4 roll-ups.
Main Ingredients
- 4 soft flour tortillas
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup strawberry preserves
- 2 bananas
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced (optional but highly recommended)
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Small ingredient choices make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Tortillas
Use soft, fresh flour tortillas. Burrito-size tortillas work best because they wrap tightly around the banana. Avoid tortillas that are stiff or dry, as they may crack when rolled.
Peanut Butter
Creamy peanut butter spreads more evenly and helps the roll hold together. Natural peanut butter works too, but stir it well first to avoid oily separation.
Strawberry Preserves
Choose high-quality strawberry preserves for the best flavor. You can use jam or jelly, but preserves with fruit pieces add more texture.
Bananas
Select bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas can become mushy when rolled and sliced.
Fresh Strawberries
These are optional but highly recommended. They add brightness, freshness, and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect roll-ups.
Prepare Your Workspace
Lay out the tortillas flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Make sure your bananas are peeled and your strawberries are diced.
Spread the Peanut Butter
Spread peanut butter evenly over each tortilla, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges. This border helps prevent the filling from squeezing out when you roll.
Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula for smooth coverage.
Add the Strawberry Preserves
Drizzle or spoon strawberry preserves over the peanut butter layer. Lightly swirl the preserves into the peanut butter with a knife. Don’t overmix — you want visible swirls for that classic PB&J look.
Add the Banana
Place one peeled banana near the edge of each tortilla. Position it horizontally so you can roll it tightly.
Sprinkle Fresh Strawberries
If using diced fresh strawberries, sprinkle them over the peanut butter layer around the banana. Distribute evenly so every slice gets some fresh fruit.
Roll Tightly
Starting from the side with the banana, roll the tortilla tightly around it. Press gently as you roll to keep everything compact and secure.
Slice Into Rounds
Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch rounds. Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner slices.
For the neatest cuts, chill the roll-ups in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately for the freshest texture, or keep chilled until ready to serve.
Creative Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, you can easily customize it.
Chocolate Strawberry Version
Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup before rolling.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Twist
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Honey Drizzle
Replace preserves with a thin drizzle of honey for a lighter option.
Almond Butter Swap
Substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter.
Berry Mix
Add blueberries or raspberries along with strawberries.
These variations make the recipe flexible for different tastes and occasions.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If preparing ahead:
- Wrap whole roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap before slicing.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Slice just before serving for best presentation.
Keep in mind that bananas may slightly brown over time. A light brush of lemon juice on the banana can help slow browning if prepping ahead.
Nutritional Benefits
While this is a fun snack, it also offers some nutritional value.
Bananas
Rich in potassium and fiber, they support energy and digestion.
Strawberries
Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Peanut Butter
Provides protein and healthy fats that help keep you full.
Together, these ingredients create a balanced snack combining carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
Serving Ideas
These roll-ups are versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Packed in lunchboxes
- Arranged on a party platter
- Served as an after-school snack
- Cut into smaller bites for toddlers
- Paired with yogurt for breakfast
- Added to brunch boards
They also look beautiful when arranged in a circular pattern on a plate, showing the swirl inside each slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go wrong. Here’s how to avoid issues.
Overfilling
Too much filling makes rolling difficult and messy.
Using Overripe Bananas
Soft bananas can cause squishing and uneven slices.
Skipping the Chill Time
If you want clean, sharp slices, chilling helps firm everything up.
Not Rolling Tightly Enough
Loose rolling leads to gaps in the slices.
Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups
- Use room-temperature peanut butter for easier spreading.
- Leave a border to prevent overflow.
- Roll slowly and tightly for clean spirals.
- Use a serrated knife for smoother slicing.
- Chill briefly before cutting for professional-looking rounds.
- Serve fresh for best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes. Use sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread as a substitute.
Can I freeze them?
Freezing is not recommended. Bananas become mushy after thawing, affecting texture.
How long do they last in the fridge?
They’re best eaten within 24 hours for freshness and color.
Can I use whole wheat tortillas?
Absolutely. Whole wheat tortillas add fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor.
Are they good for meal prep?
Yes, especially if stored whole and sliced later.
Can I add protein powder?
You can mix a small amount into the peanut butter, but adjust consistency with a tiny splash of milk if needed.
What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
You can skip them or substitute with another fresh fruit like blueberries.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry PB&J Banana Roll-Ups are a fun, fresh twist on a timeless favorite. They’re simple enough for busy weekdays but cute enough for entertaining guests. With creamy peanut butter, sweet strawberry preserves, soft tortillas, and naturally sweet bananas, every bite feels comforting and satisfying.
Whether you’re making them for kids, friends, or yourself, these roll-ups deliver flavor, convenience, and a little bit of nostalgia — all wrapped into one delicious snack.