Tampa Sushi Roll Recipe | Fresh & Flavorful
If you love the bold flavors of Florida and the artistry of sushi, you’ll absolutely enjoy my Tampa Sushi Roll recipe. Unlike traditional sushi rolls, this creation is sweet, creamy, and infused with tropical flair, perfect for parties, special dinners, or whenever you want to surprise your taste buds.
The Tampa Roll is not your standard seafood sushi. Instead, it’s a fusion-style roll inspired by the sunshine state, combining spiced rum, coconut extract, and sweetened condensed milk into a creamy blend that pairs beautifully with chocolate syrup and coffee. Imagine sushi that doubles as a dessert cocktail, yes, it’s that good!
In this recipe, I’ll walk you through all the ingredients, required tools, preparation steps, and tips to make your Tampa Roll perfect every time.
Preparation of the Tampa Sushi Roll
Getting the perfect balance of flavors is all about how you prepare and combine the ingredients. Follow these easy steps to bring the Tampa Roll to life:
Step 1: Brew and Cool the Coffee
I always start by brewing a strong cup of black coffee and letting it cool completely. The bold, slightly bitter notes of coffee cut through the sweetness of the condensed milk and chocolate syrup, giving the Tampa Roll its depth of flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Base
In a high-speed blender, add the sweetened condensed milk, spiced rum, chocolate syrup, cooled black coffee, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Blend until everything is smooth and silky. This mixture forms the flavor-packed heart of the Tampa Sushi Roll.
Step 3: Add the Heavy Cream
Once the base is thoroughly blended, pour in the chilled heavy cream. I like to mix it just briefly so it stays light and doesn’t get overwhipped. This gives the mixture its luxurious creaminess without becoming too thick.
Step 4: Refrigerate Before Serving
Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or mason jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps all the flavors marry together and keeps the roll (or beverage version) cool and refreshing.
Tips for Best Results
- Chill the Ingredients First: Using cold heavy cream makes the final texture smoother.
- Don’t Over-Blend the Cream: A quick pulse is all you need; over-mixing can make it too dense.
- Play With Extracts: Swap coconut for almond or hazelnut extract if you want a different flavor profile.
Shaping the Tampa Sushi Roll
Now that the creamy base is ready, it’s time to give this recipe its signature Tampa Roll twist. Instead of serving it just as a drink, I love shaping it into sushi-inspired dessert bites that look elegant and taste unforgettable.
Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Base
You can use thin slices of sponge cake or crepes as the “rice” layer. Lay them flat on a bamboo sushi mat or parchment paper. This gives the roll structure and makes it easy to shape.
Step 2: Spread the Creamy Filling
Evenly spread a thin layer of the chilled Tampa cream mixture over the base. The creamy, rum-infused filling acts as the star of the roll.
Step 3: Add a Sweet Touch
Drizzle a little extra chocolate syrup or sprinkle some shredded coconut down the center. This not only adds flavor but also gives that “filling” look that sushi rolls are known for.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Using your sushi mat (or parchment paper), gently roll everything into a log shape. Slice into small rounds about 1–1.5 inches thick. Each piece will resemble a sushi roll, but with a tropical dessert twist.
Serving and Garnishing Ideas
Presentation is key when it comes to the Tampa Roll. Here are some of my favorite ways to make it pop:
- Drizzle with Chocolate Syrup: For an indulgent, glossy finish.
- Sprinkle Shredded Coconut: Adds a tropical texture and flavor.
- Serve Chilled on Ice: If you prefer it as a beverage, pour the Tampa cream over ice for a cocktail-style treat.
- Pair with Fresh Fruit: Mango slices, strawberries, or pineapple make the perfect Florida-inspired sides.
Whether you plate them as sushi-style dessert rolls or serve them in a glass over ice, the Tampa Roll will always impress your guests.
Storage Instructions
Keeping It Fresh
Once prepared, the Tampa Roll cream mixture should always be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days. If you’ve shaped them into dessert rolls, keep them chilled and consume within 2–3 days for the best texture.
Freezing Option
If you want to make the cream base ahead of time, you can freeze it. Pour into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it again. For sushi-shaped rolls, freezing isn’t recommended, as it may alter the texture of the cake or crepe layers.
Variations of Tampa Sushi Roll
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some fun variations I often make:
- Almond Bliss Roll: Swap coconut extract for almond extract and sprinkle toasted almonds on top.
- Mocha Lovers Roll: Add an extra shot of espresso instead of black coffee for a richer coffee kick.
- Caribbean Mango Roll: Layer thin mango slices inside the roll along with the cream mixture for a fruity twist.
- Spirited Dessert Drink: Skip the rolling step and serve the cream mixture over crushed ice with a straw for a cocktail-style treat.
Tampa Sushi Roll Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When preparing the Tampa Sushi Roll, having the right kitchen tools will save time and make the process smooth. Here’s what I always use:- High-Speed Blender: To perfectly blend the condensed milk, rum, coffee, and extracts into a smooth base.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision matters for flavor balance.
- Mixing Bowl & Whisk: Handy when folding in the chilled heavy cream.
- Airtight Container or Mason Jar: To refrigerate and store the creamy mixture.
- Serving Glasses / Small Sushi Roll Molds: Depending on whether you serve it as a beverage or sushi-inspired dessert bites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Tampa Sushi Roll?
The Tampa Roll is a fusion-style sushi creation that blends sweet, creamy, and tropical flavors. My version uses condensed milk, spiced rum, coffee, and coconut to create a dessert-inspired roll with a Florida-Caribbean twist. It’s not your traditional seafood roll, it’s sushi reinvented!
Can I make a non-alcoholic Tampa Roll?
Yes, absolutely! If you want a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version, skip the spiced rum and replace it with coconut milk or extra coffee. You’ll still get a deliciously creamy and tropical roll.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
I often substitute heavy cream with half & half for a lighter version. If you want a dairy-free option, go for full-fat coconut cream; it makes the roll extra tropical and indulgent.
Can I make the Tampa Roll ahead of time?
Definitely, you can prepare the creamy base up to 5 days in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. If you’re shaping it into sushi rolls, I recommend making them the same day for the best texture.
How do I serve the Tampa Sushi Roll?
There are two fun ways:
- As a dessert roll – slice into sushi-style bites topped with chocolate drizzle and coconut.
- As a beverage – pour the creamy mixture over ice for a cocktail-inspired treat.
Can I customize the flavors?
Of course! That’s what makes this recipe fun. Try almond or hazelnut extract instead of coconut, add fruit slices like mango or strawberries, or even spike it with espresso for a Mocha Tampa Roll.
Conclusion
Mastering the Tampa Sushi Roll Recipe is about creativity and the balance of flavors. It’s a playful nod to sushi culture while embracing the tropical, indulgent spirit of Florida. Whether you enjoy it as a chilled dessert beverage or roll it into bite-sized sushi-inspired treats, this recipe is guaranteed to stand out at any gathering.
The key lies in using fresh, chilled ingredients and letting your imagination guide the garnishes. From chocolate swirls to tropical fruit pairings, there’s no limit to how you can present this unique creation.
So, the next time you want to impress friends or treat yourself to something extraordinary, roll up your sleeves (literally!) and whip up a batch of Tampa Sushi Rolls. I promise, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
