Banana Split Brownies
Banana Split Brownies
If you’ve ever craved the sweet, nostalgic flavors of a classic banana split but wanted something a little more convenient—and definitely more chocolatey—you’re going to fall head over heels for these homemade Banana Split Brownies. I first made them on a lazy Sunday afternoon when my kids noticed two perfectly browned bananas staring at us from the fruit bowl like little time bombs waiting to be used up. One bite into that first square, and it was love at first sight. The rich cocoa meets the subtle banana swirl, then gets topped with creamy strawberry frosting that tastes just like childhood summers. It’s not just dessert—it’s an experience.
What Is Banana Split Brownies?
These are soft, fudgy brownies packed with mashed banana for that familiar fruity note, then slathered with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Think of them as a grown-up twist on your favorite childhood ice cream treat—minus the melting cones and messy spoons. The batter comes together in one bowl using pantry staples, so there’s no complicated prep. When baked, they rise slightly thanks to a touch of baking powder and soda, giving them that perfect “cakey-bake” texture without sacrificing chewiness. And yes, those optional toppings? Whipped cream, crushed walnuts, and maraschino cherries really bring the whole banana split vibe home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe hits all the right notes: it’s made entirely from scratch (no boxed mixes!), uses ripe bananas before they go bad, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. I’ve brought these to potlucks where they disappear faster than my grandma’s potato salad, and even picky eaters ask for seconds. They satisfy both chocolate cravings and fruit lovers in one delicious package. Plus, the frosting? Oh man, it’s silky smooth, subtly tart from the jam, and holds its shape beautifully without being too sweet. You can customize the red food coloring if you want a bolder hue, or skip it entirely for a softer look. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family gathering or treating yourself after a long week, these brownies deliver pure joy in every bite.
How to Make Banana Split Brownies
Quick Overview
You’ll mix the brownie batter by hand or with an electric mixer, pour it into a greased 9×13 pan, bake for about 25 minutes, then let it cool completely before frosting. While the brownies chill out, whip up the strawberry cream cheese frosting, spread it generously, and top with your favorite garnishes. Total active time is under 20 minutes—perfect for when you need dessert fast but still want restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup seedless strawberry jam
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- Optional: red food coloring, chopped walnuts, whipped cream, maraschino cherry
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 1 minute.
- Add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix briefly to combine.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the flour and cocoa powder until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—this step is crucial for easy frosting application.
- While cooling, prepare the frosting: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by the strawberry jam and milk. Beat until creamy and spreadable (add a drop of red food coloring if desired).
- Once brownies are totally cool, spread the frosting evenly across the top.
- Top with whipped cream, chopped walnuts, and a cherry if using.
- Slice and serve! Store leftovers covered in the fridge.
What to Serve It With
These brownies pair wonderfully with coffee or iced tea during casual get-togethers, or cut into smaller squares and served alongside grilled meats like chicken skewers or burgers—the sweetness cuts through savory dishes beautifully. If you’re hosting a summer picnic, they travel well in airtight containers and stay fresh in the cooler until you’re ready to dig in.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Banana Split Brownies
Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing—especially the butter and cream cheese. Don’t skimp on letting the brownies cool completely; warm layers make frosting slide off. For extra banana flavor, use very ripe (almost black) bananas—they’re sweeter and richer. And if you don’t have strawberry jam on hand, any seedless preserve will work. Pro tip: Chill the frosted brownies for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner, neater pieces.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Because of the cream cheese frosting, keep leftover brownies covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying at room temperature. Never microwave them straight from the fridge—they’ll taste chalky. Instead, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes to soften naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Every time I pull a tray of these out of the oven, I feel a little kid all over again—like I’ve unlocked some secret portal to pure happiness. There’s something magical about transforming humble bananas and cocoa into dessert gold, especially when it brings smiles to everyone around the table. These brownies aren’t just about taste; they’re about memory, comfort, and sharing. So next time you spot those spotted bananas begging for a purpose, do yourself a favor—grab them and make these. Your future self (and your guests) will thank you.
Banana Split Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Using an electric mixer, beat butter at medium speed for 30 seconds.
- Mix in sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
- Mix in eggs and mashed banana.
- Beat in flour and cocoa powder until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake brownies for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow brownies to completely cool before adding frosting.
- While brownies are cooling, use an electric mixer to beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, strawberry jam and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies. Serve with whipped cream, chopped walnuts and a cherry on top if desired.
