Banana Split Brownies
There’s something magical about turning a classic dessert into something even more fun—something that feels like a celebration in every bite. These Banana Split Brownies do exactly that. I made them last week when I noticed two perfectly ripe bananas staring at me from the fruit bowl, and instead of just tossing them in the smoothie blender, I thought… why not bake? That’s how these irresistible treats were born. They’re rich, fudgy brownies swirled with banana flavor, topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, and finished off with all the classic banana split toppings—whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry on top. It’s like bringing the ice cream parlor home.
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What Is Banana Split Brownies?
These aren’t just your average brownies—they’re a playful twist on a childhood favorite reimagined for dessert lovers who love both chocolate and fruity sweetness. Think fudgy, moist brownie base infused with mashed banana, then crowned with a dreamy cream cheese frosting swirled with strawberry jam. The result? A decadent treat that tastes like your favorite banana split but comes out of the oven in a 9×13 pan. They’re soft enough to cut easily, rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth, and totally shareable (if you can resist eating them all yourself).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love brownies, you’re going to fall head over heels for these. The mashed banana adds a subtle earthy sweetness that complements the deep cocoa flavor without overwhelming it. Plus, using ripe bananas means they practically melt in your mouth—no dry, crumbly texture here. And let’s talk about that frosting… it’s creamy, tangy, and studded with little bursts of strawberry flavor from the seedless jam. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, and a bright red cherry, and suddenly you’ve got a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Another reason this recipe shines? Flexibility. Got leftover bananas? Perfect. Want to make it extra festive? Add food coloring to the frosting or swap walnuts for pecans. Kids love helping decorate, and adults appreciate the nostalgic vibe. Plus, they’re made entirely from scratch—no boxed mixes or shortcuts—so you know exactly what’s going into your family’s sweet treat.
“Packed with flavor and so simple. Exactly what I wanted from this Banana Split Brownies!”
And honestly? Making these feels like a little kitchen adventure. From beating the butter until pale to watching the frosting come together in silky swirls, there’s joy in every step. They’re ideal for potlucks, summer BBQs, or just because Tuesday deserves a little dessert magic.
How to Make Banana Split Brownies
Quick Overview
Baking these takes less than 40 minutes total. First, whip up the brownie batter with softened butter, sugar, eggs, mashed banana, flour, and cocoa. Pour it into a greased 9×13 pan and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until set. While they cool, blend cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and milk into a smooth frosting. Spread it over the cooled brownies, add optional toppings, slice, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium ripe bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz / 250g), softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup seedless strawberry jam
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- Drop of red food coloring (optional)
- Chopped walnuts, whipped cream, and cherries (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.
- Add the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the flour and cocoa powder using a spatula until just mixed—don’t overbeat.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it smooth.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
- Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While cooling, prepare the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the strawberry jam, milk, and food coloring if using. Beat for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Once brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Top with whipped cream, chopped walnuts, and a cherry if desired. Slice into squares and serve.
What to Serve It With
These brownies are dessert enough on their own, but if you want to pair them with something savory, try serving them alongside grilled chicken, stuffed burgers, or fajita bowls. Their richness balances nicely with lighter mains, letting everyone build their perfect plate. At potlucks, they steal the show—just bring the plate and watch neighbors ask for the recipe!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Banana Split Brownies
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more intense the flavor. Look for ones with lots of brown speckles.
- Don’t skip cooling: Letting the brownies cool completely ensures the frosting doesn’t melt and stays spreadable.
- Adjust sweetness: If your bananas are extra sweet, reduce powdered sugar by ½ cup. For tartness, add a pinch more sugar.
- Creamy frosting key: Cream cheese and butter must be at room temperature for a silky texture—no lumps allowed.
- Slice cleanly: Dip your knife in warm water between cuts for neat, professional-looking pieces.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Because of the cream cheese frosting, store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll keep firm and fresh. For longer storage, freeze unbaked brownie batter (well-wrapped) for up to 3 months—bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. Or freeze fully assembled brownies (separated by parchment) for a quick thaw: just pop them in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
“New family favorite! This Banana Split Brownies was so flavorful and ridiculously easy. Crowd-pleaser for sure.”
Final Thoughts
Making Banana Split Brownies isn’t just about following steps—it’s about sharing joy, using what you have, and turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a crowd or treating yourself after a long day, these brownies bring a smile to every face (and taste bud). I promise: once you try them, they’ll become your new go-to dessert obsession. So grab those bananas, preheat your oven, and let’s bake happiness together.
Banana Split Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.33 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed bananas about 2 bananas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.25 cup seedless strawberry jam
- 4 cup powdered sugar
- 2.5 tablespoon milk
- 1 drop of red food coloring optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13 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.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake brownies for 20–25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow brownies to completely cool.
- While brownies are cooling, use an electric mixer to beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, strawberry jam and milk until combined and creamy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies. Serve with whipped cream, chopped walnuts and a cherry on top.
