Banana Split Brownies

Banana Split Brownies combine the classic flavors of a banana split with the rich, fudgy goodness of homemade brownies. This playful dessert layers fresh bananas, strawberries, pineapple, and mini marshmallows inside a moist brownie base, then finishes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. It’s a perfect treat for any season, whether as a fun family dessert or a crowd-pleasing party dish.

This recipe brings nostalgic childhood favorites to life in a new and exciting way, combining the best of fruit and chocolate in a handheld dessert form. It’s simple to make but feels indulgent and special — sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Prepare to impress your guests with this sweet, creamy, and fruity brownie creation!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 package (18.3 oz) brownie mix

• Ingredients called for on brownie mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced

• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

• 1 cup chopped pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream

• Chocolate syrup, for drizzling

• Whipped cream, for topping

• Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions.

2. Pour half of the brownie batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

3. Layer sliced bananas, chopped strawberries, pineapple, mini marshmallows, and walnuts evenly over the batter.

4. Spread the remaining brownie batter over the fruit and marshmallow layer, smoothing the top gently.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely.

6. Once cooled, cut brownies into squares. Top each brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

7. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the ice cream, add a dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 12

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes Banana Split Brownies so unique is the layering technique, which infuses fresh fruit and marshmallows into the dense brownie batter before baking. Unlike typical brownies where you only get the chocolate experience, this recipe surprises with bursts of tropical fruit and soft, gooey marshmallows that melt and blend during baking. The walnuts add a subtle crunch and contrast to the soft fruits and chewy brownie.

Additionally, topping the brownies with ice cream and chocolate syrup after baking adds a refreshing cold element that pairs perfectly with the warm, rich brownie base. This balance of hot and cold, soft and crunchy, and sweet and tart creates an experience that’s much more complex and satisfying than your average brownie.

The Perfect Occasions to Serve Banana Split Brownies

These brownies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous settings. They are an excellent dessert for family gatherings and birthday parties, thanks to their playful, colorful appearance and familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.

Because they combine fresh fruit with indulgent chocolate, they also make a lovely summer dessert, especially when served chilled or with ice cream on top. You can also prepare them ahead of time for potlucks or picnics, making them a convenient yet impressive dessert option.

If you want to impress guests during holiday celebrations, these brownies can be easily customized by switching fruits or adding extra toppings like shredded coconut or different nuts. They also work well for casual weekend baking when you want a special treat to satisfy your sweet tooth without too much fuss.

Healthier Twists and Ingredient Variations

While Banana Split Brownies are a delicious treat, you can make a few adjustments to make them a bit healthier without compromising flavor. Using whole wheat or almond flour in place of regular flour can boost fiber content. You can also reduce the sugar in the brownie mix or use a sugar substitute if desired.

For the fruit, opting for fresh, organic options is always best. You can switch out pineapple and strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even mango chunks for different flavor profiles. If you want to keep the dessert vegan, replace the vanilla ice cream with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free whipped cream.

For nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. This flexibility makes the recipe inclusive for many dietary needs while still preserving its fun, fruity, and chocolatey essence.

Tips for Perfecting Your Banana Split Brownies

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance is key to this recipe’s success. Here are some tips to ensure your Banana Split Brownies come out just right every time:

• Use ripe bananas: They add natural sweetness and soften beautifully when baked.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the brownies towards the end of the baking time. You want moist crumbs when you test with a toothpick.

• Layer evenly: Distribute the fruit and marshmallows evenly to ensure each bite has a little bit of everything.

• Cool completely before adding ice cream: This prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly and keeps your presentation neat.

• Customize toppings: Feel free to add crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel syrup for extra flair.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Banana Split Brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them if needed. Keep them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to serve them later, bring them to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before topping with ice cream.

For gatherings, prepare the brownies in advance, store them chilled, and add ice cream and toppings just before serving. This keeps the dessert fresh and the ice cream perfectly chilled.

These brownies also freeze well—wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add your toppings.

Why Everyone Loves This Dessert

The appeal of Banana Split Brownies lies in their nostalgic charm and perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The familiar banana split components evoke happy memories of childhood summers and ice cream parlor visits, while the brownie adds a rich, chocolatey depth that’s universally loved.

The fresh fruit lends a natural sweetness and brightness, balancing the richness of the chocolate and ice cream. The marshmallows add a surprise gooeyness, and the nuts provide crunch. Each bite is an exciting combination of tastes and textures, making the dessert dynamic and satisfying.

This dessert is also fun to make — kids can help layer the fruit and marshmallows, making it an interactive family activity that results in a delicious reward.

Conclusion

Banana Split Brownies are a delightful and creative dessert that takes the best elements of a classic banana split and marries them with the indulgence of rich brownies. This recipe offers an exciting twist on traditional brownies by infusing them with fresh fruit and marshmallows, then finishing with ice cream and chocolate syrup.

Whether you’re serving these at a summer party, a birthday celebration, or just as a special treat for your loved ones, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and balanced flavors make Banana Split Brownies a must-have recipe in any dessert lover’s collection.

By experimenting with different fruits or toppings, you can personalize this recipe to suit any occasion or dietary preference. So why not give it a try and bring a little bit of nostalgic joy and chocolatey delight into your kitchen today?