Banana split brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of homemade brownies with the fruity, nostalgic vibes of a classic banana split. This crowd-pleasing dessert is packed with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas and protein-rich cream cheese while keeping its indulgent chocolatey core.

We developed this recipe to give you the ultimate combination of flavor and nutrition—without sacrificing your wellness goals. With fiber from bananas, antioxidants from unsweetened chocolate, and just the right amount of sweetness, these brownies strike the perfect balance. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, a weeknight treat, or meal prep snacks, we’re confident these will become a staple in your healthy dessert repertoire.

Why These Banana Split Brownies Are Good for You

Rich in Antioxidants: Thanks to unsweetened chocolate, these brownies offer a powerful dose of antioxidants that promote heart health.
Packed with Fiber: With natural fiber from ripe bananas, these brownies help support digestion and keep you feeling satisfied longer.
Protein Boost: The cream cheese topping provides extra protein, making these a more balanced sweet treat.
Moderate Sugar: While undeniably indulgent, this recipe carefully balances sweeteners to avoid a sugar overload.
Diet-Friendly Flexibility: Easily adaptable to gluten-free or nut-free diets (see our customization tips below).

Wholesome Ingredients for These Banana Split Brownies

Making healthy choices starts with using clean, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what makes these easy banana split brownies both delicious and nutritious:

Unsweetened Chocolate: This deep, rich chocolate serves as the foundation of these brownies, offering antioxidants that can combat free radicals. Be sure to choose high-quality chocolate for the best results.
Ripe Bananas: The natural sweetness and fiber from bananas not only enhance the flavor but also reduce the need for added sugar. Overripe bananas work best for this recipe.
Maraschino Cherries: Chopped cherries bring a pop of color and sweetness reminiscent of a banana split sundae. Opt for natural or no-added-sugar varieties if available.
Strawberry Preserves: These add a fruity tang to the cream cheese topping. Choose preserves with minimal added sugar for a healthier touch.

If you’d like to substitute, feel free to use coconut oil instead of butter or swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond flour.

Banana Split Brownies Recipe Details

Servings: 2 dozen
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Banana Split Brownies Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these quick banana dessert bars:

8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup butter, cubed
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
For the Topping:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium)
1/3 cup strawberry preserves
1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts
Optional: Sliced bananas and additional chopped maraschino cherries

How to Make Banana Split Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate and cubed butter in 20-second intervals until smooth, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar on high speed for 10 minutes until fluffy and lightened in color.
Stir in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
For the topping, beat softened cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth. Add the mashed banana, strawberry preserves, and egg, blending on low speed until thoroughly mixed.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and sprinkle the top with chopped peanuts.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping sets and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion comes out mostly clean.
Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.
Optionally, garnish each brownie with sliced bananas and chopped cherries for extra flair.

How to Customize These Banana Split Brownies for Your Diet

Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
Nut-Free: Skip the chopped peanuts or use sunflower seeds for crunch.
Keto-Friendly: Substitute sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol and choose sugar-free preserves.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and swap out butter for coconut oil.
Lower Calorie: Cut portion sizes or omit the garnish to reduce calorie content.

Our Team’s Tips for the Best Banana Split Brownies

Use overripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and flavor.
Chill the brownies for at least 2 hours before slicing to achieve cleaner cuts.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for an irresistible gooey texture.
Layering the cream cheese topping evenly across the batter helps it bake uniformly for a cleaner look.

Banana Split Brownies FAQs

Can I freeze banana split brownies?

Yes! Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Can I make these vegan?

While this version isn’t vegan, you could replace the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

What makes these healthier than traditional brownies?

These brownies cut down on added sugar by leveraging the natural sweetness of bananas and include antioxidants from high-quality chocolate.

Do I need to use maraschino cherries?

Not necessarily! Feel free to use fresh cherries or a lower-sugar alternative for a more natural option.

We hope you enjoy exploring the many ways to customize and savor these banana split brownies. Let us know in the comments: what’s your favorite healthy dessert hack?