Decadent Banana Split Brownies

Total Time

Prep: 45 min. Bake: 40 min. + cooling

Makes

2 dozen

Dive into the world of exquisite desserts with our Decadent Banana Split Brownies! This recipe brings together the beloved banana split and the irresistible brownies, offering a dessert that is both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. With a burst of flavors from bananas, cherries, and chocolate, these brownies are set to become a favorite at your gatherings.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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

Directions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°. Prepare a 13×9-in. baking pan by greasing it.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate and cubed butter, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar at high speed for 10 minutes. This process helps in incorporating air, making the brownies lighter.
4. Gently stir in the vanilla extract and the smooth chocolate-butter mixture into the beaten eggs and sugar.
5. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring just enough to incorporate it. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries into the batter.
7. Spread the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan.
8. Prepare the topping by beating the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Add in the mashed banana and strawberry preserves, mixing well.
9. Add a lightly beaten egg to the cream cheese mixture, beating at low speed just until blended.
10. Spread this creamy topping over the brownie batter in the pan, and sprinkle chopped salted peanuts over it.
11. Bake the brownies until the topping sets and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion comes out mostly clean, which should take about 40-45 minutes.
12. Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into bars. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish the bars with banana slices and additional cherries if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Per brownie: 262 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.