Banana Split Bars

We are totally bananas for these banana split bars. They are such a nice treat in winter....like a bit of a hot summer day on a spoon. This recipe encompasses everything yummy about the original dessert...bananas, pineapple, maraschino cherries and whipped cream...but without the brain freeze!

This recipes comes from my Great Aunt Kay...who wrote this in a family recipe book for my wedding shower in 1995. It is a really delicious dessert that takes very little time to make and requires no baking at all.

Here is the super easy recipe that requires no baking!

Banana Split Bars

Ingredients:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cups icing sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup cream cheese
4-5 large bananas
2/3 cup maraschino cherries, chopped in two and drained well
1 can pineapple tidbits, drained well
3 cups whipped cream or Cool Whip
chocolate sprinkles for garnish, if desired
maraschino cherries with stems, if desired

Directions:
1. Mix melted butter into graham cracker crumbs. Pat into bottom of 9 x 13 pan.
2. Beat together icing sugar, butter and 1/2 cup cream cheese. Beat until light & fluffy. Spread over graham cracker layer.
3. Add layer of sliced bananas, pineapple tidbits and maraschino cherries.
4. Cover fruit layer with whipped cream or cool whip.
5. Cover bars with wrap and place in fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Cut into bars with a sharp knife. Garnish each slice with chocolate sprinkles, a slice of banana and a maraschino cherry before serving.

My kids are crazy about this dessert. We don't make it that often, but when we do...it's happy smiles all around.

You can also check out these other delicious recipes:

Cherry Brownies

Apple Brownies

Lucsious Lemon Chip & Cranberry Scones

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Caramel Apple Dip with Granny Smith Apple Slices

And don't forget to take a peek at some of my favourite boards on Pinterest:

Easter Ideas

Organized Kitchens

Desserts To Love

Squares

This post is linked to:
Time To Sparkle, Lil Luna, Gingersnap Crafts, Clean & Scentsible, I Gotta Create, Somewhat Simple, 
What's Cooking With Ruthie, Fun in The Sun,

Cherry Brownies

Cherry Brownies were a favourite at my house growing up.

My Mom made them often because my Dad loved them, and still loves them.

The recipe was passed down from his kind, sweet Grandmother Inez.

She lived to be 94 years old and was  married  for almost 75 years to my great-grandfather Rupert.

They raised 11 children in a dear little house that still stands to this day, although they passed away in the mid-1970's.

When I was growing up, my Mom made Cherry Brownies with a very thin cherry-flavoured icing.

 I have taken a few liberties with the recipe to update them for  a bit more of a gourmet coffee shop  look.

 {I also changed the name from Cherry Squares to Cherry Brownies...like an older sister of the original recipe.}

I have adapted the recipe to fit today's tastes... a thicker square, thicker icing and chocolate drizzle and cherry on top  to make them look ever more pur-ty.

And they taste divine....moist and cherry sweet and delish.

You will not be disappointed with this very easy recipe!

 Cherry Brownies

{makes 16 squares in 8x8 pan}

Ingredients:
1.5 cups white sugar
3/4 cup butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1.5 cups flour
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup chopped red cherries

Favourite frosting, tinted pink if desired.
Melted chocolate for drizzling.
Cherries with stems.

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Stir together flour and baking powder. Add into butter & sugar mixture.  Mix until blended.
4. Add  chopped cherries.
5. Pour into greased 8x8 baking pan.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. {The top of the squares will look very brown when done, but will taste just fine!}
7. Let cool. Then frost with favorite icing tinted pink. Flavour icing with a little cherry juice from the jar of cherries if desired.
8. When icing has set, drizzle melted chocolate on top if desired. Let chocolate set.
9. Cut & remove from pan. Add cherries to slices just before serving

These would be perfect to make as a treat for neighbours or friends for Valentine's Day... or even for your adorable people at home.

Thank you Great Grammie Inez for such an amazing recipe that we are still enjoying!

Love,

Your Great Granddaughter Angie

xo

  

You can also check out some of my other delicious  recipes:
Apple Brownies
Gingerbread Scones with Cranberry & White Chocolate
Pumpkin Scones with Cinnamon Maple Frosting

And these fun boards on Pinterest:

Squares To Love

Valentine's Day Inspiration

This post is linked to:
The Party Bunch Sugarbee Crafts, Time To Sparkle, What's Cooking With Ruthie, Tip Me Tuesday, Block Party, Monday Funday, Time To Sparkle,