National Banana Split Day
August 25, Monday
History of the Banana Split
The banana split is believed to have been invented in 1904 by David Evans Strickler, a young apprentice pharmacist in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Strickler enjoyed experimenting with soda fountain sundaes and created the banana split by slicing a banana lengthwise and adding three scoops of ice cream—typically vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—between the slices. He topped it with chocolate syrup, strawberry sauce, pineapple, whipped cream, crushed nuts, and a maraschino cherry. The dessert quickly gained popularity and became a staple in soda fountains across the country.
How It’s Celebrated
National Banana Split Day is celebrated by ice cream lovers of all ages. Many ice cream parlors and dessert shops offer special deals or create unique versions of the banana split to mark the occasion. Families and friends often gather to make their own banana splits at home, customizing them with a variety of toppings and flavors.
Traditional Banana Split Ingredients
A classic banana split typically includes:
- One banana, sliced lengthwise
- Three scoops of ice cream (commonly vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry)
- Chocolate syrup, pineapple topping, and strawberry sauce
- Whipped cream
- Crushed nuts
- Maraschino cherry on top
Fun Facts
- The city of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where the banana split was invented, hosts events and celebrations to commemorate the dessert’s legacy.
- The banana split became so popular that it inspired banana split boats—long dishes specifically designed to hold the dessert.
- Variations of the banana split now include different ice cream flavors, sauces like caramel or fudge, and toppings such as sprinkles or cookie crumbles.
National Banana Split Day is a fun and delicious way to celebrate a timeless dessert that continues to bring joy to people of all ages. Whether enjoyed at an ice cream shop or made at home, the banana split remains a symbol of sweet indulgence and nostalgic charm.