National Banana Split Day

National Banana Split Day is on August 25th by those who love this delicious and fragrant dessert. Preparing it is easy: cut a banana in half and add ice cream—typically using three different flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. The dish is then decorated with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and nuts.

History

The origins of National Banana Split Day on August 25th are unknown. However, there are two claims to the invention of this dish. One version states that it was invented by Ernest Hazard of Wilmington, Ohio in 1907. However, culinary historians believe that the dish was actually invented in Latrobe, Pennsylvania in 1904 by a man named David Evans Strickler. At the time, Strickler was 23 years old and worked as a pharmacist’s assistant. He loved experimenting with ice cream and created the “banana triple ice cream” which he sold for 10 cents (the rest of the ice cream was sold for 5 cents). The students at the nearby College of St. Vincent were the first to try this unusual dessert and it quickly became popular among them. The dessert eventually spread to other parts of the country, such as Wilmington, Ohio, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Interesting facts

• Experts believe that the dessert owes its popularity to the pharmacy chain.
• A banana split that made it into the Guinness Book of Records was prepared in Sellingsgrove, Pennsylvania. It used 33 bananas, 2,500 gallons of ice cream, and 150 gallons of chocolate syrup!
• The dessert even became a TV star! The Banana Splits Adventure Hour aired on American television for 2 years, from September 7, 1968 to September 5, 1970.

How to take part

To celebrate National Banana Split Day, you can buy the dessert at a store or make your own at home. All you need are the ingredients, which are easy to find. Treat your family and friends to this delicious dessert, and don’t forget to share a photo on social media with the hashtag #NationalBananaSplitDay.

When is National Banana Split Day in 2024?

National Banana Split Day is observed on August 25 each year.

Observations