August 25th: National Banana Split Day in the USA

Indulge yourself with a delicious ice cream-based dessert, the Banana Split, on August 25th, as it’s National Banana Split Day!

A banana split is a dessert featuring a banana split lengthwise (hence the name), topped with scoops of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream. It’s typically dressed with chocolate, strawberry, and pineapple toppings, whipped cream, nuts, and a maraschino cherry.

The banana split was first invented by David Evans Strickler, a 23-year-old pharmacy student from Pennsylvania, in 1904. Soon after its invention, other ice cream makers and restaurant owners began serving similar treats in Boston, Massachusetts, and Wilmington, Ohio. Walgreens, a drugstore chain, helped to popularize the new dessert.

Banana Split Recipe

To celebrate National Banana Split Day, make this delightful treat that’s easy to prepare:

  1. Peel a medium banana and split it lengthwise, placing it in a dessert dish.
  2. Place 1 scoop each of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream between the banana halves.
  1. Top with 2 teaspoons of sliced fresh strawberries, 2 tablespoons of pineapple, 2 tablespoons of whipped cream, 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup, and 1 tablespoon of chopped peanuts.
  2. Garnish with 3 maraschino cherries with stems. Celebrate National Banana Split Day with friends and family by enjoying this delicious dessert!