National Banana Split Day
When is National Banana Split Day? This holiday is always celebrated on August 25
Today is a day that you can go ape over. It’s a very ape-pealing day. This August 25 holiday is called National Banana Split Day!!
On August 25, 1904, the banana spilt was first created in the small town of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. David Strickler, a 23-year-old pharmacist apprentice was working in the soda fountain section of the Tassel Pharmacy at 805 Ligonier Street. Strickler liked to experiment with different combinations of ice cream flavors and toppings. He created the banana split on this day and sold it for 10 cents, which was a lot at the time. As a matter of fact, it was twice the price of other sundaes.
The banana split quickly caught on with students from local Saint Vincent College, and from there, its popularity spread. Walgreens gets recognition for spreading the banana split across the nation when they added it to their soda fountain menu.
Today, Banana splits are a standard item on the menu of just about anywhere ice cream is sold around the country. It became so popular, that there was a television show for kids called “The Banana Split Adventure Hour”. It aired from 1968 – 1970.
Did You Know? Banana Splits have 850 – 1500 delicious calories, and about 95 great-tasting carbs. I guess we will all get back to our diets tomorrow.
You will absolutely love to know that the best way to celebrate this sweet, carb-filled holiday, is to enjoy a banana split. It’s as simple as that!
Who Invented the Banana Split?
The Banana Split was first invented in Latrobe, Pennsylvania in 1904. David “Doc” Strickler worked scooping ice cream at Tassell’s Pharmacy. On August 25, 1904, a customer walked into the store and asked Strickler to make something different and unique. Bananas were recently introduced into the U.S. market. So, Strickler grabbed a banana, cut it lengthwise, and placed it in a bowl. Then, he added ice cream on top of the bananas. Finally, he placed toppings on the ice cream. And, the banana split was born!
For the Record
According to The Guinness World Book of Records, the world’s largest banana split was made at the Feast of the Senses in Innisfail, Queensland, Australia on March 25, 2017. It was 26,377 feet 11.4 inches long. It included 40,000 bananas, 2,500 liters of ice cream, and 2,000 liters of topping. This banana split broke a 29-year record.
The prior banana split record was set in 1988 in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. This banana split was 4.5 miles long. It contained 33.000 bananas, 150 pounds of chocolate, and 2,500 gallons of ice cream.
The Original Banana Split Recipe
Nowadays, every ice cream shop has its own version of the banana split with somewhat different items. Here’s the official original banana split recipe:
One banana, split in half lengthwise.
- A scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream.
- Top the ice cream with marshmallow, pineapple slices, crushed nuts, cherries, and sweet sugar syrup.
- The original recipe did not include whipped cream or a cherry on top. You can add it, if desired.
Importantly, it should be served in a long, banana-shaped bowl called a “boat”, if possible.
How to Make a Banana Split
- Peel 1 medium banana, split lengthwise, and place on an oval dessert dish.
- Place 1 scoop chocolate, 1 scoop vanilla, and 1 scoop strawberry ice cream on top of the banana halves.
- Top with 2 Tablespoons sliced fresh strawberries, 2 Tablespoons pineapple chunks, 2 Tablespoons whipped cream, 2 Tablespoons chocolate syrup, and 2 Tablespoons chopped peanuts.
- Garnish with 2 maraschino cherries.
How to Participate in National Banana Split Day
Here are some ideas on how to participate in National Banana Split Day:
- Go to an ice cream shop and order a banana split.
- Make them at home. Add all of your favorite toppings.
- Have an ice cream party.
Today's Chuckle
Today, I learned that people eat more bananas than monkeys. I can’t remember the last time I ate a monkey. – – Author Unknown
History and Origin of National Banana Split Day
We know a lot about the details around the creation of banana splits, and their popularity spread across the dessert world. However, our research did not identify the creator or the origin of this day. We think this is one of the tastiest and most enjoyable days of the year!
Our extensive research did not find any documentation confirming this to be a “National” day. We found no congressional records or presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
This Day in History
Here are some of the things that happened on this day:
- The National Park Service is founded. (1916)
- The movie classic Wizard of Oz is released to movie theaters. (1939)
- Actor Sean Connery, best known as “James Bond” was born on this day in 1930.
Related Holidays
People who National Banana Split Day will also like:
National Sprinkle Day – It’s a perfect topping for banana splits.
More August 25 Holidays
In addition to Banana Split Day, here are more August 25 holidays we are certain you will enjoy:
More About Today
Flower of the Day: Gladiolus
Recipe of the Day: Tomato Juice
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Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. August holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.