August 7, 2019
When you think classical American dessert, banana split would likely make the top five of anyone’s list! On August 25th, we celebrate the creation of this delicious hot and cold treat with National Banana Split Day.
In 1904 a 23-year-old David Evans Strickler made his mark on history by inventing the banana split! This dessert traditionally includes a banana cut in half lengthwise (hence the name) and scoops of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream. Some favorite toppings include heated chocolate fudge sauce, strawberry and pineapple sauces, whipped cream, nuts, and maraschino cherries.
In Latrobe, PA, locals celebrate National Banana Split Day with the annual Great American Banana Split Festival. In 2004 Latrobe hosted the 100th anniversary of the invention, and that same year it was certified as the birthplace of the banana split by the National Ice Cream Retailers Association.