08/25/2026
National Banana Split Day celebrates the classic ice cream dessert featuring a banana, scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and a variety of delicious toppings. Every year on August 25, dessert lovers are encouraged to enjoy this sweet and nostalgic treat.
The banana split became a favorite at drug stores, soda fountains, and ice cream parlors, where it was traditionally served in a long dish known as a "boat." A classic banana split begins with a banana sliced lengthwise and placed in the dish, followed by scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream. Each scoop receives its own topping: crushed pineapple for the strawberry scoop, chocolate syrup for the vanilla scoop, and strawberry topping for the chocolate scoop. The dessert is finished with crushed nuts, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries.
The first banana split was created in 1904 by David Evans Strickler, a 23-year-old apprentice pharmacist at Tassel's Pharmacy in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Strickler enjoyed creating new sundaes at the store's soda fountain and introduced his "banana-based triple ice cream sundae" for 10 cents—twice the price of the other sundaes. Despite the higher cost, the unique dessert quickly gained popularity.
Celebrate by enjoying a banana split at your favorite ice cream shop or creating one at home. Try hosting a banana split buffet with different ice cream flavors, sauces, and toppings, then let everyone vote for their favorite combination.
The creator of National Banana Split Day is unknown, but the dessert itself has a special connection to Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The town honors David Strickler's invention with an annual festival and placed an official marker at the original pharmacy site in 2013. In 2016, the United States Postal Service also celebrated the banana split and Latrobe's connection to the dessert with a "Soda Fountain Favorites" series stamp.
Banana Split FAQ
How many calories are in a banana split?
A traditional banana split contains about 852 calories.
Is there a National Banana Day?
Yes. National Banana Day is celebrated on the third Wednesday in April.
Can you eat banana peels?
Yes, banana peels are edible, though many people prefer not to eat them due to their texture and taste.
However you celebrate, don't forget the cherry on top!