National Banana Day: How to make a dream banana split

In honor of National Banana Split Day, we've rounded up the ultimate recipe to keep you cool, and to drizzle on the fun.

By Lena Grotticelli

In honor of National Banana Day (yes - it's a day), we've rounded up the ultimate recipe to keep you cool, and to drizzle on the fun.

The first banana split was actually created in a pharmacy!
The first banana split was actually created in a pharmacy!  © IMAGO / agefotostock

It's time to go B-A-N-A-N-A-S, because the holiday honoring the classic fruit is upon us.

(And TBH, every day should include a celebration with ice cream involved.)

Creating a banana split is quite simple, but there are endless ways to dress up your fruit-filled goodness.

Tattooed woman gets tongue split in half and horns embedded in forehead
Tattoos Tattooed woman gets tongue split in half and horns embedded in forehead

"Surprisingly, the original banana split wasn’t created in an ice cream parlor but in a pharmacy in 1904," according to National Today, the official source for all incredibly specific holidays (and yes, even the banana split itself has its own).

The dessert is believed to be invented by David Evans Strickler, a pharmacist’s apprentice, and was an instant hit.

Follow these steps below for tips on getting that perfect banana split down pat, and your taste buds will thank you later.

Banana split: The ingredients

Mix up your toppings by adding sprinkles, chocolate pieces, or cinnamon.
Mix up your toppings by adding sprinkles, chocolate pieces, or cinnamon.  © IMAGO / agefotostock

Indulging in a banana split is simple, and you don't have to leave your kitchen to get it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium to large banana

  • Ice cream (the traditional is one scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry)

  • 2 tablespoons of sliced fresh strawberries, coconut shavings, or pineapple pieces (optional)

  • Chocolate syrup

  • 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts or mixed nuts

  • Whipped cream

  • 1-3 maraschino cherries


The best part of homemaking your dream sundae is you can substitute whatever you want! Switch out chocolate syrup for caramel or honey. Allergic to nuts? Add some M&Ms, sprinkles, or chocolate chips instead. For a bit of spice, sprinkle on some cinnamon.

Banana split: The recipe

After you've dressed up your homemade banana split, dig in to your heart's content!
After you've dressed up your homemade banana split, dig in to your heart's content!  © IMAGO / agefotostock

How to do it:

1.) Peel your banana, and slice it in half lengthwise. In other words, split it – and split it good.

2.) Scoop three hearty dollops of ice cream and place on your plate in the middle of the banana halves

3.) Drizzle chocolate syrup and chuck on fruit pieces and chopped nuts to your heart's content

4.) Top with whipped cream and maraschino cherries

Dig in, and enjoy your trip to Splitsville!

National Banana Day: Cat's hilarious obsession delights TikTok National Banana Day: Cat's hilarious obsession delights TikTok
TikTok users go bananas over viral skincare trend TikTok users go bananas over viral skincare trend
Can dogs eat bananas? Can dogs eat bananas?
National Banana Bread Day: Easy recipe to make the best banana bread National Banana Bread Day: Easy recipe to make the best banana bread

If you're feeling an even stronger affinity for eating bananas this holiday, check out TAG24's recipes for smoothies, sweet egg rolls, and even a banana beauty hack that takes things to the next level.

Cover photo: IMAGO / agefotostock

More on Food: