The banana split is a beloved dessert with a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Originating in the United States, this ice cream-based treat has become a staple in dessert menus across the country. This article explores the origins of the banana split and its journey to becoming a classic American dessert.
The Birth of a Dessert
The banana split is believed to have been created in 1904 by David "Doc" Strickler, a 23-year-old pharmacy student at the University
of Pittsburgh. While working as a soda jerk at Tassell Pharmacy in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Strickler was inspired by the fruit-laden sundaes he encountered during a vacation in Atlantic City. Upon returning to Latrobe, he set out to create a similar dessert using bananas, which were shipped to Pennsylvania via New Orleans at the time.
Strickler's creation featured a banana split lengthwise, with three scoops of ice cream nestled between the halves. The original recipe included strawberries, raspberries, and crushed pineapple, topped with marshmallow syrup, chopped nuts, and pitted black cherries. This innovative dessert quickly gained popularity, especially among students from nearby Saint Vincent College.
Spreading Popularity
The banana split's popularity spread rapidly through word-of-mouth and correspondence. By 1907, a popular recipe called for a lengthwise split banana with two scoops of ice cream at each end, topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, chopped nuts, and mixed fruits. The dessert's fame continued to grow, and by 1919, the Spatula Soda Water Guide featured 25 different banana split varieties.
Wilmington, Ohio, also claims a connection to the banana split, with Ernest "Doc" Hazard creating a similar dessert in 1907 to attract students from Wilmington College. Despite these claims, most historians agree that Strickler's 1904 creation is the most convincing origin story. In 2004, the National Ice Cream Retailers Association certified Latrobe, Pennsylvania, as the birthplace of the banana split.
A Lasting Legacy
The banana split has become a symbol of American dessert culture, celebrated in festivals and recognized with historical markers. Both Latrobe and Wilmington hold annual festivals in honor of the dessert, and in 2013, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission approved a state historical marker for the banana split at the site of the former Strickler's Pharmacy.
The banana split's enduring appeal lies in its perfect combination of flavors and textures, as well as its rich history. From its humble beginnings in a small Pennsylvania pharmacy to its status as a classic American dessert, the banana split continues to delight dessert lovers across the nation.
