Banana Split Near You

Why Is It Called Banana Split?

In the mood for a toothsome dessert? Fantastic, we got just the right choice for you - banana split!

This sweet course is primarily made of banana and ice cream. But it typically comes with one or more sauces as well as other ingredients such as whipped cream.

Of course, we're all familiar with the classic banana split, but still, let's break it down.

This classic ice cream dessert is prepared by first splitting a banana in half. Next, the following scoops of ice cream are added in between - vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Then, a chocolate, strawberry, and/or pineapple sauce is put over the ice cream. Finally, whipped cream and maraschino cherries are added on top.

What's also interesting is that banana split is usually served on a special glass plate known as a boat.

There are many variations of this dessert that include different banana split ingredients such as caramel sauce. But more on this later. First, let's take a look at its history and who is credited with inventing the banana split.

Where Is the Birthplace of the Banana Split?

As you've probably guessed, this awesome dish originated in America. However, there is more than one story as to how it came to be.

That being said, the most official one revolves around David Strickler also known as Doc. He was from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and is believed to have invented the banana split in 1904.

What inspired him was some ice cream sundae that he saw while on a vacation.

This is a similar ice cream-based dessert with sauce, whipped cream, fruits, and other toppings.

When he returned home, Strickler made his own version of a sundae but he used a banana and priced it twice as much. The early adopters if you will, were students from a nearby college. And since Strickler's dessert was so luscious, it didn't take long for word to spread around town. Soon enough, it exceeded the limits of the city, and many people caught on.

Interestingly enough, Strickler wasn't the only Doc to have something to do with inventing the banana split. In fact, Ernest "Doc" Hazard is another person mentioned in the discussion.

He was from Wilmington, Ohio, and wanted to attract more customers to his shop.

He had his eye set on the students from a college close by (Who would've guessed it? Another similarity with his "rival" Doc). Apparently, in 1907, he came up with the idea for the banana split in order to achieve his goal.

Besides these two, there are other people who've had such claims:

1905 - A soda jerk from Boston who worked at the Butler Department Store. 1906 - A confectioner in Davenport, Iowa. Letty Lally, who worked at Foeller's Drug Store in Columbus, Ohio.

Still, in 2004, a certification was issued to Latrobe, Pennsylvania as the official place where the banana split originated. In fact, a festival takes place every year as a form of celebration. In relation, notable publications of banana split recipes include one in 1907 and another by The Spatula Soda Water Guide in 1919. What's more, the company Walgreens and its founder Charles Rudolph Walgreen helped make the dish more popular. That's because they had it as a signature item in their attractively designed stores.

Banana Split Toppings

Other than the classic version, there are many different ingredients that can be incorporated into this dessert.

Hence, instead of the traditional chocolate ice cream, vanilla ice cream, and strawberry ice cream, scoops of coconut, cherry nut, coffee, or other flavors can be used.

But the possibilities don't end there. Quite the contrary, many other toppings can be added:

Chocolate syrup Banana slices Chocolate chips M&Ms Blueberries Almonds Marshmallow syrup Cookie crumbles Candy bars Butterscotch syrup

How Many Calories Are in a Banana Split?

In a serving of 450g, there are around 852 calories in a banana split. This includes 41g of total fat or 53% of the daily value based on a 2000-calorie diet.

Moreover, there are 77mg of cholesterol (26%), 173mg of sodium (8%), and 116g of total carbohydrates (42%). As for the amount of protein, it is 14g.

In addition, we got vitamin D (2%), calcium (23%), iron (16%), potassium (24%), and 4.2mg of caffeine.

Where Can I Find Banana Split Near Me?

By now, we're sure you'd love to try some banana split right away. Well, no problem, we're here to help you find it more easily.

If you're in Boston, we suggest heading to Broadway's Best Pizza. Located on E Broadway, they're open 7 days a week. Plus, you can order for pickup or delivery via Slice.

And for those of you in Philly, we recommend Wacky Zaki's. This great place is located on Verree Rd, is open every day, and you can also order takeout or delivery on the Slice app.

Of course, for any other place, just check the listing on this page.