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National Banana Split Day

Food · August 25

A day for the banana split, the classic sundae of a halved banana, three scoops of ice cream, sauces, whipped cream, nuts and cherries.

National Banana Split Day falls on Wednesday, August 25, 2027. That is 302 days away.

A banana split starts with a banana cut in half lengthwise and laid in a long, narrow dish. Three scoops of ice cream go between the halves, usually vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.

Then come the toppings. The traditional set is chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce and pineapple, with whipped cream on each scoop, chopped nuts scattered over everything and a maraschino cherry on top. The dish it comes in is often called a boat, which fits, since a good one is built to carry a lot.

Part of the appeal is contrast. The banana is soft and mild, the ice cream is cold, the sauces are sweet and sticky, and the nuts add crunch. It is the kind of dessert that tends to get shared, with several spoons working from different ends.

Making one at home is easy. Pick a ripe banana that is still firm, since a very soft one turns mushy under the ice cream. Let the scoops sit out for a minute so they round off cleanly. Swapping flavors or toppings is common, and plenty of people leave off the pineapple or trade the nuts for sprinkles.

Ice cream parlors and diners often keep the banana split on the menu in its classic form, served in the same long glass dish it has been known for.

Ways to celebrate

• Build a banana split at home with three different ice cream flavors.
• Order one at a local ice cream shop and share it.
• Try a new topping combination alongside the classic three sauces.
• Set out bowls of toppings and let everyone assemble their own.

Dates

All national days on August 25

Also on August 25

• National Whiskey Sour Day
• National Park Service Founders Day
• Kiss and Make Up Day

Categories: Food days