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BananaSplit – Why Do We Love It?

Molskroens bananasplit with Chantilly sauce and vanilla icecream

Here, you can read more about the history of the banana split and the scientific reason why we love it. Plus, you’ll get three simple and tangible examples of a good banana split

The History of the Banana Split

Most people have either tried or at least heard of the banana split at some point. It’s one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. Famous and beloved for its perfect combination of flavor and texture, it’s a treat enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. But it’s not just about taste — this dessert has a rich history and offers endless creative possibilities for modern chefs to explore.

The story of the banana split dates back to 1904, when pharmacist David E. Strickler from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, created the dessert at his local soda fountain. Strickler, a big fan of ice cream, experimented with different flavor combinations, which led to the invention of the banana split. According to legend, the idea came to him after watching a group of kids enjoying a similar dessert at his soda fountain. At its most basic, the banana split consists of a peeled banana cut in half lengthwise, served with ice cream and sauce nestled between the banana halves.

Since then, the banana split has won over many hearts and become a global favorite. One reason for its popularity is its versatility. It can be made in countless ways using a variety of ingredients. Some people add nuts and fruit salad, while others stick to the traditional version. No matter how it’s made, a banana split is always a delightful and satisfying dessert.

However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the banana split became a true commercial success. This was largely due to its appearance in films and TV shows, where the dessert was often portrayed as a symbol of good taste and indulgence. Soon, the banana split became seen as a status symbol, and its popularity continued to grow.

Food Pairing and Ingredients

The banana split is widely loved — and there’s actually a scientific reason for it. In molecular gastronomy, there’s a concept called food pairing, which involves combining ingredients that share the same flavor compounds. Scientifically, it turns out that one reason we love banana splits is because all the elements in it contain the flavor compound isoamyl acetate. Isoamyl acetate is a naturally occurring chemical found in bananas, and it gives them their characteristic aroma and taste.

This compound also appears in other fruits such as apples, plums, and pears, as well as in certain spirits and perfumes. It’s what gives the banana split its unique scent and taste that we often associate with summer and vacation. But it’s not just the taste — it’s also the various textures and colors in the dessert that make it so appealing. The creamy vanilla ice cream, the crunchy chocolate sauce, the sweet bananas, and the whipped cream all come together to create a unique and cohesive flavor experience. Isoamyl acetate is present in all of these ingredients, which is why the taste feels so unified and delicious.

What’s even more interesting about isoamyl acetate is that it doesn’t just influence taste and smell — it also has a positive effect on the brain. Research has shown that the smell of bananas can boost mood and reduce anxiety. This is because a specific scent receptor in our nose can influence brain areas responsible for emotion and memory. That’s why the smell of bananas can trigger feelings of happiness and well-being when we eat or drink something that contains isoamyl acetate.

Today, you can get a banana split in almost every country in the world. And while some might find the dessert a bit too heavy or sweet, its status is undisputed. The banana split is a classic that spans generations and is here to stay for many years to come. If you’ve never tried making or tasting a banana split before, now’s the time — you won’t be disappointed!

Creativity with Bananas

Among chefs who master the fundamentals and respect the classics, there lives a primal force of creativity. There’s a drive to deconstruct something traditional and rebuild it in new forms. Chefs have always done this — and will continue to do so — in order to challenge themselves and one another creatively by crafting new, different, and perhaps even better versions than the original.

Joachim Kastberg has made his own banana split ice cream — a banana ice cream made from ripe, hand-peeled bananas, with both caramel and chocolate sauce stirred in.

The 3 Best Banana Split Desserts

At Kastbergs, we’re well aware of this dessert’s popularity. That’s why we not only wrote this article, but also asked a few of our customers to share their own delicious takes on the banana split.

Molskroen’s Banana Split

Nikolaj Wilhardt, trained at the gastronomic stronghold Falsled Kro, has created this tasty version of the banana split. Today, Nikolaj is Head Chef at Molskroen’s Strandhotel, where he serves French-inspired gastronomic experiences. His tribute to this classic dessert, of course, includes banana, chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream, raspberries, and Chantilly sauce.

New Age Banana Split

This dessert was developed by Mads and Kresten from Restaurant Sabel in Silkeborg. The chefs, trained at Café Evald Brasserie and Café, and Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst respectively, say:

“What makes being a chef great is that you get to play with ingredients and constantly evolve. This dessert is an example of how we’ve tried to play with the various elements of the banana split and turn them into our own delicious version.”

Their dessert includes caramelized banana, vanilla cream, crystallized dark chocolate, Kastbergs Vanilla Ice Cream, and is finally topped with a dried cornflower.

Banana Split with Vanilla Ice Cream

Andreas Brok-Hartvig, trained chef and restaurateur from Fredericia and owner of Brok-Hartvig Studios, has created this version. Andreas finds it exciting to think in terms of creative dishes, and he found it particularly interesting to craft his own take on the banana split.

In Andreas’s version of the classic, you’ll find caramelized banana, banana biscuits, whipped cream, cherries, caramel sauce, and Kastbergs Vanilla Ice Cream.

Final Thoughts

As we can see, the dessert can be made in many ways, and the story of the banana split goes back nearly 120 years. It has gone through many evolutions in both popularity and preparation. Yet despite it all, the banana split still holds a special place in the hearts of many dessert lovers. It’s a timeless classic that spans generations — and it’s a dessert that will continue to endure for many years to come.
If you haven’t yet tried making or tasting a banana split, now’s the time — you won’t be disappointed!