Are you a fan of bananas in your desserts? Have you ever heard of a banana split or a banana boat?
These two desserts may sound similar but they are actually quite different. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between these two sweet treats.
What is a Banana Split?
The banana split is a classic dessert that has been around since the early 1900s. It typically consists of a halved banana, topped with three scoops of ice cream (usually vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry), whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and chopped nuts. The toppings can vary depending on the establishment, but these are the classic ingredients.
The History of Banana Split
The origin of the banana split is debated, but it is widely believed to have been created by Ernest Hazard in 1904 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. As the story goes, Hazard was an apprentice pharmacist who wanted to attract customers to his soda fountain during a slow period. He put together this delicious dessert using ingredients that were readily available and it became an instant hit.
What is a Banana Boat?
A banana boat is another dessert that features bananas as the main ingredient. However, instead of being served as a sundae-like dish, it’s prepared by slicing open a ripe banana lengthwise and filling it with various toppings before wrapping it in foil and grilling until everything inside melts together into one gooey mixture.
Toppings for Banana Boat
The toppings for a banana boat can vary greatly depending on personal preference or what’s available. Common toppings include chocolate chips, marshmallows, caramel sauce or even fresh berries.
The Main Differences Between Banana Split and Banana Boat
The main difference between these two desserts lies in their preparation and presentation. A banana split is served as an open-faced sundae with ice cream, while a banana boat is a grilled dessert typically filled with toppings and served in its own skin. Another difference is that a banana split is typically eaten with a spoon, while a banana boat is often eaten by scooping out the filling with a fork.
Conclusion
In summary, the banana split and the banana boat are both delicious desserts that feature bananas as the main ingredient. The banana split is served as an open-faced sundae with ice cream, while a banana boat is grilled and filled with various toppings. Whether you prefer your bananas cold and creamy or warm and gooey, there’s no denying that these two desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
