A banana split and a banana royale are two classic ice cream desserts that have delighted people for generations. Though they share some key ingredients like bananas, ice cream, and whipped cream, they have distinct differences in terms of their composition, presentation, and enjoyment. Understanding how a banana split differs from a banana royale provides insight into the evolution of ice cream desserts and the creativity underlying their preparation.
Definition of a Banana Split
A banana split is an ice cream sundae that typically consists of a banana cut lengthwise and laid in a elongated dish or bowl, topped with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream in a row. The ice cream is topped with cherries, chocolate syrup, pineapple topping, whipped cream, and toasted nuts. The classic banana split is served with a long handled spoon, straws, and a maraschino cherry garnish on top.
The banana split was invented in the early 1900s and rose to popularity in the 1910s and 1920s with the rise of ice cream parlors and soda fountains in America. The creation of the banana split is often credited to David Evans Strickler, a 23-year-old apprentice pharmacist at Tassel Pharmacy in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, who invented it in 1904. However, other claims of its original invention have also been made over the years. Regardless of its exact origin, the banana split became a sensation and iconic ice cream dessert in the early 20th century.
Definition of a Banana Royale
A banana royale is a more contemporary ice cream dessert that is a variation on the traditional banana split. Like a banana split, it contains bananas, ice cream, whipped cream, and toppings. However, a banana royale typically consists of a whole banana that has been split lengthwise and laid in a dish or bowl, rather than banana slices. It contains just two scoops of ice cream, usually vanilla and chocolate, that are placed at either end of the split banana. The middle space is filled with whipped cream. It is then topped with chocolate sauce, crushed nuts, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry garnish.
The banana royale lacks some of the embellishments of a classic banana split. It often omits the strawberry ice cream, pineapple topping, and extra cherries. The presentation also tends to be more elegant and simplified compared to an overflowing banana split. While a banana split is served with a long spoon, a banana royale can be eaten more easily with just a regular spoon and fork.
The banana royale came into fashion in the 1980s and 1990s as a more contemporary take on the indulgent banana split. Its creation is not definitively credited to any single inventor or restaurant. Like the banana split, it has become a staple menu item at ice cream parlors, diners, and restaurants known for dessert.
Serving Styles and Presentation
There are some key differences between how a banana split and banana royale are constructed and served:
Banana Split Serving Style
– Served in an elongated dish or boat-shaped bowl
– Banana is sliced lengthwise into long pieces
– 3 scoops of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry)
– Layers of toppings like whipped cream, pineapple, cherries, nuts
– Chocolate syrup drizzled over the top
– Long handled spoon provided for eating
– Straws provided to drink melted ice cream and toppings
– Maraschino cherry garnish atop the whipped cream
Banana Royale Serving Style
– Served in a standard bowl or dish
– Banana is split in half lengthwise into 2 pieces
– 2 scoops of ice cream (usually vanilla and chocolate)
– Whipped cream fills the space between the ice creams
– Toppings like chocolate sauce, nuts, and sprinkles
– Eaten with a regular spoon and fork
– Maraschino cherry garnish in the center
The banana split’s elongated dish and overflowing toppings creates a feeling of decadent abundance. The banana royale’s simpler composition focused on the split banana makes for a more elegant, simplified presentation.
Ingredients and Flavors
While both desserts contain bananas, ice cream, and whipped cream, the specific ingredients and flavors also differ:
Banana Split Ingredients
– Banana slices
– Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream
– Pineapple topping
– Strawberries or cherry pie filling
– Chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, etc.)
– Whipped cream
– Chocolate syrup
– Maraschino cherries
Banana Royale Ingredients
– Banana halves
– Vanilla and chocolate ice cream
– Whipped cream
– Chocolate sauce
– Sprinkles
– Crushed nuts
– Maraschino cherry
The banana split contains more ice cream flavors like strawberry and a wider array of toppings like pineapple and pie filling. The banana royale focuses on the core flavors of banana, vanilla, chocolate, and whipped cream. The banana itself takes center stage in a royale versus being chopped up in a split.
Calories and Nutrition
Both the banana split and banana royale are high calorie treats, but the banana split tends to contain more calories and fat since it has more ice cream and toppings:
Banana Split Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1 banana split |
|---|---|
| Calories | 800-1000 |
| Total fat | 45-55g |
| Carbohydrates | 100-120g |
| Protein | 8-10g |
Banana Royale Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1 banana royale |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600-800 |
| Total fat | 25-35g |
| Carbohydrates | 90-110g |
| Protein | 6-8g |
With about 200-400 more calories and twice as much fat, the classic banana split is a more calorie-laden option. The banana royale provides a similar indulgence with a bit less of an impact on daily calorie intake.
Price Differences
Due to its greater size and quantity of ingredients, the banana split is typically more expensive than the banana royale:
Banana Split Price Range
– Ice cream parlors: $7 – $10
– Restaurants: $8 – $12
– High-end venues: Up to $15+
Banana Royale Price Range
– Ice cream parlors: $5 – $8
– Restaurants: $6 – $10
– High-end venues: Up to $12+
The banana split usually costs about $2 to $5 more than the banana royale depending on where it is purchased. The extra scoop of ice cream, numerous toppings, and larger serving size makes the banana split a pricier dessert. The simpler banana royale delivers much of the same experience for less.
Popularity and Availability
Both desserts remain popular today, but the banana split sees wider availability:
Banana Split Popularity and Availability
– Remains highly popular and known as an iconic ice cream dessert
– Widely available at ice cream parlors, diners, restaurants, and dessert shops
– Commonly featured on children’s menus
– Found at fast food chains, amusement parks, concession stands
– Standard menu item at venues like Johnny Rockets
– Seen as a classic must-try American dessert experience
Banana Royale Popularity and Availability
– Gained popularity especially in the 1980s and 90s
– Seen on more limited menus than the classic banana split
– More likely found at higher-end restaurants than fast food
– Offered at specialty ice cream shops and patisseries
– Not as ubiquitous as the banana split
– Provides a modern twist that diversifies options
The banana split remains deeply ingrained in pop culture and dining. The banana royale brings novelty and versatility but does not have the mass ubiquitous appeal. Those seeking a classic indulgent dessert will easily track down a banana split while the banana royale brings more uniqueness.
Ease of Eating
The construction of each dessert affects the convenience factor:
Banana Split Eating Experience
– Given long spoon but can be messy to eat
– Banana slices slide around making it tricky to get ideal bites
– Lots of syrup, whip cream, and melted ice cream
– Using straws to drink melted parts is needed
– Can be challenging to finish completely
– Often best shared by multiple people
Banana Royale Eating Experience
– Easier to eat with just a spoon and fork
– Split banana stays in place for perfect bites
– Less melted ice cream and toppings to slide around
– Better portion control makes it easier to finish
– Whipped cream adds lightness versus heaviness
– Enjoyable to eat solo without sharing
The banana royale’s stability, smaller size, and fewer melting toppings give it a neater eating experience. The classic banana split is fun but almost too messy and indulgent for one person to consume easily.
Variation Possibilities
The classic recipes for both leave room for creativity:
Banana Split Variations
– Swap out strawberry ice cream for flavors like mint, coffee, cookies and cream
– Use chocolate or fruit syrups instead of chocolate
– Add brownie bits, cookie crumbs, candy pieces
– Serve in a whole, split pineapple instead of a dish
– Layer in yogurt, granola, fresh fruit for a breakfast spin
Banana Royale Variations
– Use peanut butter or caramel sauce instead of chocolate
– Add coconut flakes, crushed cookies, or graham crackers as toppings
– Swirl in Nutella, peanut butter, or jam between ice cream layers
– Make a s’mores inspired version with marshmallow and chocolate
– Serve in half of a baked pineapple for exotic flair
Both desserts can be tweaked with ingredient substitutions or additions to create surprising new taste experiences. While the banana split has more classic sacred elements, the banana royale readily allows reinventing flavors.
Memorability
Each dessert provides memorable qualities:
Banana Split Memorable Qualities
– An over-the-top ice cream experience since 1904
– Nostalgic throwback to early 20th century treats
– Introduces kids to banana and three ice cream flavors
– Visually striking and Instagrammable presentation
– Provides a fun challenge to consume entirely
– Delivers a classic taste of Americana
– Available at unforgettable venues like theme parks
Banana Royale Memorable Qualities
– Elegant plating puts focus on fresh banana
– Well-balanced flavors without overwhelming
– Whipped cream adds a light, fluffy element
– Toppings like sprinkles and nuts add crunchy texture
– A treat to order on a first date to impress and indulge
– Can inspire at-home recipes and DIY spins
– Photographs beautifully for social media
The banana split triggers nostalgia for generations of Americans. The banana royale provides a more refined experience showcasing the banana itself. Both make for great memories flavored by time and place.
Nutritional Benefits
While high in sugar, both desserts offer some positive nutrients:
Banana Split Nutrition Benefits
– Bananas provide vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6
– Ice cream has calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A
– Pineapple has vitamin C, manganese
– Strawberries offer vitamin C, manganese
– Whipped cream gives calcium, vitamin A
– Almonds and walnuts add vitamin E, magnesium
Banana Royale Nutrition Benefits
– Bananas contain heart-healthy potassium
– Ice cream provides calcium for bones
– Whipped cream has vitamin A for eyesight
– Sprinkles add fun colors from food dyes
– Chocolate sauce may have antioxidants
While both desserts are high in sugar, the banana also contributes potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6. Nuts in a banana split provide vitamin E and magnesium too.
Quality Ingredients
Making either dessert with high quality ingredients improves the experience:
Ideal Banana Split Ingredients
– Fresh, perfectly ripe bananas
– Premium ice cream varieties like Häagen-Dazs
– Real whipped dairy cream
– Maraschino cherries sourced from Italy
– Chunky pineapple bits in juice
– Seedless strawberry pie filling
– Toasted walnuts or almonds
– Gourmet chocolate sauce
Ideal Banana Royale Ingredients
– Fresh, ripe Chiquita bananas
– Artisan vanilla and chocolate ice cream
– Housemade whipped cream
– Belgian chocolate sauce
– Chopped roasted pistachios
– Colorful sugar confetti sprinkles
– Maraschino cherries packed in syrup
Splurging on high end ingredients takes both desserts to the next level. Quality ice cream, chocolate, and bananas matter most. Details like toasted nuts or fancy sprinkles also upgrade the experience.
Most Suitable Occasions
Each dessert suits different occasions:
Occasions for Banana Splits
– Birthday parties for kids
– Family gatherings
– Trip to an amusement park
– Date night sharing dessert
– Special weekend treat
– State fair or festival
– Nostalgic trip back in time
Occasions for Banana Royales
– Romantic date night
– Ladies luncheon
– Bridal or baby shower
– Elegant high tea service
– Spa day treat
– Galentine’s Day dessert
– Graduation or new job celebration
The classic banana split fits in best at casual, fun celebrations. Thebanana royale brings more sophistication to couple’s nights or special events.
Comparison Chart
Here is a helpful comparison chart summarizing the key differences:
| Attribute | Banana Split | Banana Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Serving dish | Elongated bowl or dish | Standard bowl or dish |
| Banana | Sliced lengthwise | Split lengthwise in half |
| Ice cream | 3 scoops – vanilla, chocolate, strawberry | 2 scoops – usually vanilla and chocolate |
| Toppings | Whipped cream, chocolate syrup, pineapple, cherries, nuts | Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, nuts, sprinkles |
| Presentation | Overflowing, abundant | Simplified, elegant |
| Calories | 800-1000 | 600-800 |
| Price | $7-$15+ | $5-$12+ |
| Availability | Very common | Less common |
| Ease of eating | Messy, challenging | Neater, more manageable |
Conclusion
While both treats feature bananas, ice cream, and whipped cream, the banana split and banana royale differ notably in their construction, ingredients, aesthetics, price point, and enjoyment. The old fashioned banana split delivers a boisterous, indulgent dessert experience with three ice creams and abundant toppings. The elegant banana royale strips down the concept focusing on the banana itself and simplified flavors.
The banana split reigns supreme for pure nostalgic fun, especially when shared with others. The banana royale offers a more refined contemporary update. But both continue to satisfy sweet tooths in their own right. When that craving for cold, creamy banana goodness hits, either stripped down or decked out banana dessert can provide joy and memories.