Get ready to liven up snack time with the unforgettable flavors of Banana Foster Chex Mix! Sweet, crunchy, and just a little bit decadent, this playful twist on the classic New Orleans dessert brings together golden caramel, warm cinnamon, crisp banana chips, and a hint of rum—all tossed with Chex cereal for that irresistible crackle in every bite. Whether you’re prepping for a party, a cozy movie night, or simply dazzling your family with something new, this easy treat promises to wow everyone who tries it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of Banana Foster Chex Mix comes from its simple, everyday ingredients—each one plays a special role, from the cereal’s airy crunch to the rich burst of banana flavor. Let’s look at how each element works some magic in your snack bowl!
- Rice Chex cereal (4 cups): The crisp base; its delicate, light crunch allows all the flavors to shine through.
- Cinnamon Chex cereal (2 cups): Adds a gentle warmth and deepens the dessert-like flavor of the mix.
- Banana chips (1 cup): Provide sweet, chewy bites that deliver unmistakable banana goodness—the star of the show!
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Bring a toasty, buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with the caramelized coating.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Forms the base for a luscious, rich caramel glaze that ties everything together.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Creates that signature Bananas Foster richness and helps the sauce cling to every piece.
- Corn syrup (2 tablespoons): Ensures a glossy, clingy caramel with just the right amount of chew.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds fragrant warmth and a cozy spice note.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brightens all the sweet flavors and balances the caramel.
- Rum extract (1/2 teaspoon) or dark rum (1 tablespoon): Delivers those signature Foster notes—subtle, sweet, and gently boozy.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds roundness and classic dessert flavor, making each bite more complex.
How to Make Banana Foster Chex Mix
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Equipment
Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C) so it’s ready to gently coax the mix to snappy perfection. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but makes cleanup as easy as can be. Grab a big mixing bowl for tossing everything together!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Pour the Rice Chex, Cinnamon Chex, banana chips, and chopped pecans into your bowl. Give everything a gentle toss; seeing all those textures and colors together is your first sign of snacking greatness to come! This simple blend will form the lovely foundation for your Banana Foster Chex Mix.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt. Keep stirring steadily as the mixture transforms—watch for it to begin bubbling softly. At that point, remove from the heat and immediately mix in the rum extract (or dark rum) and vanilla extract for that swoon-worthy aroma.
Step 4: Coat the Chex Mix
While the caramel sauce is still hot and pourable, drizzle it evenly over the cereal mixture. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold and stir, making sure that every single piece gets a glossy, sweet coating. Take your time for the most even and luscious result!
Step 5: Bake and Stir
Spread the coated mixture in a single, even layer on your parchment-lined sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, giving it a gentle stir every 15 minutes. This slow, steady baking time lets the caramel set up perfectly, infusing every bite with deep, toasty sweetness. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once your Banana Foster Chex Mix is golden and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the pan. As it cools, it’ll crisp up beautifully. Break it into big, chunky pieces before serving—or sneak a little taste while still warm. No judgment here!
How to Serve Banana Foster Chex Mix
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of extra banana chips or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar right before serving to add pop and sparkle. A few extra chopped pecans on top create even more crunch and a gorgeous finish to your Banana Foster Chex Mix.
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet treat with a bowl of fresh berries or a creamy yogurt parfait for a fun brunch platter. For a party, set out small cups of salted mixed nuts or caramel popcorn alongside your Banana Foster Chex Mix to balance sweet and salty cravings.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Banana Foster Chex Mix in little cellophane bags with ribbon for party favors, or scoop it into paper cones for an easy grab-and-go snack. For game days or movie nights, layer it in a glass trifle bowl to show off those golden caramel clusters and crunchy chips!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Banana Foster Chex Mix into an airtight container as soon as it’s completely cool. It stays fresh for up to a week—though it’s so addictively good, you’ll be lucky if it lasts that long. Just be sure to protect it from humidity to keep those clusters snappy!
Freezing
If you’d like to stretch your snacking stash, Banana Foster Chex Mix actually freezes beautifully. Seal it in a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for a half hour before serving.
Reheating
If your mix softens at all, just spread it back onto a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F oven for about 10 minutes. It’ll crisp right back up—almost like it’s fresh from the oven all over again!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Snack
Absolutely! Wheat or Corn Chex work well if you want to switch things up. The mix of Rice and Cinnamon Chex gives a lovely texture and flavor contrast, but feel free to use your favorites or whatever you have on hand.
Is there an alcohol-free substitute for rum extract?
Yes! If you want an alcohol-free option, simply use a little extra vanilla extract. You’ll still get a sweet, fragrant flavor that echoes classic Banana Foster Chex Mix, minus the rum notes.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruit?
Of course! Pecans are classic for that Bananas Foster feel, but walnuts, cashews, or even almonds would be delicious. You could also toss in a handful of dried cranberries or golden raisins for a tangy surprise.
What’s the best way to keep the mix crisp?
Let your Banana Foster Chex Mix cool completely before storing it, and always use an airtight container. Avoid placing it in humid environments or leaving the container open, as moisture is the enemy of crunchy snack mix!
How can I make it spicy?
Add a pinch (or two) of cayenne pepper to the caramel mixture before pouring over the cereal. That gentle heat against the sweet banana and caramel is totally crave-worthy!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make this Banana Foster Chex Mix as I am to share it. This snack is pure fun—crunchy, sweet, with just enough wow factor to get everyone talking. Whip up a batch, and don’t be surprised if you’re the new hero of snack time!
Print
Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and crunchy deliciousness of this Banana Foster Chex Mix. A perfect blend of caramel, cinnamon, and rum flavors mixed with Chex cereal, banana chips, and pecans.
Ingredients
Rice Chex Cereal:
4 cups
Cinnamon Chex Cereal:
2 cups
Banana Chips:
1 cup
Chopped Pecans:
1/2 cup
Brown Sugar:
1/2 cup
Unsalted Butter:
1/4 cup
Corn Syrup:
2 tablespoons
Ground Cinnamon:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon
Rum Extract (or Dark Rum):
1/2 teaspoon
Vanilla Extract:
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Mix Cereal and Nuts: In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex, Cinnamon Chex, banana chips, and chopped pecans.
- Prepare Caramel: In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, and salt until bubbly.
- Add Extracts: Remove from heat and stir in rum extract and vanilla.
- Coat Mix: Pour caramel over cereal mix and stir to coat.
- Bake: Spread mix on a baking sheet, bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool, break into pieces, and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a sweet and spicy twist.
- If using real rum, simmer for an extra minute to cook off alcohol.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
