If you’re looking for a sweet snack that’s all at once nostalgic, delightfully crunchy, and buzzing with tropical flair, this Banana Foster Chex Mix will instantly win you over. Imagine classic banana foster flavors—rich brown sugar, buttery warmth, aromatic cinnamon, and a hint of rum—all wrapped around crispy cereal and banana chips. This snack brings together the best of sweet and salty, with a playful twist that’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with your afternoon coffee. Every handful tastes like a little celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with only a handful of ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final texture and flavor. From the crispy cereals building the base, all the way to those nutty, caramelized notes, every piece is essential for achieving the magic of Banana Foster Chex Mix.
- Rice Chex cereal (4 cups): The light, airy crunch and neutral flavor soak up the sweet buttery coating beautifully.
- Cinnamon Chex cereal (2 cups): Adds an extra hit of cinnamon warmth, giving the mix depth and a subtle spice.
- Banana chips (1 cup): These sweet, crispy rounds bring classic banana foster vibes and a chewy contrast.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Nuts add that signature caramelized flavor and a lovely, toasty crunch.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): The main character of the caramel mixture that sweeps over every bite!
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): For rich, molasses-sweetness—essential to that iconic banana foster depth.
- Light corn syrup (2 tablespoons): Ensures a glossy, even coating that sticks and stays crispy.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the mix with holiday warmth and ties together the banana and caramel flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch keeps the sweetness in check and brings all the flavors to life.
- Rum extract (1 teaspoon): For that signature banana foster essence, minus the booze (unless you swap in real rum!).
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Softens and rounds out the whole mix, making every bite smooth and aromatic.
How to Make Banana Foster Chex Mix
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the sticky coating from sticking to your pan—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the Rice Chex, Cinnamon Chex, banana chips, and chopped pecans. Make sure it’s a bowl with plenty of room for mixing, so you don’t lose any precious pieces as you stir in that dreamy caramel.
Step 3: Cook the Banana Foster Sauce
Set a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the butter. Once it’s melted and beginning to bubble, swirl in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Stir constantly, letting everything melt together into a glossy, caramel-like sauce, and bring it to just a gentle boil. Remove from the heat right away so the mixture stays silky and doesn’t get grainy.
Step 4: Add Flavor Extracts
While the sauce is still hot, stir in both the rum extract and vanilla extract. These add irresistible aroma and make the whole mix taste like an instant classic, so don’t skimp or skip!
Step 5: Coat the Cereal
Immediately pour your warm, fragrant banana foster sauce over the cereal-nut blend. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until every piece is well coated—don’t rush this! Take care not to crush the cereal as you stir.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Spread the mixture into an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure an even golden bake. As it bakes, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.
Step 7: Cool Completely
When your Banana Foster Chex Mix is golden and crisp, set the sheet on a cooling rack and let it cool completely. This helps everything set and get extra crunchy. Once cool, break up any big clusters and get ready to snack!
How to Serve Banana Foster Chex Mix
Garnishes
A handful of extra banana chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar over the top just before serving makes this mix look as special as it tastes. For a luxe touch at parties, toss in a few chocolate chips or drizzle with caramel sauce (after the mix has cooled completely).
Side Dishes
Banana Foster Chex Mix is wonderful all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a coffee bar, fruit platter, or a creamy vanilla milkshake for brunch gatherings. Try serving it alongside spiced hot chocolate or cold brew for a striking flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your mix into mini mason jars for adorable guest favors, or pile it into colorful bowls at a dessert buffet. For birthdays or holidays, fill clear bags with Banana Foster Chex Mix and tie with ribbons—everyone loves a gourmet, homemade snack to take home!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Banana Foster Chex Mix fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay deliciously crisp for up to a week, making it a great make-ahead treat for busy days or party prep.
Freezing
Good news: this snack is freezer-friendly! Fill heavy-duty freezer bags or containers with completely cooled Banana Foster Chex Mix, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep its crunch for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If your mix loses a little crispness, simply spread it out on a baking sheet and pop in a low oven (around 250°F) for 5 to 8 minutes. Watch closely, and let it cool completely before munching. It’ll be as fresh and crunchy as when you first made it!
FAQs
Can I use different types of cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex and Cinnamon Chex give Banana Foster Chex Mix its classic flavor, feel free to swap in other Chex varieties or even Cheerios for a fun twist. Just keep the overall proportions the same for the perfect coating.
Is there a way to make it nut-free?
Yes! Skip the pecans if you have allergies, or substitute with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or toasted coconut flakes for crunch with none of the worry.
Can I use real rum instead of extract?
You sure can! Replace the rum extract with 1 teaspoon of dark rum for a grown-up, boozy twist. Just be sure to add it off the heat so the flavor shines through without cooking off.
How long does Banana Foster Chex Mix stay fresh?
Properly stored in a sealed container, this mix stays fabulously crisp for up to a week. For best texture, keep it in a cool, dry spot and avoid humid environments.
What’s the best way to gift this snack?
Banana Foster Chex Mix makes a show-stopping edible gift! Fill small cellophane bags, mason jars, or decorative boxes, and add a homemade label for a personal touch. Share with neighbors, teachers, or friends—they’ll be thrilled.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sweet fix with a little crunch and a lot of character, give Banana Foster Chex Mix a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first handful. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for parties, picnics, or cozy movie nights at home. Enjoy every golden, caramel-coated bite!
Print
Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Banana Foster Chex Mix, a sweet and crunchy snack that’s perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. This easy-to-make treat combines the goodness of Rice Chex and Cinnamon Chex cereals with banana chips, pecans, and a decadent buttery brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
Rice Chex Cereal Mix:
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup banana chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the cereals: In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Cinnamon Chex, banana chips, and chopped pecans.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until it boils gently, then remove from heat.
- Add extracts: Stir in the rum extract and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the cereal and mix gently to coat.
- Bake: Spread the mix on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Let it cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- For a boozy twist, you can use 1 teaspoon of dark rum instead of rum extract.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
