If you’re anything like me, you love discovering snack mixes that bring a little bit of magic to your everyday munching. This Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe does exactly that with its perfectly crispy cereal, the sweet warmth of banana chips, and the rich buttery caramel glaze infused with hints of rum and cinnamon. It’s not just a snack; it’s a mouthwatering experience that’s ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or whenever you need a little treat to brighten your day. Once you make this Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your snack rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe is wonderfully simple with ingredients that each play a special role. From crunchy cereals to warm spices, every component is essential for delivering that irresistible texture and flavor balance.
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal: The light and crispy base that lets the flavors shine through without overwhelming the mix.
- 2 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal: Adds a lovely hint of cinnamon spice, elevating the snack’s complexity.
- 1 cup banana chips: These bring a sweet, fruity touch and chewy texture that perfectly complements the cereals.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Nuts add crunch and rich nutty flavors to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: The core of the caramel coating that gives the mix its luscious, buttery richness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweetness with a mild molasses depth that caramelizes beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup: Helps bind the sugar and butter, keeping the drizzle smooth and sticky.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances that cozy, warm spice essential to Banana Foster flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon rum extract: Imparts the signature subtle boozy undertone without overpowering the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a mellow, sweet fragrance.
How to Make Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a big mixing bowl, toss together the Rice Chex, Cinnamon Chex, banana chips, and chopped pecans. This combination sets the stage with its variety of textures and flavors.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Coating
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Keep stirring gently until everything blends and the mixture reaches a gentle boil. This silky caramel will soon coat all your snacks in deliciousness.
Step 3: Add the Extracts
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the rum extract and vanilla extract. These two bring the mix alive with those classic Banana Foster notes that make this recipe so special.
Step 4: Coat the Mix and Bake
Immediately pour the warm caramel over the cereal and gently stir until every piece is evenly coated—be gentle to avoid crushing the cereals. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and pop it into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Be sure to stir it halfway through baking to ensure each bite crisps up perfectly.
Step 5: Cool and Store
When golden and irresistibly crisp, take the Chex mix out of the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, it’s ready to serve or store in an airtight container for later snacking.
How to Serve Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a flourish, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. It adds a festive touch and a little extra flavor lift.
Side Dishes
This Banana Foster Chex Mix pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of milk or a cup of bold coffee for a sweet and energizing snack duo. For parties, offer alongside cheese platters or fresh fruit for a balanced snacking spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Chex Mix in individual mason jars tied with rustic twine for a charming gift or party favor. Another fun idea is to fill small paper cones or decorative bowls which make grabbing handfuls at parties fun and easy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, store your Banana Foster Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly sealed, it stays fresh and crispy for up to one week, making it perfect for prepping ahead of a busy week or event.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is an option. Place the cooled mix into a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If the mix loses some crispiness, refresh it by spreading it on a baking sheet and warming it in a 275°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This simple step revives that delightful crunch and brings back the fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute dark rum for rum extract in the Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a genuine boozy kick, replace the rum extract with 1 teaspoon of dark rum. Just be mindful that real rum adds moisture, so reduce other liquids slightly and bake just the same.
Are there any nut-free options for this recipe?
Yes, you can skip the pecans or swap them for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep that crunch without nuts, making the mix friendly for nut allergies.
Can I use different types of Chex cereal?
Definitely! While the Rice and Cinnamon Chex work best for the classic flavor and texture, feel free to experiment with Wheat or Corn Chex to customize your mix.
How long does the Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it maintains its deliciousness and crispness for up to one week at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe uses all vegetarian-friendly ingredients and is a great sweet snack option if you follow a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Banana Foster Chex Mix Recipe inspires you to whip up a batch for your next snack craving or special occasion. It’s so incredibly satisfying with its perfect combination of flavors and textures that anyone will love. Trust me, once you try it, this cozy, sweet mix will be one of your go-to snacks to share and enjoy.
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
Banana Foster Chex Mix is a delightful sweet snack that combines crunchy Rice and Cinnamon Chex cereals with banana chips and pecans, coated in a buttery, caramel-like glaze infused with rum and vanilla extracts. This party-perfect snack offers a warm, cinnamon-spiced flavor reminiscent of the classic banana foster dessert, baked to crispy perfection for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 1 cup banana chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spices & Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together Rice Chex, Cinnamon Chex, banana chips, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Make the Coating: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar, light corn syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt. Keep stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, signaling that the sugar has dissolved and the coating is ready.
- Add Flavors: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the rum extract and vanilla extract to infuse the buttery mixture with warm, aromatic flavors.
- Coat the Mix: Immediately pour the hot butter-sugar mixture over the prepared cereal and nut mixture. Gently stir to coat all the pieces evenly without breaking them.
- Bake to Crisp: Spread the coated mix in an even layer on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring the mix halfway through to ensure even baking and prevent burning, until the mix turns golden and crispy.
- Cool and Store: Remove from the oven and allow the Chex mix to cool completely on the baking sheet to crisp up fully. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container for storage or serve immediately.
Notes
- For a boozy twist, substitute 1 teaspoon of dark rum in place of the rum extract.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the butter-sugar mixture for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Store the finished Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and crunch.
